Black Sunday

by Evan McHugh

Davey only wants to be one thing: a lifesaver. In his world, they’re larger-than-life, walking, talking heroes. He’s too young, but he starts to train in secret, challenging himself in the Bondi surf. But his secret comes to light one hot Sunday in 1938–a day that was to become infamous.
This story is set against the colourful world and characters of Bondi, after the Depression and just before the start of World War II, as ominous signs emerge from Europe and Jewish refugees arrive in Bondi.

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2016

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, fact-filled book set in the 1930s with particular reference to the life of a would-be lifesaver growing up in idyllic Bondi.

[☆*:.｡. Elisha.｡.:*☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟
The writing style was different than I’m used to, but it was interesting. I wish Jamie was in the book more tho, since he is David’s brother.

Pros: -Better than my other school book
-Pretty short
-The ending was mid

Cons: -WHY DOES KINDLE NOT SHOW WHAT PAGE UR ON?!
-I wish the black Sunday bit was longer, since that is like, the main part of the book. Like maybe more entries in one day or just a rlyyyy long journal entry.

I like how David’s relationship with Mrs Kearsley went from like, bad -> good -> not as good as before -> pretty good (fish n chips besties ❤️). But I wish that happened with David and his friends. Like he did something rly bad and he had to like forgive. Bc I don’t find Mrs Kearsley that interesting, so I didn’t rly care when she talked about what happened 2 her husband. But if that problem were to happen to rachel…..THAT WOULD BE BETTER. Cuz she is def the most interesting character in the book.

Anywaysss, this book was like, mid, but it was still better than my other school book so I’ll still count that as a win :).

[Ella Daveson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book at the beginning of the year and it was very interesting and a great read. I couldn't put the book down and was often losing track of time whilst reading it.
People I know have read it and would recommend it to most people too. I think this was based on a true story and if it was then Evan McHugh has done loads of wonderful research.
The reason I did not rate this book five out of five stars is because I think Evan tried to make the boy in the story who is writing the journal too australian. Like with the way of talking and writing things is what people think australians say but most people don't. however besides that this book was great and anyone above 10 years of age should read it!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be teaching this novel next year, and as I write lesson plans and assessments I’m sure familiarity will breed contempt, but from this first read through I really enjoyed Evan McHugh’s historical fiction. Nipper is believable and his diary entries are engaging and enjoyable to read. The actual events of Black Sunday are only a small part of the book, but written very well. Overall a great book that I’m happy we have chosen as our Year 7 English text.

[Joanie222 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Roman Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it was extremeley engaging and very interesting.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting and tactful. I thoroughly enjoyed McHugh's account of one of the most unexpected and largest mass (beach) rescues in Australia in the late 30s. Ironically I had come across old newspaper reports about this day in February 1938 whilst researching another topic. I was astounded and shocked by what I uncovered. When Black Sunday was released a few weeks later, I jumped at the chance to learn more.

McHugh's use of simple diary entries by 12 year-old David McCutcheon aka Nipper to detail the events leading up to Black Sunday, entreats intimacy and candor whilst painting a vivid picture of Bondi and its surrounds on the eve of WW II. Even those who have never swam in Bondi's ever changing waters or basked on her golden beaches will gain a strong sense of place and time.

The actual event itself is not over dramatised rather occurring naturally after a nine month relationship with Nipper, his diary and the colourful cast of characters that people his life. There is a beautiful balance of emotion, history and humanity in this Australian Story which pays homage to heroes in every guise not lease of which those that serve Surf Lifesaving Australia. Respect in the highest. Recommended for primary and lower secondary readers.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best thing I got from this book was learning about an event in Australian history that I never knew anything about. It was amazing to read such a fictional book based on a true story and one that was in my own country. I loved the way the book was in a diary and how the story developed. At one stage I was scared I was going to get right to the end and be left with no answer as to what 'Black Sunday' was, but the author gave enough detail and time to leave the book finished and closed. An amazing read with great characters and an ever developing story line that held my interest right the way through.

[Madeleine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very boring. I did not really enjoy it. It sort of went on and on for half of the book about him wanting to be a lifesaver then in one chapter he happens to save his teachers life and it’s back to him wanting to be a lifesaver. It could have been a lot more interesting and it was kind of boring. I also did not like that it was written in a diary format and the writing was clumsy in places.

[Amanda Caddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of Black Sunday, so I was intrigued before even opening the book.
It was an easy read, it’s a wonderful story about life before World War 2, and includes all the simple things that make you miss life as a kid.
It got to a point where I couldn’t put it down, I enjoyed it all the way through.

[Poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

KT. The best thing about this book is that it is about surf life saving and you learn about the history behind black Sunday. I also love how the book makes me feel like i am on the beach with nipper and his family and friends. Black Sunday is a really good book and you should read it.

[Sharlene Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! A diary gives it such a personal insiders feel and all the historical elements that were creatively adjusted in the story are explained at the end of the story which is really good for those intrigued to dig deeper into this past event.

[Mollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story. It made learning about the history of Black Sunday easy and almost enjoyable. Would highly recommend to all Australians who live on the coast - an important read to understand the history of our lifesavers.

[Julie Teacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely excellent story about an extraordinary piece of Australian history. Told through young Davey’s eyes and experiences. Extra special if you are familiar with the area in and around Bondi Beach.

[Debbie Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting period of history. Writing was a little clumsy in places and the actual incident was hardly a feature. A bit disappointing.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story was good, learnt a lot about Bondi's history. Kids really like it. Diary format a bit unbelievable.

[Jack Elmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

i liked it because its an austrailan story

[Oneli]

interesting story, i felt it dragged for a little bit but overall it was a good read

[Reuben Wesson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great inspiration stpry that shows even if you are young you still can save somebody. It also was a great historical recount and gave an accurte view of black sunday.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read with a great story
I love Australian authors writing about Australia

[Kamini Goh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page 176 will shock you - a great read.

[Scarlette Latte · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good, with great character and plot build up, however, the climax was rather unsatisfactory and didn't have an immediate ending.

[Judy Wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Nipper wants to be a Beach Inspector and Lifeguard life his Grandfather. Growing up on Bondi he’s determined to train to make sure he’s good enough to be selected. Secret practice swims before school in preparation for his Bronze Medallion are all part of his plan.
School is not enjoyable for Nipper and he can’t wait until he’s thirteen and can leave. His teacher wants all the class to write a diary about their lives. Nipper’s first entry is his dream of wanting to be a lifeguard. He’s in big trouble when he won’t show it to his teacher. “Just like his brother.”
How does Nipper find his path? Will he join his brother working of the dairy farm or will he be a lifeguard?
I enjoyed the real history of Bondi in 1937 and ‘38. Nipper was a vivid character as were the other children.
Recommended for 10+

[Kirsti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, if I knew this was a diary style book, I probably wouldn't have read it. Some people enjoy diary style, but I disconnect and poof! book ruined. Although I liked the character of Nipper/David, I prefer a more general narrative to get to know my characters. There was definite growth in his character, shown over the progressive chapters of his life. It kind of felt like Black Sunday was just a chapter however, and not a huge, monumental event. Maybe that was just my reader disconnect, but yeah.

Interesting to get a glimpse into a part of Australian history and way of life however, and this book is definitely well researched. That was the part I liked the most I suppose; the in depth research. I think most Australians will like this as well, because if I forgive the diary style writing, I love being Australian and this captures that feeling exactly.

Two stars, but oddly enough I still recommend trying it.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nipper (David McCutcheon) hated school and was looking forward to leaving as soon as he turned 13. Nipper lived at Bondi and loved the beach. His heroes were the lifesavers and that was what he wanted to be.
This story is told through Nipper's diary. It involves the events leading up to and including Black Sunday, 6th February, 1938 when 5 people died and over 200 had to be rescued from wild seas.
Black Sunday would make a helpful addition to Stage 3 History resources. It shows how social conditions, beach culture, clothing, schooling, and money of the 1930s have changed over time. It references WW1 and the Depression.
An enjoyable read with lots of likable characters.

[Michelle Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library because it presented something I knew nothing about, Australia's biggest beach lifesaving rescue at Bondi in 1938. It was written as a series of diary entries by a young lad, Nipper, who wants to be a lifesaver himself. It is set amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression and the eve of the Second World War and the flood of immigrants who would come seeking safety in Australia. Often historical novels for children are geared towards girls, but this is a great tale for boys and girls alike. Particularly those with an interest in surfing.

[St Stephen's C C]

Nipper only wants to be one thing: a lifesaver. In his world they're larger than life, walking, talking heroes. He's too young, but he starts to train in secret, challenging himself in the Bondi surf. But his secret comes to light one hot Sunday in 1938 - a day that was to become infamous.

[Crt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it after my daughter couldn't put it down. Set in 1930s Australia, Bondi Beach, describes the year in the life of "Nipper", in the form of a diary.

[emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historically accurate and entertaining.