This is Crump's second book. The main character is Sam Cash,an engaging, yarn-spinning vagabond,who takes young Jack Lilburn under his journey.The pair go from one job to another - timber-felling, horse-breaking, fencing, mustering, farming - but of equal importance to the story are the tall tales and unusual qualities of Sam Cash himself, rebel,humorist and jack-of-all-trades. Barry Crump writes once again of back-country life as he knows it, of men who can turn their hands to any job, and he proves that A Good Keen Man was only a foretaste of the humour and story-telling of which he is capable.
New Zealand author of semi-autobiographical comic novels based on his image as a rugged outdoors man.
Crump worked for many years as a government deer-culler in areas of New Zealand native forest (termed "the bush"). He wrote his first novel, A Good Keen Man, in 1960, based on his experiences as a government hunter. It was a fictional account of a young hunter who has to suffer through a series of hunting partners who are often unsuitable for the job. This novel became one of the most popular in New Zealand history,
Crump died in 1996 of a suspected aortic aneurysm. At the time of his death he was living at Ohauiti with his fifth wife, Maggie.
Absolute kiwi classic this one, filled with classic yarns and many a funny moment. Interesting portrayal of what NZ was like back in the days. Highly recommended read for any hard case Kiwi bastard