It's your shout, mate!: Aussie pubs and Aussie beers

by John O'Grady

Book by O'Grady, John

103 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

John O'Grady did not set out to be a writer. A pharmacist and founder of the Sydney Repetory Theatre, he occasionally wrote one-act plays for its benefit. After mocking his brother Frank's historical fiction, John accepted a bet that he could write a book and get it published. They're a Weird Mob was surprisingly successful, the first of his 18 books to be published.

Reviews

[Daren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of interest to beer drinkers, and those who have visited Australia - who drink beer, I guess. In this short novel John O'Grady tells the story of James McIntosh - a pom on a reconnaissance journey for this British employer - a brewery, travelling around Australia to write a report on the viability of entering the market.
In his journey Jim visits every state, and samples extensively, taking brewery tours and interviewing staff and customers alike.

Anyone who has visited more than one state of Australia and attempted to order a beer will no doubt be amused by the constant explanations of fives, sevens, midis, pots, schooners and pints, and of course how every state is the benefactor of 'the best beer in the world', complete with justifications.

This is the first of John O'Grady's books I have read, despite owning a few. For Kiwi readers it is a bit reminiscent of Barry Crump's writing.

4 simple and amusing stars.

[Kris Ashton · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this slim tome, O’Grady explores the peculiarities of Australian beer production and drinking culture in various states. For whatever reason (probably at his publisher’s behest in an effort to recreate the success of They’re a Weird Mob) he chose to deliver his research through the perspective of an English narrator visiting Australia on behalf of his company to investigate the commercial viability of setting up a brewery. It’s the flimsiest of literary conceits and does nothing but distract from what is otherwise a valuable cultural snapshot of early 1970s Australia – one that is close to unrecognisable in 2024 with its myriad microbreweries, wineries and gin distilleries.

[Shae · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's about an awful lot of beer. Definitely funny throughout, but I feel bad for the poor guys liver.