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One Hundred Years of Betty
One ordinary extraordinary woman living through a century of massive change, from the bestselling author of The Family Doctor.
Meet storyteller, feminist, eternally curious and phenomenally old. On the eve of her 100th birthday party, Betty tells us her story.
Born into poverty in pre-war London, and growing up fast during the Blitz, Betty grabs the chance at a bigger life by migrating to Australia. On board the SS Asturias she meets three people who will influence the course of her life – Pearl, a good-hearted party girl, Athena, a Greek woman on her way to marry a man she has never met, and Leo, a German Jew who lost his family in the war.
In Sydney, Betty is making ends meet as a waitress at the famous Trocadero dance hall when she stumbles into a rushed courtship with Donald, a wealthy businessman, and dedicates herself to being the ideal 1950s suburban housewife. But life has other plans for Betty, and soon she must find a way to do more than survive.
This is the story of a strong, intelligent woman born too early in time to make the most of her talents without having to fight for everything. It's about the defining force of motherhood, the family we make, and how the determination to live life to the hilt, with all the joy and sorrow that entails, can lead to a life beyond one's wildest imaginings.
Set against a century of world events and social upheavals, Betty's story takes us to the frontlines of the anti-war protests and the women's liberation movement of the 1970s, to the AIDS crisis during the 1980s, to living in Mexico and eventually becoming a TVscreenwriter. Even in her nineties. Betty is still passionately engaged with the world, still surprising us.
One Hundred Years of Betty is the sweeping saga of one particular ordinary, fabulous woman living through a century of massive Betty as a child, teenager, lover, worker, friend, mother, activist, writer, recluse, angry woman, loving woman, from the creator of Offspring and bestselling author of The Family Doctor.
Praise for One Hundred Years of Betty:
'Debra Oswald fulfils a novelist's highest purpose in One Hundred Years of Betty. In a marathon exercise of imaginative empathy, she creates a life in full – all its aching sorrows, all its transcendent joys – unfolding amidst the convulsions of our tumultuous century. A rich feast of a novel, a perfect balance of sweet and sour. You won't want it to end.' Geraldine Brooks, bestselling author of Horse
Praise for The Family Doctor:
'Oswald has a way with words that immediately draws you into the story and keeps you there until the very last line. Highly recommended!' – Mamamia
'A compelling page-turner.' – The Age
'In crystal-clear prose, Debra Oswald unveils an all-too-believable world of love and loyalty stretched to the limit, with agonising consequences when the best people are forced to do the worst things. The moment you finish this novel you will want to find someone else who has read it and talk all night about the vital questions it raises.' – Malcolm Knox, author of Bluebird
'Oswald is such a deft writer ... a timely, evocative and at times harrowing exploration of domestic violence.' – The Courier-Mail
'Mesmerising and heart-breaking. A perfect story for this moment in time.' Sarah Bailey, author of Where the Dead Go
Meet storyteller, feminist, eternally curious and phenomenally old. On the eve of her 100th birthday party, Betty tells us her story.
Born into poverty in pre-war London, and growing up fast during the Blitz, Betty grabs the chance at a bigger life by migrating to Australia. On board the SS Asturias she meets three people who will influence the course of her life – Pearl, a good-hearted party girl, Athena, a Greek woman on her way to marry a man she has never met, and Leo, a German Jew who lost his family in the war.
In Sydney, Betty is making ends meet as a waitress at the famous Trocadero dance hall when she stumbles into a rushed courtship with Donald, a wealthy businessman, and dedicates herself to being the ideal 1950s suburban housewife. But life has other plans for Betty, and soon she must find a way to do more than survive.
This is the story of a strong, intelligent woman born too early in time to make the most of her talents without having to fight for everything. It's about the defining force of motherhood, the family we make, and how the determination to live life to the hilt, with all the joy and sorrow that entails, can lead to a life beyond one's wildest imaginings.
Set against a century of world events and social upheavals, Betty's story takes us to the frontlines of the anti-war protests and the women's liberation movement of the 1970s, to the AIDS crisis during the 1980s, to living in Mexico and eventually becoming a TVscreenwriter. Even in her nineties. Betty is still passionately engaged with the world, still surprising us.
One Hundred Years of Betty is the sweeping saga of one particular ordinary, fabulous woman living through a century of massive Betty as a child, teenager, lover, worker, friend, mother, activist, writer, recluse, angry woman, loving woman, from the creator of Offspring and bestselling author of The Family Doctor.
Praise for One Hundred Years of Betty:
'Debra Oswald fulfils a novelist's highest purpose in One Hundred Years of Betty. In a marathon exercise of imaginative empathy, she creates a life in full – all its aching sorrows, all its transcendent joys – unfolding amidst the convulsions of our tumultuous century. A rich feast of a novel, a perfect balance of sweet and sour. You won't want it to end.' Geraldine Brooks, bestselling author of Horse
Praise for The Family Doctor:
'Oswald has a way with words that immediately draws you into the story and keeps you there until the very last line. Highly recommended!' – Mamamia
'A compelling page-turner.' – The Age
'In crystal-clear prose, Debra Oswald unveils an all-too-believable world of love and loyalty stretched to the limit, with agonising consequences when the best people are forced to do the worst things. The moment you finish this novel you will want to find someone else who has read it and talk all night about the vital questions it raises.' – Malcolm Knox, author of Bluebird
'Oswald is such a deft writer ... a timely, evocative and at times harrowing exploration of domestic violence.' – The Courier-Mail
'Mesmerising and heart-breaking. A perfect story for this moment in time.' Sarah Bailey, author of Where the Dead Go
Paperback
First published March 4, 2025
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About the author
Debra Oswald
34 books117 followersDebra Oswald is a playwright, screenwriter and novelist. She is a two-time winner of the NSW Premier's Literary Award and author of the novels Useful (2015), The Whole Bright Year (2018) and The Family Doctor (2021). She was creator/head writer of the first five seasons of the successful TV series Offspring.
Her stage plays have been performed around the world and published by Currency Press. Gary's House, Sweet Road and The Peach Season were all shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Award. Debra has also written four plays for young audiences—Dags, Skate, Stories in the Dark and House on Fire. She has written three Aussie Bites books and six children's novels, including The Redback Leftovers.
Her television credits include award-winning episodes of Police Rescue, Palace of Dreams, The Secret Life of Us, Sweet and Sour and Bananas in Pyjamas.
Debra performed her one-woman show Is There Something Wrong With That Lady? at the Griffin Theatre in 2021 and a month-long season at the Ensemble in 2023.
Her stage plays have been performed around the world and published by Currency Press. Gary's House, Sweet Road and The Peach Season were all shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Award. Debra has also written four plays for young audiences—Dags, Skate, Stories in the Dark and House on Fire. She has written three Aussie Bites books and six children's novels, including The Redback Leftovers.
Her television credits include award-winning episodes of Police Rescue, Palace of Dreams, The Secret Life of Us, Sweet and Sour and Bananas in Pyjamas.
Debra performed her one-woman show Is There Something Wrong With That Lady? at the Griffin Theatre in 2021 and a month-long season at the Ensemble in 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
May 21, 2025
This was a delightful reading experience, a beautiful book. The story of Betty, told to her readers directly from her voice which was witty, deprecating, candid and most of all lacking pretense. A force to be reckoned with, as one of ten children born into struggle literally bouncing off the kitchen table onto the floor, if family legend is to be believed. The multitude of life events taught this reader so much beginning at an early age in 1920’s England where she survives the Blitz, losing most of her siblings, up to the near distant future when this glorious character turns 100.
Debra Oswald’s background is in screenwriting which is evident here, threading part of this industry and experience skillfully into Betty’s own experience which was clever and authentic, I completely trusted the way this was presented keeping in mind Nina Proudman and the awesome characters she'd developed for screen.
A clearly strong woman, who we follow all around the world as she meets an interesting and varied cast of characters, romantic and otherwise. Each of these characters are given their own very important slice of the story, and we witness special friendships and relationships. These are hard to say goodbye to as Betty loses many of these connections by countless deaths, which she struggles greatly as one of the many lessons in this story. I adored the way in which Betty would regard each dear one as ‘our’ Athena, Penny, Rose, Mac, Leo, Rex.. this list of beloved is endless.
The womanhood, feminism, indigenous rights, the matriarchy and countless other fascinating observations on life, family, home and what it means to be alive have each their own intricate part in this book. The dialogue is witty, bitey and seamless, I believe the author is extremely talented in crafting this which was a complete pleasure to read.
My most high recommendation, I felt connected to and protective of this fabulous character, the story is unique and natural. I loved it.
Thank you to the publisher for my copy, which is beautiful inside and out. Much like our Betty.
Debra Oswald’s background is in screenwriting which is evident here, threading part of this industry and experience skillfully into Betty’s own experience which was clever and authentic, I completely trusted the way this was presented keeping in mind Nina Proudman and the awesome characters she'd developed for screen.
A clearly strong woman, who we follow all around the world as she meets an interesting and varied cast of characters, romantic and otherwise. Each of these characters are given their own very important slice of the story, and we witness special friendships and relationships. These are hard to say goodbye to as Betty loses many of these connections by countless deaths, which she struggles greatly as one of the many lessons in this story. I adored the way in which Betty would regard each dear one as ‘our’ Athena, Penny, Rose, Mac, Leo, Rex.. this list of beloved is endless.
The womanhood, feminism, indigenous rights, the matriarchy and countless other fascinating observations on life, family, home and what it means to be alive have each their own intricate part in this book. The dialogue is witty, bitey and seamless, I believe the author is extremely talented in crafting this which was a complete pleasure to read.
My most high recommendation, I felt connected to and protective of this fabulous character, the story is unique and natural. I loved it.
Thank you to the publisher for my copy, which is beautiful inside and out. Much like our Betty.
May 12, 2025
Written in the voice of Betty as she approaches her 100th birthday, this is a very enjoyable account of the history and life styles of the day. Huge changes happen in 100 years and Betty's life represents many of them.
One Hundred Years of Betty opens in England and Betty's memories of her childhood are not the best. She recalls herself as being an unattractive child who was bullied at school and abused in her home. She very bravely emigrates to Australia as a teenager on her own, using the ten pound passage scheme. There follows marriage, children, more abuse, widowhood and later the 'joys' of aging - friends and partners dying, grown children moving away into lives of their own.
I very much enjoyed the historical backing to the story although towards the end it dipped into somethin like a selection of lessons on what we should think about certain major issues of the time. Betty herself is not really a likeable character although she is certainly a brave and resilient one. I smiled when she complained that getting really old means that you have no friends your own age left alive. My mother also lived to 100 and she complained about that too each time she got a death notice about one of her contemporaries.
An interesting book, well written and certainly worth four stars.
One Hundred Years of Betty opens in England and Betty's memories of her childhood are not the best. She recalls herself as being an unattractive child who was bullied at school and abused in her home. She very bravely emigrates to Australia as a teenager on her own, using the ten pound passage scheme. There follows marriage, children, more abuse, widowhood and later the 'joys' of aging - friends and partners dying, grown children moving away into lives of their own.
I very much enjoyed the historical backing to the story although towards the end it dipped into somethin like a selection of lessons on what we should think about certain major issues of the time. Betty herself is not really a likeable character although she is certainly a brave and resilient one. I smiled when she complained that getting really old means that you have no friends your own age left alive. My mother also lived to 100 and she complained about that too each time she got a death notice about one of her contemporaries.
An interesting book, well written and certainly worth four stars.
January 25, 2025
One of ten children Betty Rankin and her siblings live with their parents in Deptford, London. Her family are poor, the situation gets worse during the Blitz and as a teenager she decides to migrate to Australia. Betty's happy to be leaving England and the memories behind and have a fresh start.
Aboard the SS Asturias, she shares a cabin with two young women Pearl Jowett a sweet girl who wants everyone to love her and Athena Koutsis and she's traveling to Australia and marrying Nick and they have never met and Leopold Neumann is a young Jewish man and he’s escaping the Holocaust and ghosts and everyone disembarks in Sydney.
Over eighty years later Betty looks back at her life, how the poor young girl from London has grown up and is now an old woman and she has witness and experienced many things, from surviving the Blitz, making her own way in England and later in Australia. Betty made explosives during the war, worked as a waitress, she’s been a wife and widow, mother and friend, she’s protested against the Vietnam War and rights for women, and she observed the terrible AIDS crisis, travelled to Mexico and had a lover, and became a screenwriter and an author.
I received a copy of One Hundred Years of Betty by Debra Oswald from NetGalley and Allen & Unwin in exchange for an unbiased review.
A story about a resilient woman, despite all the setbacks, detours and nothing going as planned Betty kept putting one foot in front of the other and coped with illness, deaths and loss and being hurt and various tragedies in her lifetime. Betty loved her children and one man unconditionally, her friends and what a quirky and interesting group, found family and people from all walks of life and made connections with them.
An uplifting and thought provoking narrative, that will stay with you and long after you’ve turned the last page and no one want’s to turn a hundred and look back and think my century on earth was boring and I wasted my time and I should have done more and Betty didn’t and that’s what I got from reading this amazing book.
Debra Oswald is the author of The Family Doctor and writer of the hit television show Offspring and she certainly knows how to construct a plot about messy and complicated families, relationships and drama and five stars from me.
Aboard the SS Asturias, she shares a cabin with two young women Pearl Jowett a sweet girl who wants everyone to love her and Athena Koutsis and she's traveling to Australia and marrying Nick and they have never met and Leopold Neumann is a young Jewish man and he’s escaping the Holocaust and ghosts and everyone disembarks in Sydney.
Over eighty years later Betty looks back at her life, how the poor young girl from London has grown up and is now an old woman and she has witness and experienced many things, from surviving the Blitz, making her own way in England and later in Australia. Betty made explosives during the war, worked as a waitress, she’s been a wife and widow, mother and friend, she’s protested against the Vietnam War and rights for women, and she observed the terrible AIDS crisis, travelled to Mexico and had a lover, and became a screenwriter and an author.
I received a copy of One Hundred Years of Betty by Debra Oswald from NetGalley and Allen & Unwin in exchange for an unbiased review.
A story about a resilient woman, despite all the setbacks, detours and nothing going as planned Betty kept putting one foot in front of the other and coped with illness, deaths and loss and being hurt and various tragedies in her lifetime. Betty loved her children and one man unconditionally, her friends and what a quirky and interesting group, found family and people from all walks of life and made connections with them.
An uplifting and thought provoking narrative, that will stay with you and long after you’ve turned the last page and no one want’s to turn a hundred and look back and think my century on earth was boring and I wasted my time and I should have done more and Betty didn’t and that’s what I got from reading this amazing book.
Debra Oswald is the author of The Family Doctor and writer of the hit television show Offspring and she certainly knows how to construct a plot about messy and complicated families, relationships and drama and five stars from me.
May 20, 2025
What a rollicking journey across many years of history, up to 2028 even, on the eve of Betty's 100th birthday. Also known as Beth, Liz, Lizzie and occasionally Elizabeth, we follow a life from 1928 in England as one of ten children to being a great grandmother to many. I loved this engaging and sometimes sad book. One cannot live 100 years without having sad things and many deaths of close friends and family along the way.
This is my fourth book by Ms Oswald and other than following her real life as a tv writer for many years and then a novelist as Betty becomes in the book, I'm not sure how much more of the story is autobiographical. I won't go into any more details, but much of my own life and experiences are part of the story, having lived in Sydney for nearly 40 years, as Betty did for 80 years.
Good stuff, library ebook, five stars for me. Some entertaining passages for me follow:
'Whenever I launched into one of my women’s lib raves to Pearl, she would close her mouth tightly and squint her eyes to stop my words entering her head.' pg 207
At a certain age, each of us has a crust of habits and intolerances and preferences, so it’s a wonderful thing to share space without giving each other the royal shits. pg 278
‘Now is not the time for me to listen to your bullshit. Maybe the best time is—hang on, let me check my very busy calendar. It’s never.’ pg 281
It wasn’t that I didn’t love people anymore. I was bursting with love for my dear ones. But I couldn’t let myself need any other human being who might die on me. My system couldn’t take it. pg 340
The mastiff crosses on this truck had chunks torn off their ears and chests scarred from being ripped by wild boars. Standing by the vehicle were two rough-headed blokes with more dogs than teeth. pg 348
This is my fourth book by Ms Oswald and other than following her real life as a tv writer for many years and then a novelist as Betty becomes in the book, I'm not sure how much more of the story is autobiographical. I won't go into any more details, but much of my own life and experiences are part of the story, having lived in Sydney for nearly 40 years, as Betty did for 80 years.
Good stuff, library ebook, five stars for me. Some entertaining passages for me follow:
'Whenever I launched into one of my women’s lib raves to Pearl, she would close her mouth tightly and squint her eyes to stop my words entering her head.' pg 207
At a certain age, each of us has a crust of habits and intolerances and preferences, so it’s a wonderful thing to share space without giving each other the royal shits. pg 278
‘Now is not the time for me to listen to your bullshit. Maybe the best time is—hang on, let me check my very busy calendar. It’s never.’ pg 281
It wasn’t that I didn’t love people anymore. I was bursting with love for my dear ones. But I couldn’t let myself need any other human being who might die on me. My system couldn’t take it. pg 340
The mastiff crosses on this truck had chunks torn off their ears and chests scarred from being ripped by wild boars. Standing by the vehicle were two rough-headed blokes with more dogs than teeth. pg 348
June 21, 2025
This book started out with so much promise and wit. I really liked the early part of the story when Betty was a girl growing up in South London during the war. And also the trip to Australia and her initial time there. We had a chance to really get to know the other characters in Betty's life. The writing had all my senses on alert and was very engaging. After the scenes about Betty's first marriage, the story took on more of a 'Telling' momentum rather than 'Showing' the reader what life was like at a visceral level for Betty.
I felt like I lost sight of the original Betty character who was replaced by an unlikeable, annoying and self-absorbed woman who although she had many adventures seemed to find herself in circumstances that were too unrealistic to be believable for Betty's original persona. For example, posing naked for an artist.
The adventures and many parts of her life were rushed over and took on an element of 'look at me' 'Aren't I great' although we were told she wasn't like that, I sure got the feeling she was pushing the glass ceiling. She had all these wonderful friends and family and yet she decides to go off grid for a time in her 80s - that was a bit ridiculous, and selfish. The depth of the character seemed to be lost in the second part of the book.
'Ho hum someone else in her circle died but heck, it was as if she had to rush onto her next project.'
The title is fantastic but this book needed to be told in several parts to keep the depth of the characters the author achieved in the first part. By rushing through to get to 100, the narrative became a chronological series of events without the former complexity of the main character being the focus.
The scenes in the bush when Betty was in her 80s helped to refocus the narrative but much of the story before that from when she was around 50 made her character seem superficial.
Easy to read and enjoyable for the most part but I was glad to get to the end.
I felt like I lost sight of the original Betty character who was replaced by an unlikeable, annoying and self-absorbed woman who although she had many adventures seemed to find herself in circumstances that were too unrealistic to be believable for Betty's original persona. For example, posing naked for an artist.
The adventures and many parts of her life were rushed over and took on an element of 'look at me' 'Aren't I great' although we were told she wasn't like that, I sure got the feeling she was pushing the glass ceiling. She had all these wonderful friends and family and yet she decides to go off grid for a time in her 80s - that was a bit ridiculous, and selfish. The depth of the character seemed to be lost in the second part of the book.
'Ho hum someone else in her circle died but heck, it was as if she had to rush onto her next project.'
The title is fantastic but this book needed to be told in several parts to keep the depth of the characters the author achieved in the first part. By rushing through to get to 100, the narrative became a chronological series of events without the former complexity of the main character being the focus.
The scenes in the bush when Betty was in her 80s helped to refocus the narrative but much of the story before that from when she was around 50 made her character seem superficial.
Easy to read and enjoyable for the most part but I was glad to get to the end.
March 4, 2025
One Hundred Years Of Betty is the fourth novel by award-winning, best-selling Australian playwright, screenwriter and author, Debra Oswald. About to reach the amazing milestone of one hundred years old, Betty Rankin is looking back on her life. She quickly points out that memories of her very early years are likely inaccurate: “The memory business is untrustworthy, even with a robust attempt at candour, but I will do my best to be honest.”
Significant amongst those early memories: the shame of poverty throughout her childhood, motherless at seven, evacuated out to Cornwall (where she feels loved for the very first time) at eleven. In her teens, a runaway, a job in a munitions factory, pregnancy and a forced adoption, emigrating to Australia on her own, and marriage to an older man. Betty is lucky to make two lifelong friends on board the ship, although a misunderstanding means a shipboard almost-romance goes unrequited. Sliding doors…
Betty’s life may feel unremarkable to her: enough women have been unhappily married, widowed early and left to earn a living whilst raising two young children. Many would watch their friends lose partners and rally around. Not all would model nude for a well-known artist, become close friends with gays and enjoy a younger lover. Fewer would travel and teach English in other countries. Almost none would decide to live off-grid for a time.
Notable is her daughter’s wedding, which plays out like the Mexican telenovelas she likes to watch, an event so melodramatic, it is only later rivalled by Betty’s first book launch. A career as a TV script writer is certainly something different; the misogyny, sexual harassment and discrimination aren’t.
Betty’s life is touched, personally, or to those close to her, by drug addiction, cancer, AIDS, a religious sect, conscription, PTSD, women’s lib, and infidelity. How she manages to take almost all of it in her stride is what makes her extraordinary.
Betty is perceptive from a young age, later noting that “The randomness of physiognomy is not considered as much as it should be in how lives play out” because “my face didn’t have the infant proportions that release care-giving hormones in grown-up humans.”
But after her time in Cornwall, “when circumstances pulled me into dark corners, I could remember how things were in St Agnes. If I felt wretched and worthless, I understood it was possible to feel differently. I knew, in my body, what it’s like to be valued and cared for, how joy sits in my belly, how bold I can be to try something when I feel cherished.”
When, as an adult, others admonish her to live in the present “Savouring a past joy is a risk-free way to circulate some lovely mood-enhancing chemicals. And I believe ‘living in the future’ has value too— to imagine, plausibly, a future moment when one’s present suffering will have ended and good feelings will likely return. The trick is knowing when to live in the past, present or future.”
Oswald really has a way with words: “…wearing a suit made of tweed fabric so coarse and bristled you could’ve grated carrots with it” and “When the young man looked up, I quickly twisted my neck away so abruptly the movement was akin to a chiropractic adjustment of my cervical vertebrae” and “the silver beads are so spiky, I was worried my dance partner would scratch up his hands when we were dancing. This dress turns me into a human pot-scourer” are examples
Her characters sometimes live by interesting philosophies: “My new pal Pearl was an enthusiastic collector of gossip. (Please note: there is no judgement in me saying that. I’d argue that a little gossip of the kind-hearted sort is better than a lack of curiosity about our fellow humans.)”
The authenticity of Oswald’s descriptions of various episodes of Betty’s life make it clear that she quite often draws on personal experience. A great many of the things Betty shares about her life will resonate strongly with readers of a certain vintage, either through their own experience, or those of family, friends or acquaintances. Notwithstanding this, Betty’s story has universal appeal due, in no small part, to her down-to-earth attitude, her self-deprecating humour, her honesty, and her warts-and-all candidness. Oswald has nailed it again!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin.
Significant amongst those early memories: the shame of poverty throughout her childhood, motherless at seven, evacuated out to Cornwall (where she feels loved for the very first time) at eleven. In her teens, a runaway, a job in a munitions factory, pregnancy and a forced adoption, emigrating to Australia on her own, and marriage to an older man. Betty is lucky to make two lifelong friends on board the ship, although a misunderstanding means a shipboard almost-romance goes unrequited. Sliding doors…
Betty’s life may feel unremarkable to her: enough women have been unhappily married, widowed early and left to earn a living whilst raising two young children. Many would watch their friends lose partners and rally around. Not all would model nude for a well-known artist, become close friends with gays and enjoy a younger lover. Fewer would travel and teach English in other countries. Almost none would decide to live off-grid for a time.
Notable is her daughter’s wedding, which plays out like the Mexican telenovelas she likes to watch, an event so melodramatic, it is only later rivalled by Betty’s first book launch. A career as a TV script writer is certainly something different; the misogyny, sexual harassment and discrimination aren’t.
Betty’s life is touched, personally, or to those close to her, by drug addiction, cancer, AIDS, a religious sect, conscription, PTSD, women’s lib, and infidelity. How she manages to take almost all of it in her stride is what makes her extraordinary.
Betty is perceptive from a young age, later noting that “The randomness of physiognomy is not considered as much as it should be in how lives play out” because “my face didn’t have the infant proportions that release care-giving hormones in grown-up humans.”
But after her time in Cornwall, “when circumstances pulled me into dark corners, I could remember how things were in St Agnes. If I felt wretched and worthless, I understood it was possible to feel differently. I knew, in my body, what it’s like to be valued and cared for, how joy sits in my belly, how bold I can be to try something when I feel cherished.”
When, as an adult, others admonish her to live in the present “Savouring a past joy is a risk-free way to circulate some lovely mood-enhancing chemicals. And I believe ‘living in the future’ has value too— to imagine, plausibly, a future moment when one’s present suffering will have ended and good feelings will likely return. The trick is knowing when to live in the past, present or future.”
Oswald really has a way with words: “…wearing a suit made of tweed fabric so coarse and bristled you could’ve grated carrots with it” and “When the young man looked up, I quickly twisted my neck away so abruptly the movement was akin to a chiropractic adjustment of my cervical vertebrae” and “the silver beads are so spiky, I was worried my dance partner would scratch up his hands when we were dancing. This dress turns me into a human pot-scourer” are examples
Her characters sometimes live by interesting philosophies: “My new pal Pearl was an enthusiastic collector of gossip. (Please note: there is no judgement in me saying that. I’d argue that a little gossip of the kind-hearted sort is better than a lack of curiosity about our fellow humans.)”
The authenticity of Oswald’s descriptions of various episodes of Betty’s life make it clear that she quite often draws on personal experience. A great many of the things Betty shares about her life will resonate strongly with readers of a certain vintage, either through their own experience, or those of family, friends or acquaintances. Notwithstanding this, Betty’s story has universal appeal due, in no small part, to her down-to-earth attitude, her self-deprecating humour, her honesty, and her warts-and-all candidness. Oswald has nailed it again!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Allen & Unwin.
June 16, 2025
4.5★
What a woman! What a life!
After a slightly shaky start in Chapter 1, I allowed myself to become totally wrapped up in Betty's long and mainly glorious life at every opportunity. Jennifer Vuletic's narration of the audiobook is exceptional, and Debra Oswald's writing pedigree as Queen of the small screen is stamped on every page. It's cinematic, it's a journey, and it's simply crying out for adaptation.
What a woman! What a life!
After a slightly shaky start in Chapter 1, I allowed myself to become totally wrapped up in Betty's long and mainly glorious life at every opportunity. Jennifer Vuletic's narration of the audiobook is exceptional, and Debra Oswald's writing pedigree as Queen of the small screen is stamped on every page. It's cinematic, it's a journey, and it's simply crying out for adaptation.
May 31, 2025
One Hundred Years Of Betty is the fourth novel by award-winning, best-selling Australian playwright, screenwriter and author, Debra Oswald. The audio version is narrated by Jennifer Vuletic. About to reach the amazing milestone of one hundred years old, Betty Rankin is looking back on her life. She quickly points out that memories of her very early years are likely inaccurate: “The memory business is untrustworthy, even with a robust attempt at candour, but I will do my best to be honest.”
Significant amongst those early memories: the shame of poverty throughout her childhood, motherless at seven, evacuated out to Cornwall (where she feels loved for the very first time) at eleven. In her teens, a runaway, a job in a munitions factory, pregnancy and a forced adoption, emigrating to Australia on her own, and marriage to an older man. Betty is lucky to make two lifelong friends on board the ship, although a misunderstanding means a shipboard almost-romance goes unrequited. Sliding doors…
Betty’s life may feel unremarkable to her: enough women have been unhappily married, widowed early and left to earn a living whilst raising two young children. Many would watch their friends lose partners and rally around. Not all would model nude for a well-known artist, become close friends with gays and enjoy a younger lover. Fewer would travel and teach English in other countries. Almost none would decide to live off-grid for a time.
Notable is her daughter’s wedding, which plays out like the Mexican telenovelas she likes to watch, an event so melodramatic, it is only later rivalled by Betty’s first book launch. A career as a TV script writer is certainly something different; the misogyny, sexual harassment and discrimination aren’t.
Betty’s life is touched, personally, or to those close to her, by drug addiction, cancer, AIDS, a religious sect, conscription, PTSD, women’s lib, and infidelity. How she manages to take almost all of it in her stride is what makes her extraordinary.
Betty is perceptive from a young age, later noting that “The randomness of physiognomy is not considered as much as it should be in how lives play out” because “my face didn’t have the infant proportions that release care-giving hormones in grown-up humans.”
But after her time in Cornwall, “when circumstances pulled me into dark corners, I could remember how things were in St Agnes. If I felt wretched and worthless, I understood it was possible to feel differently. I knew, in my body, what it’s like to be valued and cared for, how joy sits in my belly, how bold I can be to try something when I feel cherished.”
When, as an adult, others admonish her to live in the present “Savouring a past joy is a risk-free way to circulate some lovely mood-enhancing chemicals. And I believe ‘living in the future’ has value too— to imagine, plausibly, a future moment when one’s present suffering will have ended and good feelings will likely return. The trick is knowing when to live in the past, present or future.”
Oswald really has a way with words: “…wearing a suit made of tweed fabric so coarse and bristled you could’ve grated carrots with it” and “When the young man looked up, I quickly twisted my neck away so abruptly the movement was akin to a chiropractic adjustment of my cervical vertebrae” and “the silver beads are so spiky, I was worried my dance partner would scratch up his hands when we were dancing. This dress turns me into a human pot-scourer” are examples
Her characters sometimes live by interesting philosophies: “My new pal Pearl was an enthusiastic collector of gossip. (Please note: there is no judgement in me saying that. I’d argue that a little gossip of the kind-hearted sort is better than a lack of curiosity about our fellow humans.)”
The authenticity of Oswald’s descriptions of various episodes of Betty’s life make it clear that she quite often draws on personal experience. A great many of the things Betty shares about her life will resonate strongly with readers of a certain vintage, either through their own experience, or those of family, friends or acquaintances. Notwithstanding this, Betty’s story has universal appeal due, in no small part, to her down-to-earth attitude, her self-deprecating humour, her honesty, and her warts-and-all candidness. Oswald has nailed it again!
Significant amongst those early memories: the shame of poverty throughout her childhood, motherless at seven, evacuated out to Cornwall (where she feels loved for the very first time) at eleven. In her teens, a runaway, a job in a munitions factory, pregnancy and a forced adoption, emigrating to Australia on her own, and marriage to an older man. Betty is lucky to make two lifelong friends on board the ship, although a misunderstanding means a shipboard almost-romance goes unrequited. Sliding doors…
Betty’s life may feel unremarkable to her: enough women have been unhappily married, widowed early and left to earn a living whilst raising two young children. Many would watch their friends lose partners and rally around. Not all would model nude for a well-known artist, become close friends with gays and enjoy a younger lover. Fewer would travel and teach English in other countries. Almost none would decide to live off-grid for a time.
Notable is her daughter’s wedding, which plays out like the Mexican telenovelas she likes to watch, an event so melodramatic, it is only later rivalled by Betty’s first book launch. A career as a TV script writer is certainly something different; the misogyny, sexual harassment and discrimination aren’t.
Betty’s life is touched, personally, or to those close to her, by drug addiction, cancer, AIDS, a religious sect, conscription, PTSD, women’s lib, and infidelity. How she manages to take almost all of it in her stride is what makes her extraordinary.
Betty is perceptive from a young age, later noting that “The randomness of physiognomy is not considered as much as it should be in how lives play out” because “my face didn’t have the infant proportions that release care-giving hormones in grown-up humans.”
But after her time in Cornwall, “when circumstances pulled me into dark corners, I could remember how things were in St Agnes. If I felt wretched and worthless, I understood it was possible to feel differently. I knew, in my body, what it’s like to be valued and cared for, how joy sits in my belly, how bold I can be to try something when I feel cherished.”
When, as an adult, others admonish her to live in the present “Savouring a past joy is a risk-free way to circulate some lovely mood-enhancing chemicals. And I believe ‘living in the future’ has value too— to imagine, plausibly, a future moment when one’s present suffering will have ended and good feelings will likely return. The trick is knowing when to live in the past, present or future.”
Oswald really has a way with words: “…wearing a suit made of tweed fabric so coarse and bristled you could’ve grated carrots with it” and “When the young man looked up, I quickly twisted my neck away so abruptly the movement was akin to a chiropractic adjustment of my cervical vertebrae” and “the silver beads are so spiky, I was worried my dance partner would scratch up his hands when we were dancing. This dress turns me into a human pot-scourer” are examples
Her characters sometimes live by interesting philosophies: “My new pal Pearl was an enthusiastic collector of gossip. (Please note: there is no judgement in me saying that. I’d argue that a little gossip of the kind-hearted sort is better than a lack of curiosity about our fellow humans.)”
The authenticity of Oswald’s descriptions of various episodes of Betty’s life make it clear that she quite often draws on personal experience. A great many of the things Betty shares about her life will resonate strongly with readers of a certain vintage, either through their own experience, or those of family, friends or acquaintances. Notwithstanding this, Betty’s story has universal appeal due, in no small part, to her down-to-earth attitude, her self-deprecating humour, her honesty, and her warts-and-all candidness. Oswald has nailed it again!
August 26, 2025
My reading challenge has been out the window this year due to a series of events, however when I saw the title of this book I had to give it a go. My own mother is 103 and her name is Betty, so, I could go past this.
Written like a diary Betty Rankin tells her life story from childhood in England to life in Australia. While I somewhat appreciated the writing, the storyline really started to annoy me. The author has tried to fit in every social issue imaginable. Let’s see: child abuse, poverty, birthing a baby at 15, ship life, alcoholism, drugs, cults in outback Australia, teenage dislike of adults, covid, retreating to the bush to live the natural life, cosmetic makeover, wealth, mistresses, drunken artists, factory workers, AIDS, death, gay relationships, ethnically mixed marriages, mocking faiths, lost love turning up, dementia, cancers, living in Mexico, and much more. Then Betty herself portrayed as a strong character hopped into bed with almost every male character in the story. Each time a male was introduced to the story I began to think…here we go, how long before she is in bed with this one… and sure enough.
Historically worthwhile and in some parts interesting this story was boring, sad, amusing and for me over cooked. Yes I guess one could fit all the above into 100years but it all got tedious in writing form.
Written like a diary Betty Rankin tells her life story from childhood in England to life in Australia. While I somewhat appreciated the writing, the storyline really started to annoy me. The author has tried to fit in every social issue imaginable. Let’s see: child abuse, poverty, birthing a baby at 15, ship life, alcoholism, drugs, cults in outback Australia, teenage dislike of adults, covid, retreating to the bush to live the natural life, cosmetic makeover, wealth, mistresses, drunken artists, factory workers, AIDS, death, gay relationships, ethnically mixed marriages, mocking faiths, lost love turning up, dementia, cancers, living in Mexico, and much more. Then Betty herself portrayed as a strong character hopped into bed with almost every male character in the story. Each time a male was introduced to the story I began to think…here we go, how long before she is in bed with this one… and sure enough.
Historically worthwhile and in some parts interesting this story was boring, sad, amusing and for me over cooked. Yes I guess one could fit all the above into 100years but it all got tedious in writing form.
April 29, 2025
I just didn't like this one. Too repetitive in many places. I know it was presented as a linear portrayal of Betty's life, but I found it dragged on at certain times, then skipped whole periods of time.
As for the continuous talk of sex from this nearly 100 year old, I found that hard to believe that a person of that vi tage would talk this way. Also, the gratuitous dropping of coarse language was weird. I just did not believe an elderly lady would just casually drop this into her recounting of her life.
I didn't like Betty. Couldn't warm to her, except when she was retelling the story of her younger life and going off to the countryside during the war.
Yes, she was pragmatic and no-nonsense which got her through many tough times.
This one wasn't as good as I had hoped it would be.
As for the continuous talk of sex from this nearly 100 year old, I found that hard to believe that a person of that vi tage would talk this way. Also, the gratuitous dropping of coarse language was weird. I just did not believe an elderly lady would just casually drop this into her recounting of her life.
I didn't like Betty. Couldn't warm to her, except when she was retelling the story of her younger life and going off to the countryside during the war.
Yes, she was pragmatic and no-nonsense which got her through many tough times.
This one wasn't as good as I had hoped it would be.
June 28, 2025
ive been off reading which is a bit fucked up bc its like??? who are you now??? but this was a nicely plotted, emotionally intelligent book, with some moments of glimmering insights into womanhood and getting old!
May 5, 2025
On the eve of her milestone 100th birthday, Betty tells us her story. Whilst she views her life as unremarkable and ordinary, to us readers, it's far from that.
Born into poverty, Betty spent her childhood living with her nine siblings and parents in Deptford, London. With so many mouths to feed and a house too small, Betty learnt from a young age that survival would be a useful skill. This aptness would transgress as she grew older and the world around her began to change.
By the time she reached young adulthood, Betty had spent far too much time collecting bad memories. So, in attempt of a better life, she set sail on SS Australis toward the brighter shores of Australia. Whilst on board, Betty met three people that would become treasured friends in the coming years- German Jew Leo, Greek woman Athena and party girl with a big heart, Pearl. However, upon docking in Melbourne, a sliding doors moment would change the course of Betty's life, leaving huge ramifications.
A loveless marriage led to single parenthood in the 1950's- a time when there was no financial support or services available. With two small children to raise solely, Betty battled on, relying on those survival instincts once more. Nothing was off the table- from submitting content for ladies magazines to life modelling for a famous artist.
Mid life led to an epiphany, that Betty needed time for herself. A stint in Mexico led to romantic possibilities and an opportunity to expand her cultural awareness. Yet, with her now grown up children needing her more than ever, Betty returned to Sydney to begin her new stage of life- as a devoted grandmother and TV screen play writer. Yet, this is when we begin to see Betty at her worse, as years of trauma begin to catch up with her.
Betty's twilight years sees her reconnecting with a lost love and facing the inevitable- death of close ones. A now aged Betty continues to defy expectations, choosing to go off grid in the bush with only chooks and a gruff neighbour for company.
There's no doubt that Betty has led a fullfilled life, tinged with numerous ups and downs. Debra Oswald has showcased her masterful writing skills in this solo narrative, leaving us with a sense of fondness for this brave, resilient and sprightly woman and those that have a special place in her heart.
With Betty as our guide, we are brought to the forefront at significant world events and social upheavals, such as the Vietnam War, the feminist movement and the AIDS predicament. Debra must've researched long and hard in order for us to go along for the ride during these events.
One Hundred Years of Betty would make for a terrific screenplay. Who knows, with the success of Offspring that Debra may indeed one day go down that route?
An unexpected, surprising 5 🌟
Born into poverty, Betty spent her childhood living with her nine siblings and parents in Deptford, London. With so many mouths to feed and a house too small, Betty learnt from a young age that survival would be a useful skill. This aptness would transgress as she grew older and the world around her began to change.
By the time she reached young adulthood, Betty had spent far too much time collecting bad memories. So, in attempt of a better life, she set sail on SS Australis toward the brighter shores of Australia. Whilst on board, Betty met three people that would become treasured friends in the coming years- German Jew Leo, Greek woman Athena and party girl with a big heart, Pearl. However, upon docking in Melbourne, a sliding doors moment would change the course of Betty's life, leaving huge ramifications.
A loveless marriage led to single parenthood in the 1950's- a time when there was no financial support or services available. With two small children to raise solely, Betty battled on, relying on those survival instincts once more. Nothing was off the table- from submitting content for ladies magazines to life modelling for a famous artist.
Mid life led to an epiphany, that Betty needed time for herself. A stint in Mexico led to romantic possibilities and an opportunity to expand her cultural awareness. Yet, with her now grown up children needing her more than ever, Betty returned to Sydney to begin her new stage of life- as a devoted grandmother and TV screen play writer. Yet, this is when we begin to see Betty at her worse, as years of trauma begin to catch up with her.
Betty's twilight years sees her reconnecting with a lost love and facing the inevitable- death of close ones. A now aged Betty continues to defy expectations, choosing to go off grid in the bush with only chooks and a gruff neighbour for company.
There's no doubt that Betty has led a fullfilled life, tinged with numerous ups and downs. Debra Oswald has showcased her masterful writing skills in this solo narrative, leaving us with a sense of fondness for this brave, resilient and sprightly woman and those that have a special place in her heart.
With Betty as our guide, we are brought to the forefront at significant world events and social upheavals, such as the Vietnam War, the feminist movement and the AIDS predicament. Debra must've researched long and hard in order for us to go along for the ride during these events.
One Hundred Years of Betty would make for a terrific screenplay. Who knows, with the success of Offspring that Debra may indeed one day go down that route?
An unexpected, surprising 5 🌟
April 8, 2025
One Hundred Years Of Betty is epic in every sense of the word, an incredible read. Author, Debra Oswald, has taken one seemingly ordinary woman and regaled how her life played out over a century of world events. Each step of Betty’s life from child to teenager, from lover to mother, to recluse and old age, readers hold her hand and embark on an incredible journey. With events of the Blitz, Australian migration, Vietnam war, women’s liberation movement, the AIDS crisis, living in Mexico - Betty does it all! It is an incredible story.
‘There have been points in my life when I’ve been impulsive, diving in without doing any forward plotting, and there have been junctures like this one, when I mulled over all the likely repercussions of a choice and thought myself to a standstill.’
Told in a conversational way it’s like the reader is sitting at the kitchen table having a cuppa with Betty. It’s so inviting. The blend of historical and personal events is seamless as seen through the eyes of one woman’s humble resilience. As you can well imagine all the emotions are present for this journey of a century. As in each of our lives, there are triumphs and tragedies. The honesty of this story is what will capture your heart and remain there long after you have turned the final page.
A book that covers history, friendship, family, motherhood, love affair, racism, feminism … I could go on. It is such an amazing story, I adored it.
‘I could scoop in fistfuls of anger and frustration and shame from my life and gather them into a form I could then reconfigure and understand in a different way. It wasn’t just about my own failings. It wasn’t only me. It was all women. It was the whole damn thing. And it was liberating to envisage that things could be otherwise.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘There have been points in my life when I’ve been impulsive, diving in without doing any forward plotting, and there have been junctures like this one, when I mulled over all the likely repercussions of a choice and thought myself to a standstill.’
Told in a conversational way it’s like the reader is sitting at the kitchen table having a cuppa with Betty. It’s so inviting. The blend of historical and personal events is seamless as seen through the eyes of one woman’s humble resilience. As you can well imagine all the emotions are present for this journey of a century. As in each of our lives, there are triumphs and tragedies. The honesty of this story is what will capture your heart and remain there long after you have turned the final page.
A book that covers history, friendship, family, motherhood, love affair, racism, feminism … I could go on. It is such an amazing story, I adored it.
‘I could scoop in fistfuls of anger and frustration and shame from my life and gather them into a form I could then reconfigure and understand in a different way. It wasn’t just about my own failings. It wasn’t only me. It was all women. It was the whole damn thing. And it was liberating to envisage that things could be otherwise.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
October 19, 2025
This one rode the line between box ticking significant events of the last hundred years and creating a compelling, character-driven story. I thought it successfully did the latter whereas the other four in my book club disagreed. Then again it was recommended by a sometimes bookclub contributor who really liked it too. I liked Betty and her story, it was entertaining and shone a spotlight on eras such as post WW2 London, the Vietnam war and the 1980s AIDS epidemic. There’s an underlying feminist tone throughout with some eye opening facts such as in Australia it wasn’t until 1983 that a married woman could obtain a passport without her husband’s permission. Maintain the rage sisters. I really enjoyed this one.
September 16, 2025
This was an easy to read albiet long and drawn out story of Betty. I guess Betty lived a long time which makes for much to be shared. I felt like it was a bit too matter of fact , contrived, ticking off every possible historical event, personal turmoil “event” , political and social commentary and Betty just was always on the cusp of being ahead of her time. I didn’t really warm to Betty. She was funny and daring and suffered but I just think the author didn’t give enough time to the character and instead just had a list of events and emotions to tick off all in one book. My rating has probably suffered from having just read an absolutely magnificent book where another strong older woman recants her life via letters with warmth, questioning and intelligence whereas this story felt more rote and methodical.
March 14, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever met a more infuriating character as Betty, Lizzie, Liz! I just found her so smug and self righteous. However, I finished the book because it is exceedingly well researched.
June 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Betty’s life was packed with so many events, both personal and historical, that it felt like she lived 20 lives in one. The book managed to weave in so many culturally significant moments and issues – from the AIDS crisis to women’s liberation, immigration, the Vietnam War, and more. At times I did find myself thinking, “There’s no way all this could happen to one person,” and yeah, a few parts felt a bit far-fetched (and once or twice just plain ridiculous). But I didn’t mind too much because it was overall quite entertaining and I enjoyed the ride.
July 23, 2025
Oh my gosh this is spectacular. What a delightful read. Betty is everything I want to be - what an interesting life. This is so well researched too, so many areas of detailed info that the author does brilliantly. Loved loved loved this
August 16, 2025
There wasn't anything wrong with this story. Betty was a relatable character and she lived a vibrant life.
But the book just feels like propaganda to me. Like it is written for a modern progressive female audience, so it makes sure the protagonist holds no uncomfortable views and apologises profusely for her consistency with her times, when she is just barely consistent.
Essentially, Betty feels inauthentic. A character intended to persuade certain people of the eternal rightness of their opinions. Not a real story about real enough person.
But the book just feels like propaganda to me. Like it is written for a modern progressive female audience, so it makes sure the protagonist holds no uncomfortable views and apologises profusely for her consistency with her times, when she is just barely consistent.
Essentially, Betty feels inauthentic. A character intended to persuade certain people of the eternal rightness of their opinions. Not a real story about real enough person.
August 16, 2025
I loved this story. Betty constantly made me laugh - what a wonderful character.
November 9, 2025
To give this three stars felt too harsh and four stars is possibly a little generous. It's an interesting story with great characters. It would be a superb holiday read.
January 31, 2025
I really enjoyed Debra’s last novel The Family Doctor and was taken in my the title of this one. This is the story of Betty Rankin, a woman who is nearing her 100th birthday. Told in a conversational way I felt like I had just sat down with Betty as she told me all about her life. I loved the way she regularly broke the fourth wall and gave the reader hints to things to come. She had me in stitches as she told me about things like a short history of her hair and made me think with her thoughts on aging.
A tale of an ordinary woman, but one who was strong, resilient, funny and humble, I loved the way history and personal events were blended together. The seventh child of ten, the reader is drawn in immediately by her birth story and we then get to see her grow up through wars, move to Australia suffer both mental and physical health issues and become a wife, mother, lover and writer. The story is engaging and you are definitely treat to all the highs and lows of life. I particularly enjoyed her close friendships, seeing her relationships with her children and her finding a career in later life. There is so much history over a hundred year period and I enjoyed the seeing different events included and seeing how society changed over time. I’m so glad I got a chance to meet Elizabeth, Betty, Beth, Liz, Lizzie and hear her story.
A tale of an ordinary woman, but one who was strong, resilient, funny and humble, I loved the way history and personal events were blended together. The seventh child of ten, the reader is drawn in immediately by her birth story and we then get to see her grow up through wars, move to Australia suffer both mental and physical health issues and become a wife, mother, lover and writer. The story is engaging and you are definitely treat to all the highs and lows of life. I particularly enjoyed her close friendships, seeing her relationships with her children and her finding a career in later life. There is so much history over a hundred year period and I enjoyed the seeing different events included and seeing how society changed over time. I’m so glad I got a chance to meet Elizabeth, Betty, Beth, Liz, Lizzie and hear her story.
June 24, 2025
Betty was born in England and, as a small child, goes through the horrors of London during the Blitz. Some time after, she emigrates to Australia as a ten-pound Pom. This book tells the story of her life. Oswald says that the early events of the novel were inspired by her mother’s life: “…growing up in a large, poor family in south London, wartime evacuation, migrating to Australia as a ten-pound Pom, working as a secretary in the 1950s and 60s. Betty certainly shares my mum’s fierce feminist energy and the frustration of being an intelligent woman born too early to use her ability to the full.“ (https://www.betterreading.com.au/news...) The book describes the kinds of historical changes that have come about for women through themes such as poverty, war, migration, marriage, and motherhood.
You can tell that Debra Oswald is a screen writer. There is a LOT of description of what is visually going on – but not a lot of depth. Most of the characters are a bit one-dimensional – the gay man with the heart of gold, the brutish first husband, the stubborn (but loyal) Greek friend. Betty herself has great resilience and is described well but I wanted more showing, less telling.
You can tell that Debra Oswald is a screen writer. There is a LOT of description of what is visually going on – but not a lot of depth. Most of the characters are a bit one-dimensional – the gay man with the heart of gold, the brutish first husband, the stubborn (but loyal) Greek friend. Betty herself has great resilience and is described well but I wanted more showing, less telling.
April 10, 2025
For Erica. ❤️
An individual human life spanning a century is so hard to imagine especially when I realise I’m not even halfway there. My great aunt lived to 103 - oh for more time with her!
Protagonist near centenarian Betty/liz/Lizzie is an extremely adventurous and formidable character who will make you wonder what you’re doing with your life.
But the many characters and their experiences will touch your heart and provide reassurance that time, and some positivity and perspective help even the hardest things to become bearable. And that life will possibly go on for a very, very long time. It’s a total celebration of LIVING.
Cleverly you feel like you’re in a (long) yet intimate chat with a dear older friend for the duration of the book. Betty feels so real and vital you wonder if you are reading a true, in parts, story. It’s a marathon but also a front row seat to a century where everything changed and changed again. I loved older Betty a LOT, she’s very relatable.
Reading this book straight after Gina Chicks autobiography was a good pairing - some of the parallels were uncanny and both extremely inspiring.
A must read. Grateful to have met Betty.
An individual human life spanning a century is so hard to imagine especially when I realise I’m not even halfway there. My great aunt lived to 103 - oh for more time with her!
Protagonist near centenarian Betty/liz/Lizzie is an extremely adventurous and formidable character who will make you wonder what you’re doing with your life.
But the many characters and their experiences will touch your heart and provide reassurance that time, and some positivity and perspective help even the hardest things to become bearable. And that life will possibly go on for a very, very long time. It’s a total celebration of LIVING.
Cleverly you feel like you’re in a (long) yet intimate chat with a dear older friend for the duration of the book. Betty feels so real and vital you wonder if you are reading a true, in parts, story. It’s a marathon but also a front row seat to a century where everything changed and changed again. I loved older Betty a LOT, she’s very relatable.
Reading this book straight after Gina Chicks autobiography was a good pairing - some of the parallels were uncanny and both extremely inspiring.
A must read. Grateful to have met Betty.
March 16, 2025
Given its 100 year span - Betty’s personal life and growth is explored both in itself and within the context of some of the triumphs and horrors of modern history. Betty would be just a tad younger than my own grandmothers and while I always saw these amazing humans as resilient, resourceful and for one in particular, a diamond who always brought joy and frivolity to every occasion, Oswald’s writing broadened my understanding and increased my awe of what it would have been like to step into womanhood in the shadows of WWII. Quite frankly - this book is a testament to the trials and tribulations endured and sadly, still being endured, by many women. In my eyes, ‘One hundred years of Betty’ heralds Betty as an icon for the ages - for all the ages! I was a huge fan of ‘Offspring’ in the 2000’s and no wonder, with the prose of the amazingly talented Oswald being able to capture real-life events with heart, compassion, warmth and drama. If you are a lover of strong women - do yourself a favour and read this book!
October 21, 2025
4 / Betty is putting pen to paper about her one wild and precious life as her 100th birthday approaches. Hearing Jennifer read the audio though, it feels like Betty has recorded her memoir, and even the word reading has been changed to listening, so it feels considered and authentic.
We learn so much about Betty / Beth / Liz, along with many historical events in England, Australia and the world over her 100 years, it’s easy to forget this is a fictional character.
What a life Debra has created for Betty, she’s a resilient, smart woman, stoic but full of love, with a realistic awareness of the world around her and a willingness to give anything a go.
A lovely escape read.
Below are a few of my favourites
“If you’re going to be sad, it might as well be in the sunshine.”
“And I think doubt is a sign of intelligence of the appropriately humble variety.”
4 ⭐️ Audiobook read by Jennifer Vuletic
We learn so much about Betty / Beth / Liz, along with many historical events in England, Australia and the world over her 100 years, it’s easy to forget this is a fictional character.
What a life Debra has created for Betty, she’s a resilient, smart woman, stoic but full of love, with a realistic awareness of the world around her and a willingness to give anything a go.
A lovely escape read.
Below are a few of my favourites
“If you’re going to be sad, it might as well be in the sunshine.”
“And I think doubt is a sign of intelligence of the appropriately humble variety.”
4 ⭐️ Audiobook read by Jennifer Vuletic
September 6, 2025
This book felt like it took 100 years to read. It just went on and on and I felt it was quite artificial with Betty’s life framed to fit into the major happenings of the last hundred years. As well Betty had experienced it all, from domestic abuse to drugs to living off grid. You name it she’d lived it or known someone that had.
The characters also didn’t come across as authentic. Her husband went from mild and loving to abusive, her daughter also changed personality completely.
Maybe it was written to be used for a television adaptation but as a book it came across as shallow chick lit!
The characters also didn’t come across as authentic. Her husband went from mild and loving to abusive, her daughter also changed personality completely.
Maybe it was written to be used for a television adaptation but as a book it came across as shallow chick lit!
April 6, 2025
A lovely, if not a little long, story of one woman’s life and all the people she loved.
Told by 99 year old Betty, just before her 100th birthday. This journal style novel tells the story of Betty throughout her 100 years, I thought it was good but I found by age 50 I was a little bit over it. The second half was good but I found the voice of Betty a little bit hard to believe at times, like 85 Betty being all over social media…
But overall a nice read
Told by 99 year old Betty, just before her 100th birthday. This journal style novel tells the story of Betty throughout her 100 years, I thought it was good but I found by age 50 I was a little bit over it. The second half was good but I found the voice of Betty a little bit hard to believe at times, like 85 Betty being all over social media…
But overall a nice read
September 1, 2025
I was totally wrapped up in this book. It was written like a memoir but was definitely fiction. A great illustration of how society changed both in UK and Australia. The author created one of my favourite Aussie dramas, Offspring. I found the book was well written, funny in places and sad in others and Betty was a very likeable character
June 5, 2025
Riverbend Book Club Jun-25. 2.5*
Ugh, “spoiler alert”. Chick-lit Forrest Gump with all the DEI and social justice narratives rolled in rather than adventure. Persevered for book club. In no way read like the voice of a 100 year old. Fair amount of pity party. Thankfully it was an easy read.
Ugh, “spoiler alert”. Chick-lit Forrest Gump with all the DEI and social justice narratives rolled in rather than adventure. Persevered for book club. In no way read like the voice of a 100 year old. Fair amount of pity party. Thankfully it was an easy read.
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