In parts a very sad story brilliantly written, understood more by us older folks.
(This review contains spoilers....WHAT?)

A Fortunate Life is the only book written by Australian author, Albert Bernard Facey. The author recounts the events of his life from the late 19th century through to 1976. There are no literary devices employed: this is simple narration, the honest telling of a tale by a marvellous storyteller. What makes it such a great read is that it contains so many details of everyday life in an era devoid of the convenience of electronics, modern day appliances and fast, convenient travel and communication. How much things cost and how they were done will be a revelation to present day readers. Facey relates, often in a matter-of-fact manner, the events of a childhood filled with hardship and lacking parental love, yet he considers his life fortunate. Facey experienced much is his eighty-eight years: building a humpy, trapping possums, slaughtering animals, harvesting grain, killing dingoes, kangaroos and emus for the bounty, a massive cattle drive, being lost in the outback, being stuck down a well, laying railway tracks, prize-fighting, conducting and driving trams and buses, farming sheep, cattle, poultry and pigs, growing wheat, Gallipoli and the Depression. He lost his father, sister, brothers, mother, grandmother, his son and his wife. And yet, he also encountered many kind strangers and neighbours who were unstinting in their help. This edition contains maps and illustrations and an afterword by Jan Carter. Interesting and inspirational.

Still can't put my finger exactly on what makes this book great. It's not that it is written in the style of best sellers, but it is a book that I could not put down, it was compelling reading. Albert Facey had life tough. It was certainly not easy and I sometimes struggle to understand why he would call his life fortunate. He obviously was an optimist and the trials he faced were all part of the journey to meeting his wife and living out a good life. He certainly was very positive which is inspiring, and makes some of my hard luck stories fade away to insignificance. His life story covers many areas of my home state, places I am familiar with and maybe this is a part of why I love this book. Don't know but it is a book I have read twice now and will probably read many times more. Definitely one of my favourites.