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Educating Alice: How a City Girl Found Love and a New Life in the Outback - Then Nearly Lost It All
"A girlfriend should know her place, Alice. First comes the mates, then the ute, then his hat, dogs, horses and last of all the girlfriend. Get that right and you might just stick around. Try to jump the queue and you′re history." The lips smiled at me, but his eyes meant business.
′Well then, I′ll just have to be his mate.′
′Girls can′t be mates, Alice.′
′We′ll see.′
A footloose city backpacker who couldn′t tell a bull from a cow was hardly the ideal candidate to answer an ad for a governess on a Mackay cattle station. But Alice Greenup was game for anything, until she was bowled over by a handsome young jackeroo with a devastating smile. It was the start of a whole new way of life as Alice gave up her city-chick persona to embrace the bush and all that came with it: horses, cattle, the obsession with rain - and the correct way to wear a hat.
After overcoming more than a few obstacles, the unlikely couple eventually married, moving to Rick′s family farm near Kingaroy. Determined to make their own future, they gambled their dreams on a vast property called ′Jumma′. It was a huge risk but with a lot of love, blood, sweat and tears, they were on their way.
But one morning they almost lost it all. When Alice′s horse bucked her out of the saddle in remote bushland, she was gravely injured. Rick was forced to leave her lying alone, drifting in and out of consciousness, to gallop home for help. Flown by emergency helicopter to Brisbane, Alice had serious liver and brain damage. What followed would test their love to the limit.
′Well then, I′ll just have to be his mate.′
′Girls can′t be mates, Alice.′
′We′ll see.′
A footloose city backpacker who couldn′t tell a bull from a cow was hardly the ideal candidate to answer an ad for a governess on a Mackay cattle station. But Alice Greenup was game for anything, until she was bowled over by a handsome young jackeroo with a devastating smile. It was the start of a whole new way of life as Alice gave up her city-chick persona to embrace the bush and all that came with it: horses, cattle, the obsession with rain - and the correct way to wear a hat.
After overcoming more than a few obstacles, the unlikely couple eventually married, moving to Rick′s family farm near Kingaroy. Determined to make their own future, they gambled their dreams on a vast property called ′Jumma′. It was a huge risk but with a lot of love, blood, sweat and tears, they were on their way.
But one morning they almost lost it all. When Alice′s horse bucked her out of the saddle in remote bushland, she was gravely injured. Rick was forced to leave her lying alone, drifting in and out of consciousness, to gallop home for help. Flown by emergency helicopter to Brisbane, Alice had serious liver and brain damage. What followed would test their love to the limit.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2013
7 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 19, 2018
Your typical city-girl-meets-country-boy and they live happily ever after. Alice doesn't pull any punches though, she tells it like it is, and you get a real feel for her distress at all the changes in her way of life. But she also lets you in on how she comes to fall in love, not only with Rick, the country boy, but with the country lifestyle.
3 Stars = Okay. It was worth reading.
3 Stars = Okay. It was worth reading.
March 31, 2023
Another book hubby and I listened to as we were driving from Lightning Ridge to Mudgee in NSW. We both enjoyed this very much, a wonderful Aussie outback tale of determination, love, commitment, hardship and resilience. Love these city-girl-meets-farmer memoirs, I always find them quite interesting, hubby does too.
BorrowBox
Published by: ABC Audio
Duration: 10 hours, 19 minutes
Narrated by Kate Hood
BorrowBox
Published by: ABC Audio
Duration: 10 hours, 19 minutes
Narrated by Kate Hood
April 1, 2013
This has got to be the most inspiring book I have ever read. WOW!!!!!!!! How a young city girl goes back packing around Australia and meets a country boy, falls in love and has a long distance relationship with him for many years. They marry eventually and farm cattle on a huge property. It's not just what she goes through adapting from city life to country life but what all farmers go through, depending on the weather, especially rain and that awful drought they went through which us "city people" also went through but to a so much lesser extent than the farmers. They work SO hard and they love their life and they are so dependent on rain. Every city person should read this book and others like it to get a better appreciation of how our meat and fruit and veggies actually arrive on our supermarket shelves. YAY the farmers.
I lived in Ayers Rock for two years and it still amazes me that with all the condensed city living and outlying suburbs there is so much space in Australia. Give me space any day. I love the outback, it's the most awesome part of Australia.
I lived in Ayers Rock for two years and it still amazes me that with all the condensed city living and outlying suburbs there is so much space in Australia. Give me space any day. I love the outback, it's the most awesome part of Australia.
April 19, 2013
A well written and easy to read real-life account of how a city girl adapted to station/bush life.
Alice is one inspiring lady who totally immerses herself into everything she sets her sights on and notches up achievement after achievement along the way.
This is not a fairy-tale story which shows life on the land through rose coloured glasses, but tells it like it is! The impact of drought, the hardships and sacrifices our farmers face on a daily basis and the LOVE they have for what they do and the land.
I take my hat off to all farmers out there for their bloody hard work which goes (mainly) unrecognised from day to day!.
Alice is one inspiring lady who totally immerses herself into everything she sets her sights on and notches up achievement after achievement along the way.
This is not a fairy-tale story which shows life on the land through rose coloured glasses, but tells it like it is! The impact of drought, the hardships and sacrifices our farmers face on a daily basis and the LOVE they have for what they do and the land.
I take my hat off to all farmers out there for their bloody hard work which goes (mainly) unrecognised from day to day!.
July 20, 2015
I absolutely loved this honest, warm and refreshing account of a city chick learning the ways of cattle country life. I've been fortunate enough to meet the author through work, but only discovered later that she'd written this book. As a city girl myself working with the world of agriculture this really resonated with me and I am astounded at what this lovely couple have been through to get to where they are today and inspired at the way it has made them stronger. A great read for Aussies and for those curious about rural life in outback Australia.
February 5, 2016
At 18 Melburnian Alice decided to quit uni and travel around Australia with a friend by motorbike. During her travels she stops in to see a family friend in Mackay, Queensland and on a whim applies for a temporary job as a governess on a remote cattle station. It is here that she meets a young jackaroo named Rick and from that moment her life is changed forever.
Theirs is not an easy courtship - Alice returns to Melbourne for a while, before transferring her studies to Brisbane and Rick spends a year away working in the very remote Kimberley's. Although initially drawn to the outback life, it takes Alice a while to fully adapt and accept that if she marries Rick their lives will be forever tied to the land. As newlyweds they take a huge gamble with the purchase of their own property and face many obstacles as the unrelenting drought brings them to their knees. Just when it seems things are going their way Alice is involved in a devastating accident and it is only with huge amounts of courage and tenacity that she makes a good recovery before going on to give birth to three children.
I thought this was a very interesting story that was well written and easy to read. Alice gives an honest and humourous account of learning the ways of the bush and trying to fit in, while sometimes making a fool of herself. She is also very candid about the difficulties - this is not a one-sided, romantic, rose-coloured glasses view - admitting that she questioned her decision several times and was not always easy to live with when times were tough. Balancing that though is her obvious love of her new life and family and you can tell she does not regret her decision to stick it out.
The book actually begins with her accident as a prologue and then explores the back story. While I thought this worked really well, I did think the section after the accident was not as detailed as it could have been. It was also written a couple of years ago but only published now, so the last couple of years are glossed over in just a couple of pages, which I found a little disappointing. I would have enjoyed more detail about that time frame to bring things right up to date.
Educating Alice also highlights just how difficult life on the land can be and how little regard we sometimes give to how our food makes it to the supermarket shelves and ultimately our tables. It also illustrates just how devastating unrelenting drought can be and how many farmers have to sit back and watch their hopes and dreams blow away in the dust when rain just doesn't appear. Some have to subsist for years without any real income or family members have to work away just to keep food on the table.
All in all a very interesting and inspiring story.
Theirs is not an easy courtship - Alice returns to Melbourne for a while, before transferring her studies to Brisbane and Rick spends a year away working in the very remote Kimberley's. Although initially drawn to the outback life, it takes Alice a while to fully adapt and accept that if she marries Rick their lives will be forever tied to the land. As newlyweds they take a huge gamble with the purchase of their own property and face many obstacles as the unrelenting drought brings them to their knees. Just when it seems things are going their way Alice is involved in a devastating accident and it is only with huge amounts of courage and tenacity that she makes a good recovery before going on to give birth to three children.
I thought this was a very interesting story that was well written and easy to read. Alice gives an honest and humourous account of learning the ways of the bush and trying to fit in, while sometimes making a fool of herself. She is also very candid about the difficulties - this is not a one-sided, romantic, rose-coloured glasses view - admitting that she questioned her decision several times and was not always easy to live with when times were tough. Balancing that though is her obvious love of her new life and family and you can tell she does not regret her decision to stick it out.
The book actually begins with her accident as a prologue and then explores the back story. While I thought this worked really well, I did think the section after the accident was not as detailed as it could have been. It was also written a couple of years ago but only published now, so the last couple of years are glossed over in just a couple of pages, which I found a little disappointing. I would have enjoyed more detail about that time frame to bring things right up to date.
Educating Alice also highlights just how difficult life on the land can be and how little regard we sometimes give to how our food makes it to the supermarket shelves and ultimately our tables. It also illustrates just how devastating unrelenting drought can be and how many farmers have to sit back and watch their hopes and dreams blow away in the dust when rain just doesn't appear. Some have to subsist for years without any real income or family members have to work away just to keep food on the table.
All in all a very interesting and inspiring story.
September 14, 2013
During her first year at uni Alice decides that she needs a change. Tired of studying and eager for adventure, she embarks on a trip around Australia on motorbike with a friend. While they part company, Alice continues her trip and eventually finds herself in Queensland. It is here that she sees a temporary job for a governess on an isolated property and on the spur of the moment decides to apply. This decision then changes her life as she knows it.
It is while working on the property that Alice meets Rick Greenup, whose family owns a property nearby. It doesn't take long for the couple to fall for each other - but their relationship is not an easy one to establish. Alice is a little affronted by the "way things work" out in the bush, but at the same time finds herself drawn into the lifestyle and loves spending time with the Greenup family. She then decides to return to Melbourne and her degree, but later transfers to Brisbane to be closer to Rick.
While fascinated with the bush and the country lifestyle Alice does struggle to cope at times. She realises it is she who will have to sacrifice the most as Rick's life is firmly enmeshed with the property and the country. Along the way through their courtship, engagement and marriage she questions her decision many times but ultimately decides it is worth the hardship.
I liked the fact this was a "warts and all" account of a city girl adopting the country life - she is honest about her experiences and does not gloss over the difficulties the couple have faced along the way both within their own relationship and the effects of a terrible, lasting drought that almost cost them everything.
Ultimately this is an inspiring story that illustrates the reality of country life but brings a realisation of why people stick it out in the harshest of conditions - for the genuine love of the land and all it brings us.
It is while working on the property that Alice meets Rick Greenup, whose family owns a property nearby. It doesn't take long for the couple to fall for each other - but their relationship is not an easy one to establish. Alice is a little affronted by the "way things work" out in the bush, but at the same time finds herself drawn into the lifestyle and loves spending time with the Greenup family. She then decides to return to Melbourne and her degree, but later transfers to Brisbane to be closer to Rick.
While fascinated with the bush and the country lifestyle Alice does struggle to cope at times. She realises it is she who will have to sacrifice the most as Rick's life is firmly enmeshed with the property and the country. Along the way through their courtship, engagement and marriage she questions her decision many times but ultimately decides it is worth the hardship.
I liked the fact this was a "warts and all" account of a city girl adopting the country life - she is honest about her experiences and does not gloss over the difficulties the couple have faced along the way both within their own relationship and the effects of a terrible, lasting drought that almost cost them everything.
Ultimately this is an inspiring story that illustrates the reality of country life but brings a realisation of why people stick it out in the harshest of conditions - for the genuine love of the land and all it brings us.
October 20, 2014
This is a wonderful story; I couldn't put it down, especially as I got further into it. I met the author, Alice Greenup, and heard her speak at the Whitsunday Writers' Festival earlier this month, and instantly bought her book and began reading it. She writes as she speaks, engaging, warm, funny, moving, very honest, and a great story teller. Her memoir is well written, and we're right there with her as she is "educated"into the ways of a large Queensland station (she grew up in Melbourne), and surpasses everyone's expectations (including her own). It is a story of growing up, and learning what is important as life throws her some mind-blowing personal challenges that dwarf even the years of drought she and her jackaroo husband have to survive after working their butts off to purchase their own station. Almost as an aside, in 2003 Alice won the Beef Industry Young Beef Achiever Award AND in 2006 was one of the winners of the Australian Women's Weekly Most Inspiring Rural Women. I'm glad she did win that because as a consequence she was talked into writing this memoir. And the cover of her book is perfect!
June 4, 2013
Good story about a young woman finding her niche in life. This is a dream of some people - to find a place and to know that this is where you want to stay for the rest of your life. Alice finds love in the outback and this is the nice part of the story. She also finds drought and financial hardship, has an horrific riding accident, has good seasons and bad seasons. She makes good friends and loses some through illness and the passage of time. She makes a full life in an harsh landscape with the help of her partner and husband- good story.
January 4, 2014
I recommend this to anyone who strays from ever reading any biography, auto - or not. I was constantly enthralled by Alice's words on each page, the telling of her inspiring life story, so unrealistic sounding yet so true. This book has widened the door of respect I have for rural living and has taught me that through everything it's important to focus on the here and now, what can be grasped, when the past and future are so out of reach.
February 5, 2014
Enjoyed the book. Alice is an inspirational woman and has achieved a lot in her life and she's the same age as me. I enjoyed the finding out about he day to day farm life but I didn't like Alice's 'genie' which was the voice of her fears and doubts. I thought it was a rather clunky and annoying way to express these. Overall everyone should read this as gives an honest insight into farm life.
April 25, 2013
I enjoyed reading this biography of a the city chick who falls head over heals for the outback rodeo rider. It is a warts & all account of the highs & lows of adjusting to life in the harsh Australian bush.
August 4, 2013
Reads like fiction, had to keep reminding myself it was true. Alice is one gutsy woman. Not only does she get knocked down and gets up again multiple times, but love keeps her going when most others would've curled up in the corner and given up. Any tougher and she'd rust.
July 11, 2013
After hearing Alice speak on ABC radio's 'Conversations', I couldn't wait to read her book. I loved Alice's Aussie 'boots 'n' all' approach to love and family, life on the land, her rehabilitation from serious injury, desire for children and striving for the success of the property.
March 5, 2016
This was a great read. I enjoyed reading of a district that I have worked in and lived near. An emotional ride of love, life, loss and triumph. Alice thankyou for sharing your story. As so often is said, fact is more exciting than fiction.
June 11, 2013
Loved it. Very motivating and inspiring.
August 6, 2013
A good solid read a life well lived.
December 19, 2013
I couldn't put this one down - a true story by Alice Greenup about Alice Greenup - a wonderful real life story
December 17, 2013
6 chapters in and I can't seem to bring myself to put this book down! Loving it so far
December 28, 2014
Great Aussie Outback story. Alice proves that you can do anything.
January 2, 2016
Loved this book of perseverance, love and commitment. Well done Alice!
January 10, 2015
easy good summer read.
May 17, 2018
An easy to read story. Alice Greenup wrote her autobiography over a period of years during which she evolved from a teenager living in Melbourne to a beef farmer, wife and mother.
Alice is brutally frank about her headstrong teenage years, her uncertainties about the future that she wanted and even if that future lay with Rick, the man she loved almost at first sight.
Alice went through a steep learning curve in transition from city to bush with many doubts (which she refers to as her "genie" - a pessimistic voice in her head).
Life on the land is dangerous and often lonely but there are friends and family who are supportive and show the way. Her own determination to be a success in her chosen career off the farm brings satisfaction and recognition.
Alice has always been destined to be more than just a farmer's wife - a role in which she feels she has many shortcomings. She becomes, however, an excellent farmer and she and Rick create a life and family despite accidents and health scares. It is a joy to read of her personal development and gaining of wisdom as she matures and learns the lessons that the land has to offer.
Alice is brutally frank about her headstrong teenage years, her uncertainties about the future that she wanted and even if that future lay with Rick, the man she loved almost at first sight.
Alice went through a steep learning curve in transition from city to bush with many doubts (which she refers to as her "genie" - a pessimistic voice in her head).
Life on the land is dangerous and often lonely but there are friends and family who are supportive and show the way. Her own determination to be a success in her chosen career off the farm brings satisfaction and recognition.
Alice has always been destined to be more than just a farmer's wife - a role in which she feels she has many shortcomings. She becomes, however, an excellent farmer and she and Rick create a life and family despite accidents and health scares. It is a joy to read of her personal development and gaining of wisdom as she matures and learns the lessons that the land has to offer.
April 11, 2023
I loved this book! I could not stop picking it up to read ‘just a few more pages’. Alice writes so well that I went on the journey with her. It was wonderful to see how someone on the land lives with all their trials and tribulations. Highly recommend.
July 26, 2019
I really enjoy Alice’s story. It brought back a lot of memories.
December 23, 2019
An amazing woman. Well worth reading. Enjoyed very much.
August 5, 2020
A memoir of Alice's adult life transitioning from a city girl to farmer.
June 25, 2022
Easy to read and an interesting story of Alice’s life.
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November 20, 2016excellent could read again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews