FifteenHundred Down the Murranji

Bob Lunney

Crawford HousePublishing

1997 $21.95

200p pbk

1-86333-141-71         

FifteenHundred Down the Murranji is a readable and funny book. It is a yarn thatwill appeal to older readers. The use of the vernacular creates realistic voicesthat almost resonated from the page. 

"You fella supposed to ride this fellahorse, Bob, not chase him. I tink this filly too smart belonga you," saysAlbert to Bob when his rotten bloody crowbait throws him for theumpteenth time. 

The story is told using fun, light hearted banter, whichprovides a laugh per page.

FifteenHundred Down the Murranji, is written from notes taken by Bob Lunney in 1956during one of the last long-distancce cattle drives in Australia. The authorgives readers the opportunity to appreciate the hardship and beauty of centralAustralia, and the tenacity of the first settlers and drovers in the area. Itprovides fascinating and amusing insights into the lives of drovers.

Only throughreading this book did I realise how little I knew about such a significant partof Australia's culture. I recommend this book to anybody who appreciates humourand has an interest in Australia's history or culture, or who simply loves agood story.

Emily, aged16, Canberra, ACT 

This book is setin 1956 in Australia. It is about one of the last big cattle drives inAustralia. This is an autobiography. Bob Lunney's main ambition is to be a pilotbut he lacks the funds to pay for his training. He plans to go to the goldfieldsand make some money. On the way to the goldfields he meets the Little Brothers.They are cattle drovers who are looking for good men to help them with theirnext drove. They convince Bob that he would be better off with them. He is luredby the thought of a movie he has once seen that portrays the drover's life ascomfortable and romantic. He learns that a drover's life isn't as romantic andcomfortable as the film led him to believe. Bob experiences the hardships of adroving life, the danger, the hunger, and the conflict. He makes many friends,and unfortunately, a few enemies. He rises above his problems, confronts hisenemies and faces a few of his fears.

This is truly agreat story, made better for knowing it is true. I would rank this novel upthere with A Fortunate Life and other such Australian classics. The bookwas made enjoyable for me by the frequent moments of humour and confrontation. Iwould give this book 8 out of 10, purely because I am not comfortable withinthis particular genre. I am more at home with fantasy. However for lovers ofAustralian books, indeed of any books, Fifteen Hundred down the Murranjiis a must read.

Ben, aged 14,Canberra. ACT