A Cartload of Clay

The Meredith Trilogy #3

by George Johnston

The third novel in the Meredith Trilogy which began with My Brother Jack and then Clean Straw for Nothing, A Cartload of Clay is technically unfinished as the author was still working on it when he died in 1970. It takes up the story of David Meredith when he returns to Australia after living for some years in Britain and Greece.

Genres: Fiction

159 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

George Henry Johnston was an Australia journalist, war correspondent and novelist. He published some thirty works, several of which were written in collaboration with his wife, the writer Charmian Clift.

Reviews

[Lord Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply moving. The 3rd in George Johnston’s autobiographical series.
Similar to Clive James’s reminiscences in his book series.
These are Australian expatriates who seemed to all flee the country in the post ww2 days to pursue a better life amongst likeminded intellectuals to avoid the ‘cultural cringe’ of being Australian.
I remember being entranced by Johnston’s idyllic life. It seemed such a wonderful way to live. The quiet life in an island village writing.
I loved all 3 books.
This 3rd book is terribly sad written at the end of his life. He has returned to Australia. The land he escaped. He finds his affection for his homeland while trying to find meaning in his life.
A very much underrated and beautiful book.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A semi autobiographical short, character based novel about fictional author David Meredith, now in middle age and in poor health. He is living in Sydney and whilst walking suburban streets, recalls his past. His partner, Cressida, of many years, has killed herself. A beautifully written novel. Highly recommended.

This book is the third book in the David Meredith trilogy. The first two books in the trilogy, ‘My Brother Jack’ and ‘Clean Straw for Nothing’ both won Miles Franklin Awards for fiction.

Whilst not completely finished at the time of the author’s death, I was quite satisfied with how the novel ended. The book is a reflective novel that describes life in suburban Sydney, Australia in the 1960s.

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I studied a My Brother Jack during high school so there is a sense of closure in finishing the trilogy. David Meredith is an aging widower and reflection on his past as he summons the strength to walk the length of his street. This novel is unfinished due to the author's death.