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Stillways: A Memoir
From Steve Bisley, one of Australia′s favourite actors, comes a classic memoir of an Australian childhood in the '60s.
Growing up on a farm called Stillways, Steve daydreamed about cars and escape. His story is about him hero-worshipping his older brother with Brylcreem in his hair; going to school as a young kid with bus money knotted into a hanky and clutching his Globite school case; fighting bullies at school and dreaming about girls.
But there′s a darker thread running through the story: the father who′d take out his frustrations by savagely belting his young children; a struggling mother who′d do anything to protect her kids; a young boy irrevocably marked by his father′s anger.
Growing up on a farm called Stillways, Steve daydreamed about cars and escape. His story is about him hero-worshipping his older brother with Brylcreem in his hair; going to school as a young kid with bus money knotted into a hanky and clutching his Globite school case; fighting bullies at school and dreaming about girls.
But there′s a darker thread running through the story: the father who′d take out his frustrations by savagely belting his young children; a struggling mother who′d do anything to protect her kids; a young boy irrevocably marked by his father′s anger.
298 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 17, 2015
I'd like to give 3.5 stars, but the system wants either 3 or 4, and I had to choose.
I enjoyed this but nearly gave up a couple of times when he seemed to be trying too hard to be a writer. Flowery descriptions and lyrical musings - that sort of thing at times when I thought they were getting in the way.
I also found it a bit choppy, with little slices of life here and there and lots of "chapters". but as time went on and people reappeared in succeeding chapters, the story flowed better.
Overall, it rang true and was very readable and nostalgic. Although I didn't grow up when he did, I have a strong memory of people telling me about their childhoods then, and of course, many of the things he remembers fondly continued for years in the Aussie bush, and I experienced them first-hand. School holidays, swimming holes, long train trips, men oppressing women and women taking it, kids exasperated with their lot and the like. When he isn't trying too hard, he has a nice way with words and tells a good story. I look forward to the next instalment.
I enjoyed this but nearly gave up a couple of times when he seemed to be trying too hard to be a writer. Flowery descriptions and lyrical musings - that sort of thing at times when I thought they were getting in the way.
I also found it a bit choppy, with little slices of life here and there and lots of "chapters". but as time went on and people reappeared in succeeding chapters, the story flowed better.
Overall, it rang true and was very readable and nostalgic. Although I didn't grow up when he did, I have a strong memory of people telling me about their childhoods then, and of course, many of the things he remembers fondly continued for years in the Aussie bush, and I experienced them first-hand. School holidays, swimming holes, long train trips, men oppressing women and women taking it, kids exasperated with their lot and the like. When he isn't trying too hard, he has a nice way with words and tells a good story. I look forward to the next instalment.
August 8, 2016
Steve Bisley is a talented actor who I always enjoy watching on the big or small screen. His stories from his childhood made for an enjoyable weekend read.
August 6, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect but I enjoyed Bisley's memoir very much. Lyrical observations of his childhood in country NSW: some shocking, some humourous. Honest, loving and hurt.
November 1, 2013
Just as I recall my days at wyong high school and 1b. Our first date was a disaster for Steve, but I did not know how he could walk all the way home. Love you Steve!
October 12, 2017
This book was a joy to read, sad in parts but mostly uplifting. Steve Bisley has a great writing style, he'll take you on a nostalgic journey of yesteryear, what it felt like to be a kid in Australia in the 60's & 70's. Looking forward to reading his new memoir 'All the Burning Bridges'.
December 9, 2014
I happened upon Stillways while lending support at a local gallery and craft shop. Steve Bisley is one of those iconic Australian actors, never perhaps appearing on the big screen internationally (except in Mad Max), but almost always there in supporting roles. He’s much like Bryan Brown in that respect. I have a fondness for the roles he’s played and his presence on air has been part of my cultural experience growing up.
Stillways captured my attention and dragged me away from other more pressing reading work. I am not a hug fan of memoirs, I have read about 3 in my lifetime, but I couldn’t stop reading. There’s an honesty and earthiness in this book, humour and dark secrets. And love, love that hits you square in the eyes in the final pages. I didn’t have cash with me to buy the book but was able to pick it up online.
The opening chapters read like prose poetry and had me wondering where Bisley had been hiding this talent. There’s a palpable love of the physically environment of Stillways and Bisley’s descriptions bring the place alive in words.
The soaking wind curves around the channel that empties Lake Macquarie into the Pacific Ocean. It blows across Pulbah Island and reaches to the sodden south. There is no rain, but a thin wetness. There is no whisper through the casuarinas brought by other winds; they are bowed and heavy now and all things feel sunk and riven.
This is the only way to see my home. This is the only true way to see my home.
Read the full review at my blog
Stillways captured my attention and dragged me away from other more pressing reading work. I am not a hug fan of memoirs, I have read about 3 in my lifetime, but I couldn’t stop reading. There’s an honesty and earthiness in this book, humour and dark secrets. And love, love that hits you square in the eyes in the final pages. I didn’t have cash with me to buy the book but was able to pick it up online.
The opening chapters read like prose poetry and had me wondering where Bisley had been hiding this talent. There’s a palpable love of the physically environment of Stillways and Bisley’s descriptions bring the place alive in words.
The soaking wind curves around the channel that empties Lake Macquarie into the Pacific Ocean. It blows across Pulbah Island and reaches to the sodden south. There is no rain, but a thin wetness. There is no whisper through the casuarinas brought by other winds; they are bowed and heavy now and all things feel sunk and riven.
This is the only way to see my home. This is the only true way to see my home.
Read the full review at my blog
December 21, 2017
Extraordinary writing - clear, precise, evocative. Nothing sentimental in this autobiography in which Steve experiences dreadful physical violence from his father. Bisley's voice is strong, yet has a tenderness too. His descriptions of an Aussie boy's childhood is so true that you can smell the dust of the country roads. I'm on to his next volume already.
July 2, 2014
Not bad but not compelling either
August 5, 2023
A heartfelt and honest account of Bisley's formative years. There's a lot to like about the language which is powerful and evocative, capturing the sights, sounds and smells of the first fifteen years of the author's life, and the images conjured by the writing.
Being an Australian, it was very relatable culturally and brought to mind many similar incidents and experiences of my childhood and youth. The descriptions of abuse were uncomfortable and the theme of brokenness resonated strongly. Bisley did a great job of showing the reader his heart, his family's dynamic and the culture of the time.
I would have liked it better without all the tense changes. They were frequent and sometimes jarring. Although I understood the intent, it detracted from the story rather than added to it. It wasn't clear at times whether Bisley was talking about the past as though he was there, or reflecting on it as an adult looking back. That point of view issue was the main fault of Stillways, which I otherwise enjoyed.
I especially enjoyed the author's recount of his first job interview and the result of it. I found that compelling. I also liked the loose chronology (general rather than specific) and found the grouping of memories into themed chapters effective.
Being an Australian, it was very relatable culturally and brought to mind many similar incidents and experiences of my childhood and youth. The descriptions of abuse were uncomfortable and the theme of brokenness resonated strongly. Bisley did a great job of showing the reader his heart, his family's dynamic and the culture of the time.
I would have liked it better without all the tense changes. They were frequent and sometimes jarring. Although I understood the intent, it detracted from the story rather than added to it. It wasn't clear at times whether Bisley was talking about the past as though he was there, or reflecting on it as an adult looking back. That point of view issue was the main fault of Stillways, which I otherwise enjoyed.
I especially enjoyed the author's recount of his first job interview and the result of it. I found that compelling. I also liked the loose chronology (general rather than specific) and found the grouping of memories into themed chapters effective.
December 15, 2024
I presume this is the 1st volume of Bisley's memoirs as it ends before he enrolls in NIDA. It's generally very evocative, growing up on a 'farm' off Lake Munmorah in a dysfunctional family that suffers from the darkness consuming the father. Many episodes are easily identifiable - I grew up in working class Australia too - & the writing hits just the right balance. Later on in the book, probably as we move into the teen years, a certain ... meanness? creeps in & profanity, racism, sexism & homophobia are included. I'm not saying they didn't exist at the time; they absolutely did. But they tended to damage the charm the story exuded, even during difficult times, throughout the 1st half. Certainly of interest, & not just to fans of Bisley's work as an actor. Like me.
August 10, 2016
It was a surprising read, this book. From a man I thought was one of the more conservative established Australian actors, who wouldn't be my first choice as a lead, though I know how well respected he is on screen.
The book tracks his life on the family farm, Wyong, NSW, from a young lad, a reticent father who he vaguely notices a darkness around, a caring mother who may or may not understand this, and a tough elder brother. A down home and honest start to life, perhaps helping with the directness of the writing style the author employs.
The style is dry, minimal in that laconic Australian way, episodic, suggestive, and very easy to read. As this book was a gift for me, I'm glad, since it would never have been something I'd have picked up. Thanks Dad.
Although tracing the arc of the book feels like something which has been done a thousand times in other books or movies, Bisley cleverly brings shards of light onto the whole picture of his coming of age, his family, even life as it was a generation prior. We call them simpler times, but growing up is never straightforward or logical.
The book tracks his life on the family farm, Wyong, NSW, from a young lad, a reticent father who he vaguely notices a darkness around, a caring mother who may or may not understand this, and a tough elder brother. A down home and honest start to life, perhaps helping with the directness of the writing style the author employs.
The style is dry, minimal in that laconic Australian way, episodic, suggestive, and very easy to read. As this book was a gift for me, I'm glad, since it would never have been something I'd have picked up. Thanks Dad.
Although tracing the arc of the book feels like something which has been done a thousand times in other books or movies, Bisley cleverly brings shards of light onto the whole picture of his coming of age, his family, even life as it was a generation prior. We call them simpler times, but growing up is never straightforward or logical.
August 23, 2014
A charismatic memoir by Steve Bisley laying out his childhood and into his late teens when he embarked on an apprenticeship, (all of 16!) with Woolworths. He has such a particular voice and style, which I really enjoyed, very direct and so dynamic. I'm not sure how to describe it but it feels like he is telling it like it is - from his adolescent masturbatory habits to his father's drunken violence - without flinching, yet somehow there is an element of that soft filter that settles over the memories of childhood. Perhaps it is the pure enjoyment of the goods times that filters through.
A lovely read, fascinating, easy and full of tidbits with a strong Australian voice. A great addition for me, to my year of Australian reading.
A lovely read, fascinating, easy and full of tidbits with a strong Australian voice. A great addition for me, to my year of Australian reading.
April 24, 2016
If I had never read William McInnes' memoirs, I probably would have liked this. It hard work in places and no less honest of Bisley's relationship with his father but it is, unfortunately, derivative. The references to products and societal, gender and relationship traits common to white Australians in the 1950s and 60s; the awkwardness of boys trying to men (in this case with poor role models); the mates hip ... it's all very white Australia and all so very similar to the McInness work which precedes it. Bisley's tortured yearning for a relationship with his father drives the work and it was in these passages that the book shone ... such as the starling opening pages ... but it's not enough to sustain it.
November 8, 2013
This is a memoir of Australian actor Steve Bisley's childhood growing up on the family farm Stillways.
It was an interesting look at life in rural australia in the 50's and 60's. It's well written and you get the dynamics of the family with everything affected by his father's violence, war trauma and affairs. It kind of skims the surface a lot, things are alluded to rather than directly stated. Very Australian.
It just covers the time he lived at Stillways so finishes when he is 16 or 17. I wonder if he's planning to write others to cover what happened after that?
It was an interesting look at life in rural australia in the 50's and 60's. It's well written and you get the dynamics of the family with everything affected by his father's violence, war trauma and affairs. It kind of skims the surface a lot, things are alluded to rather than directly stated. Very Australian.
It just covers the time he lived at Stillways so finishes when he is 16 or 17. I wonder if he's planning to write others to cover what happened after that?
October 7, 2013
Beautiful and sad and so very Australian. Lyrical. Bisley has had fame as an actor, but of late has been in the press for domestic violence incidents. This memoir gives it all a context, capturing his version of australian life in the fifties and sixties with an authenticity that does not shy from the ugliness, and yet celebrates the piquancy of life in rural NSW. The writing is spare and undiluted. The essence of the thing conveyed exquisitely. Very quick read, very enjoyable.
July 12, 2015
I didn't know what to expect from this memoir,having picked it up in a book sale. Initially disappointed the book didn't include any photos of Bisley as is typical in autobiographies, his easy, descriptive writing painted the images clearly. I would imagine that his life echoed that of his generation, and this is a tale of anglo-Australia in the 60's with all it's beauty and ugliness. Absolutely enjoyed this so very much.
December 3, 2013
I loved this! It is beautifully written by Steve Bisley, who has an actor's ear for rhythm and tone. I saw parts of old and modern Australia there - his love for and antagonism of his siblings, the living land, the generational damage of war, the scourge of alcohol, the sunny optimism anyway. Brilliant.
May 14, 2014
The book is a series of memories - some funny, some painful - about growing up in rural New South Wales. Each one made me think about what we have gained and what we have lost with modern life in the suburbs. The story really gathers momentum when Steve makes plans to leave for life and work in Sydney.
July 16, 2014
Wow Mr Bisley. I knew I would love this book when I heard you speak of it at the Perth Writers Festival. You were brimming with love and pride. I will never forget this book and will encourage everyone I know to read it. I read it in my bush home and you've renewed my love for my home and country.
What a book.
What a book.
October 26, 2016
Not a bad first writing attempt by one of Australia's most well-known actors. Having seen and heard Steve Bisley speak about and read excerpts from this book in person I was keen to read more. He has had an interesting life and is a literary creature through and through. I enjoyed the easy going, natural style of his prose and got a lot of laughs from it.
September 26, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book as it was set in area I now live
Also it brought to light how some of the suffering that young children endured in the hands of fathers that had fought in World War 2, fathers that were cold frustrated men from this experience
Also it brought to light how some of the suffering that young children endured in the hands of fathers that had fought in World War 2, fathers that were cold frustrated men from this experience
April 24, 2015
An insightful account of an Australian childhood and a violent father. The descriptions of the childhood beatings were very confronting. It's hard to assess the damage done to a person by this treatment.
October 29, 2013
Biggest complaint - ended way too soon!
June 26, 2014
Loved this memoir. Very engaging and easy to read. Beautifully understated recollections of the sadness and joys of a baby boomer's childhood.
February 9, 2015
Actor, Steve Bisley, describes his childhood in smalltown Australia. Beautifully written, Bisley has a way with words - a joy to read.
January 2, 2016
I enjoyed this memoir. It was well written and told a harrowing story of his life with a violent father but in a readable way.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews