Me and Rory Macbeath

by Richard Beasley

A moving coming-of-age novel, with a cast of characters to fall in love with.

Adelaide, 1977. The year Elvis died. And the year twelve-year-old Jake Taylor meets Rory Macbeath. Until then, Jake's world was small, revolving around his street, his school, and the courthouse where his mum, Harry, was a barrister. His best friend lives only a few houses away.

For them daylight is for spinning a cricket ball, riding bikes around the neighbourhood and swimming at the pool until their skin is wrinkled and the zinc on their noses has washed away. But then Rory Macbeath moves into the red-brick house at the end of Rose Avenue and everything changes.

At first Jake has his doubts about Rory. But after long days and nights of swimming, fishing and daring each other into trouble, Jake discovers Rory has talents and courage beyond anyone he's ever known. Then, early one evening, Rory disappears. And everyone on Rose Avenue is about to discover why.

For Jake and Rory, nothing will ever be the same.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Coming Of Age, Australia, Literature

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2013

About the author

Richard Beasley's first work of non-fiction, Dead in the Water, was published by Allen & Unwin in February 2021. He is the author of five novels: 'The Burden of Lies' (book 2 in the Peter Tanner series) published by Simon & Schuster in December 2017, and 'Cyanide Games' (book 1 in the series, 2016). His previous novels are 'Me and Rory Macbeath', 'The Ambulance Chaser', and 'Hell Has Harbour Views', which was adapted into a telemovie by the ABC and Hilton Cordell productions.

He is a Senior Counsel at the NSW Bar, and was Senior Counsel Assisting the Murray Darling Basin Royal Commission in 2018-19, and Senior Counsel Assisting the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess in 2020.

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel, based in Adelaide for a very nice change of pace, was really lovely. Young Rory and Jake become firm friends, but tragedy rocks their world of innocent fun and friendship, during carefree summer days. Harry, Jake's mother is a brash and quite amazing woman, who also happens to be a barrister, is the type of character the you just love to love, as are so many others too. The elderly neighbours from Rose Street add some nice moments, and summer days of carefree childhoods I think are captured with poignancy and grace. Childhoods ruined by the things that children have no control over, and lessons of trusting those who should be there to protect them, are just a couple of things that these two boys will discover together. I very strongly recommend this book, and am very glad I was given this recommendation from a big fan of Australian authors, the biggest one I know! My father. Do read it, I enjoyed every aspect and thought the writing was excellent, and yet another exemplary example of a fine Aussie author, with an original story to tell.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this very fine book, Richard Beasley takes us back to the 1970s when growing up in Australia meant long idyllic summer days, playing cricket or football with your mates in the yard or the park, hanging around the local swimming pool or taking off on your bike, only having to check in at home by dinner time. Twelve year old Jake and Robbie are best friends, both in school and at home and love nothing better than being outdoors. Robbie's dad is a policeman who loves to take the boys fishing on his boat while Jake is living with his single Mum, Harriet (Harry), a hard drinking and smoking barrister who puts few restrictions on him and never talks down to him.

One day a new family from the tough streets of Glasgow moves into their street and they meet twelve year old Rory Mcbeath. Friendship isn't instant for Jake as Rory doesn't play cricket or football but gradually they become a threesome, especially when they discover Rory is an excellent fisherman.

However, life is tough for Rory at home as his father is prone to drinking and violence and the whole family live on tenterhooks waiting for the next explosion. One day, when that violence erupts, Rory's life is blown apart and one of the Mcbeaths is arrested. Life suddenly becomes serious for all the boys and their parents as childhood is left behind for the murkier world of prisons and courtrooms.

Richard Beasley has developed some really strong characters in this book including the boys themselves as well as Jake's mum Harry, a tough dense barrister fighting for the underdogs. The lead in to the drama was gentle with the depiction of a typical 1970s Aussie childhood gradually leading up to the dramatic scene that changed the direction of the novel. I loved the courtroom scenes with Jake sitting up the back taking it all in. Such a good book! 4.5★

[Mary-jane Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you like jasper jones? I did and this is even better. It is such a real book of our era with modern day australia vocab and living with a single professional mother. Not the perfect family situation, bunt one filled with love and truth.

[Elias Azzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

For us Australians, the summer days of childhood are marvelled as having consisted of those afternoon walks (of for the eager, runs) to the local milk bar to grab a favourite ice-cream to cool down, running across the concrete at the outdoor pools before making a leap, and several thereafter, into the glistening chlorine dense water and basking in the youth of the night with friends as you share stories of those past days. Me and Rory Macbeath captures the brilliance of Australian childhood with this novel, with the protagonist Jake Taylor (as the narrator) reminisces the summer of 1977 and several summers after, to which he claimed to be 'life-changing' with the sudden arrival of title character Rory, who 'materialised at the top of our street one summer morning'. Without treading upon the soils of spoilers for those who have not read the book yet, this charming novel embarks on the notion of budding and flailing friendships, the disintegration of families, the inevitability of adolescence and the loyalty shared between two individuals - to which the latter embattles Jake as the novel takes a sudden (although previous events cheekily foreshadowed it) swerve midway through. While the first third of the novel struggled to make a firm ascension to the climatic chapters, the pages devoted to character development are plenty, so while they may leave you initially confused as to which direction the book is heading, it progresses at a pace so that to not make you lose interest in the preceding pages to which the promising dilemma comes to fruition. And once you do reach it, you will not be left disappointed, particularly with the ending chapters that have the ability to strongly manipulate emotions. Humorous; devastating; relatable - I say give this a read, especially during those summer days no matter where in the world you live, as while it may appear heavily influenced by the traditional Australian childhood, it truly grasps the magic of summer as a child for all.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this coming of age drama set in 1970's Adelaide.
The story is narrated by thirteen year old Jake Taylor, who lives on Rose Avenue in the same street as his best friend Robbie. They spend most of their summers fishing, going to the local pool and camping. When the Macbeath family move into Rose Avenue, and the boys become friendly with youngest son Rory, a shift begins. Something is amiss with the Macbeaths, something that everyone seems aware of, but no one speaks about. Only Harry, Jake's criminal lawyer mum, and Rory, seem willing to do something about it, though the outcome is desperate and tragic, and for the boys, friendships are fractured and childhoods are irretrieveably lost.

I found this story a little slow to start with, but as the plot thickened the reader is spurred on to find out how this tale will end. Filled with non jargon court preceedings, as seen through the eyes of a thriteen year old, and led by the delightful chain smoking, wine guzzling Harry. This is a great Aussie drama piece, one I feel will do exceptionally well. Look out for it when released in May 2013.

[Nicole Priest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than I did 'Jasper Jones'. I loved that it was set in Adelaide and reminded me so much of my childhood - summers spent at the local swimming pool, playing cricket in the street with all of the kids, riding bikes and sleepovers at each others' houses. An engaging and heartwarming storyline kept me wanting to read. Strong and interesting characters made me feel like I knew them when I was younger - although the constant references to Harry's smoking and drinking made me wonder why she hadn't developed lung cancer or liver disease already. Very well written and a lovely coming of age story for both Jake and Rory despite the insidious theme of domestic violence. Highly recommended.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forget about Jasper Jones, this is much better and truly deserves comparison with To Kill a Mockingbird. The portrayal of Australia in the 70s is very authentic and the narrative of adult dramas from a child's perspective is heartbreaking. The understanding of domestic violence shown in this novel is a great achievement. Compelling reading which had me sobbing by the end.

[Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Me and Rory Macbeath were to be made into a TV series, Kat Stewart would be amazing for the character of Harry.

[Kerry Willcox-mcginnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written in simple but flowing language that transports the reader to another time. It deals with complex issues and thought patterns of the time. I could not put it down. Brilliant

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this book for probably the first 25%, not sure where it was heading or what was the point. Now, having read most of the rest in one day, and been immersed in the story, I think it is a great book. I think the author captures the loss of childhood of the main character, as described by the child, with insight and with emotion. I enjoyed the courtroom scenes, the lawyers reminded me of a couple of characters from the BBC series Silk. The changing nature of childhood /adolescent friendships is well described, and the difficulties faced by victims of domestic violence are detailed with candour and empathy.

[Steve Coates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Aussie coming of age novel with a similar feel to Jasper Jones and some echoes of To Kill a Mockingbird.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t keep my nose out of this book, totally absorbing.

This was a surprising read as the blurb on the back cover didn’t give much away, which is a good thing and made reading the story that much more intriguing.

This coming of age story set in Adelaide in 1977 follows the lives of a few families living on Rose Avenue, a middle class residential area. Thirteen year old Jake and Robbie are best friends and have the time of their lives playing on their street until Rory Macbeath and his family move in and then things begin to change. I thought I was going into a lovely light read about boys growing up in suburbia, yes, the first 25% was reasonably cheery but the next 75% the reader is taken into the world of some tough issues which makes this a gut wrenching read.

The relationship Jake had with his mother, Harry, was unique and amazing and their banter made me laugh many times. And oh gosh, the courtroom scenes were brilliant.

A fabulous novel with engaging and strong developed characters makes this a book well worth reading.

#Book Bingo 2018: ‘A book written by an Australian man’ - Me and Rory MacBeath by Richard Beasley

[Bree T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake Taylor is 12 when his life changes – it’s when he meets Rory Macbeath. For years, it’s been just Jake and his best friend Robbie playing in their street. In summer they play cricket, in winter they kick a footy around. Jake is at first reluctant to accept Rory – after all he’s Scottish and he spends his time kicking a soccer ball. He doesn’t know anything about cricket or proper AFL footy. But Robbie takes to him right away and their group of 2 becomes a group of 3.

Jake has a somewhat unusual life for the 1970′s Adelaide in Australia – he’s being brought up by single mum Harry who is a barrister and he’s been in and out of courts since he could walk. In the long hot summer before high school starts Jake, Robbie and Rory go swimming at the local pool, play sport and go on fishing trips with Robbie’s dad, a police officer. Nights are spent camping out in tents in Robbie’s yards and quite often sneaking out and running around the neighbourhood, attempting to stealthily go over the fence into one yard and get back all their balls from an irate neighbour who confiscates what ever goes over the fence.

But for all the idyllic summer antics, an ugly violence lurks behind one of the closed doors in Rose Avenue. It will have consequences that shatter the boisterous boyhood and send them into an early adulthood.

I won a copy of Me And Rory Macbeath from the publisher and I was quite keen to read it, not just because my youngest is also named Rory and I do like seeing my boys’ names in print! I have a new found interest in reading Australian books by Australian male authors and the more I push myself to find and read them, the more amazing books and authors I discover and this one is no exception. Set in Adelaide, Australia in the late 70s, Jake is our 12yo narrator and already he’s rather older than his years. He’s raised by his chain smoking laywer mother Harry and spends a lot of time in the company of adults, in courtrooms watching Harry do her thing (she’s a criminal defender) and he balances this with long days playing at being an AFL or cricket star with his best mate Robbie. The arrival of Rory to the street throws Jake at first – he’s not sure about Rory. He seems to have no skills, nothing to contribute to the friendship. But just because Rory isn’t familiar with cricket or footy and can’t swim doesn’t mean he’s useless at all. Rory definitely has hidden talents.

The characters are such a high point in this novel – Jake, Robbie and Rory are ordinary boys, making the best of their time before school starts. They have a relatively good amount of freedom, often spending whole days at the local pool. Robbie and Jake have quite different backgrounds, Robbie being a part of the more common two-parent family. In such a time, a full-time working single mother by choice would’ve been rather unusual and Jake does face the odd taunt about not knowing who his dad is. Although an unconventional parent, Harry is a great character – she teaches Jake (and the reader too, actually) so much and her view of the world is an interesting one, which I think is necessary given her job is to get known criminals acquitted. Harry’s job is to find out when the police aren’t doing theirs and she seems to feel no shame about it.

I think another great character in this novel and one that is perhaps overlooked at first, probably almost right until the end of this book, is that of Mrs Macbeath. She takes a while to come into her own, but when she does it’s beautiful. Her narrative is disturbing and also utterly compelling all at the same time. She could be described as weak but there’s a strength in what she endures and a huge strength in her self-sacrifice. She might be equal parts protective and guilty, after all she fostered an environment that led to an incident but Harry takes the time to paint that she really did have little in the way of options. She’s a quiet character, the sort that sneaks into your mind rather than rams into it like Harry. Mrs Macbeath is the character I thought the most about after finishing this book, what her life must’ve been like, the lengths she must’ve gone to in order to try and affect a change, the belief she must’ve had at one time that she could change it…and the hopeless realisation that she couldn’t.

The character of Rory is another standout – he’s raised on a diet of violence and fear, he’s a contradiction. More than once, Rory’s temper rears its head. The first time Jake is grateful, it gets him out of a situation. The second time, Jake is more puzzled than anything, he sees it as unnecessary and probably poor sport. What Rory does is a great indication of what he has been seeing for all of his life – for him it seems like it might’ve been a reflex action because there was nothing telling him that he shouldn’t have done it, like Jake and Robbie would have. But ultimately it is Rory who has the courage (or perhaps the desperation) to change their situation.

Me And Rory Macbeath was a fabulous novel, I was drawn straight in to the world of Jake, Robbie and Rory and the way in which the story unfolded was very well done. It was interesting seeing this sort of story through the eyes of a child – Jake doesn’t notice the signs as early as an adult perhaps might, but the impact was no less. I know the author has written books prior to this including Hell Has Harbour Views which was made into an ABC series some years ago so I’m going to have to make an effort to find that one for my TBR pile.

[Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely flawless. Perfectly captures the sense of time and place of Adelaide in the late 70s. A moving ode to young friendship and a riveting courtroom drama. Loved it.

[Diannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best books have a good story and/or engaging characters that the reader will cheer on, cry for and be enraged at injustices affected upon them. Me and Rory Macbeath is one of those books. It is the 70s coming of age story for boys in the Adelaide suburbs without the cheezels and moles.
Baby boomers will enjoy reminiscing about a lifestyle when everyone knew everyone in the street and children played together outside till called in for a dinner of mutton chops, where Mum ate the burnt one.
The story is told through the eyes of 13 year old Jake whose life is altered with the arrival of the street's new residents, the Macbeaths and their son Rory.
The novel depicts domestic violence scenes realistically with considered poignancy and the consequences of the abuse for family, friends and the community. This prickly subject is consumable also, due to the well-developed characters, particularly Jake's single mother, Harry, a hardworking lawyer.
All the characters in this novel are in 3D. Harry and her friends offer comic relief and insight into the legal proceedings. Minor critisms were; the court room scenes were a little long winded and I don't recall anyone ever discussing what was "appropriate for a child" in the 70s.
I believe that in years to come Me and Rory Macbeath will be on the Must Read Australian Books list.

[Linda Funnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

No, it’s not OK to hit your wife: this coming of age story has a devastating heart.

It’s summer, 1977, when 12-year-old Jake and his best friend Robbie meet Rory Macbeath, whose family have just moved from Glasgow to their suburban Adelaide street.

Rory may not be any good at cricket or rugby but, as the three boys’ friendship develops, he is revealed as a fearless – if graceless – swimmer and an expert fisherman. He can also hold his own in a fight.

Early on he steps up when Jake is being bullied at the local pool and fells an older boy with a couple of devastating punches. Jake has never seen anything like it: ‘Long after I got home … I was still shaking, could still hear the sound of Rory’s punch.’

The story is narrated by Jake and soaked in the pleasures of pre-teen suburban life: swimming, street cricket, fishing trips, camping in the front yard, making slingshots, spying on the neighbours and riding a go-kart. But gradually, as we learn more about the people in Jake’s street, darker threads emerge ...

Read the rest of this review at the Newtown Review of Books: http://newtownreviewofbooks.com/2013/...

[Marie b · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is now one of my favourites. Narrated by Jake, only son of single parent, Harry(Harriet), a criminal lawyer, is on the cusp of adolescence. When Rory MacBeath moves into his quiet cul-de-sac, Jake is reticent to befriend him, but by degrees Jake and his best mate, Robbie warm to Rory and the three became firm friends. Rory is adventurous and seemingly without fear, he can jump from the high diving board even though he is only up to "dogpaddle" standard in the pool. The boys witness a violent bashing which leads to a vengeful murder with unfortunate consequences for this small community. Jake makes acute observations of friends, family and neighbours as he leaves behind the innocence of his childhood world.
Beasley is a barrister, and a "silk" and develops a very credible courtroom performance with the subtle gestures and inferences. Can't give away any more - you need to read it for yourself.
Reminds me of two other favourite books - Jasper Jones, by Craig Silvey and Black swan green by David Mitchell.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Although it contained elements of things I had read about before (dysfunctional families, coming of age and strong friendships) this book was written in a way that was really unique. The characters were made so real and as a reader you became attached to the characters and enveloped in their world, which is the marking of a truly excellent book in my humble opinion. I also loved it as it was set in Australia and in the era of my mum's childhood so it was interesting to be able add to my knowledge of what life was like back in the 70's. In short, if you need to read a good book, read this one.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Me and Rory Macbeath and I couldn't put it down. This book evocatively draws one summer in a boy's life as he watches a complex and tragic drama unfold in his neighbourhood. Told through the eyes of 11 year old boy this story explores the simultaneous fragility and strength of childhood friendships and the complexity of adult realtionships set against the backdrop of a hot Adelaide summer in the 1970s. It is also a sensitive and intelligent discussion of domestic violence and its awful impact on everyone it touches. A great read.

[The Bookshop Umina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a coming of age story! This new Australian novel is set in the 1970s in Melbourne and is full of memorable characters. This will be perfect for fans of Jasper Jones, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and Past the Shallows.

[Lynne Illidge]

A really great read for pretty much the whole family. Shares the everyday experiences and personalities of several neighbouring families, keeps the reader enthralled and intrigue is running along in the background right to the end. Accolades to the author. Lynne

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I read it over a couple of days and found it very difficult to put down. The characters were believable and beautifully crafted. The pace was just right and the nostalgic glimpse into suburban Australia spot on. A book I will surely read again in years to come.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel and loved that it was Australian.

There was so much to identify with in regards to the setting.

A great story.

[Steven Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having grown up in the period, I related to and enjoyed the community spirit, and the simplicity of childhood life in the Rose Avenue. Not having professional parents I certainly didn't relate to adults drinking bottled Red wine or children being taken to an Italian restaurant, or going overseas to ski. I believe Rose Avenue depicted a minority upper middle class of that period. As reviews have stated, the pace of the book changes after the critical turning point. I can see how the impact of the second half needed to be set up in the first half but it did feel like a reminiscent ramble. The court room scenes were really good reading and kept me engaged to the end.

[Pip Snort · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jake's mum, Harry is a barrister. She drinks red wine every night, and smokes too much and most of her clients are guilty, even the ones who are "very very innocent". But when tragedy strikes in Jake's small friendly Adelaide Street, Harry is called on to fix it as best as she can. Richard Beasley's life at the Bar is clearly reflected in this frank and realistic novel. The writing is simple and only occasionally falls into the common barristerial trap of liking the sound of his own voice too much. A story that resonates with the sights, sounds and smells of the Australian summer.

[Thomas Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The home violence is tough subject matter but it's a wonderful book

[Sherry Mackay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected. Not sure I liked it. I don’t like the lawyer mum character. It was a bit mixed up for me. Seemed to be heading one way then went another. Not really my thing.

[Jodie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Awful listless writing… Not understated like say Christopher J. Koch’s Lost Voices, just, mediocre writing…

[Mandy J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this coming of age story. The characters are all believable & well written. Highly recommend.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars