The Rat Catcher's Grandson: A Sixties Travel Memoir - Softcover

Barry, White

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0648513068 ISBN 13: 9780648513063

Publisher: AIA Publishing, 2019

Synopsis

When Barry White, a young plumber, leaves Australia for Canada in 1960, he has no idea that his travels will take him from the freezing wastes of the Canadian North West to the searing heat of Qatar where he works in some of the toughest conditions in the world, or to a London basement flat where a group of intellectuals introduce him to a level of thought and culture previously unknown to him. Written with self-depreciating humour in a uniquely Australian voice, The Rat Catcher's Grandson not only chronicles Barry's most entertaining adventures but also gives insight into life during the cold war era and an appreciation for Australian resourcefulness and humour.

Warning: Heavy use of profanities and Australian slang—glossary included. 

About this title

About the Author:

Barry White, a third-generation Australian, was born in 1937 in Redfern, Sydney. He served an apprenticeship as a plumber, then following his return to Australia in 1963, he worked as a sales manager in hardware, refractories, and then as a teacher with TAFE. His life now involves writing, metal sculpture, painting, drawing, and living influenced by Zen Buddhism and contemporary philosophy. He resides on the NSW South Coast at 'Stone Cottage', Jamberoo.

Review:

‘Barry White displays a great love and understanding of Australia, Aussie blokes and Aussie themes. His comfortable, natural use of the vernacular allows Barry to bring natural humour to his writing. The Ratcatcher's Grandson deserves a place in the library of good Aussie reads.’ Dr. Graham Tucker.

‘Entertaining adventures of a not-so-innocent abroad—great fun.’ Barbara Scott Emmett, author of The Land Beyond Goodbye.

‘The Rat Catcher’s Grandsoncould be considered Puberty Blues’ older uncle. Barry, our narrator, gives the reader a remarkable insight into the psyche of two young larrikins embarking on an overseas adventure of a life time. Written in the sixties Aussie vernacular, The Rat Catcher’s Grandsonis real, engaging and eye opening at times. A great walk down memory lane for many fellow travellers who set off from down under to explore the world.’ Gareth Wild, Coaching/Counselling Psychologist.

‘This story takes place when the author is a young man, and he sets out on an incredible journey backpacking around the world. As a reader you are completely caught up in the gripping, amusing and sometimes racy narrative as he reflects on his experiences and encounters.

Australian prose and vernacular, the stereotypical representation of the main character, the refreshingly honest insights into his dilemmas, naivety, guilelessness and his innocent determination to succeed, makes this an entertaining, interesting and poignant read.’ Lady Joyce Hunt.

About this edition

• Publisher: AIA Publishing
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 0648513068
• ISBN 13: 9780648513063
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 404