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Longtime passing
183 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1982
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 1, 2012
I read this book again as I had memories of reading it as a pre teen when it was first published and it made an impression that has lasted 40 years. Enjoyed it again - surprised that it is recommended for readers 10 and up especially as the first chapter seemed a bit "full on" (for want of a better word) for readers as young as ten. Was discussing this with my daughter and she thinks that kids are 'protected' more these days. Thinking about it I must have been 10 when I first read it and don't think it did me any harm.
November 20, 2019
This review is a guide for homeschool parents interested in using this book as part of their curriculum.
Keywords: Australian history, Blue Mountains, post WWI, pioneering family
Longtime Passing is set after WWI in the Blue Mountains. It is a true story.
Four brothers decide to settle in the Blue Mountains (above the Richmond area) where the weather is cooler. One of the brothers, Edwin, has a daughter who is not thriving. A doctor recommends the cooler weather so the family move into the mountains. It saves her life.
The book tells the stories of Edwin’s family, how they staked out their claim, built a bark hut, moved the family in and their life in the mountains. The story is told by Teddy who is the youngest member of the family. She is not actually born until 3/4 of the way through the book.
Hesba’s writing is fun to read and there are many humorous moments. I found the descriptions of the bush, farms and the track easy to follow. You get quite attached to the characters and I was often left musing over their life decisions.
Good points to learn from the story include the brothers willingness to work hard,
self sacrifice of the adults for each other and the family,
closeness of the children to each other and their love of the outdoors,
the contentment of the children despite their poverty,
And finally how time moves forward bringing adulthood and changes.
There are a few things to note and because of these I recommend the book for 12 years and over.
In the first chapter an aboriginal girl is caught by her tribe and murdered by being tied to a tree and run through with spears. This is a disturbing and graphic scene. The author also uses the word ‘lubra’ which is now an offensive term.
When the family are making their way up to the mountain for the first time, there is a storm and one of the horses panic. Letty, the mother starts to faint and Edwin strikes her across the face to wake her up. He commands her to see that the children are alright. It is a confronting scene that might disturb some readers.
There is tension between Edwin and Letty but it is subtle and may go over the heads of most young readers.
There is also tension between Edwin and his son. There is no explanation for this tension, it is just included in the story. To the son’s credit, it doesn’t make him bitter.
There were no others issues with language except the one mentioned above.
If you can have discussions with your child about these issues, and learn from them, the rest of the book is a valuable and enjoyable insight into life of a pioneering family in early Sydney.
Keywords: Australian history, Blue Mountains, post WWI, pioneering family
Longtime Passing is set after WWI in the Blue Mountains. It is a true story.
Four brothers decide to settle in the Blue Mountains (above the Richmond area) where the weather is cooler. One of the brothers, Edwin, has a daughter who is not thriving. A doctor recommends the cooler weather so the family move into the mountains. It saves her life.
The book tells the stories of Edwin’s family, how they staked out their claim, built a bark hut, moved the family in and their life in the mountains. The story is told by Teddy who is the youngest member of the family. She is not actually born until 3/4 of the way through the book.
Hesba’s writing is fun to read and there are many humorous moments. I found the descriptions of the bush, farms and the track easy to follow. You get quite attached to the characters and I was often left musing over their life decisions.
Good points to learn from the story include the brothers willingness to work hard,
self sacrifice of the adults for each other and the family,
closeness of the children to each other and their love of the outdoors,
the contentment of the children despite their poverty,
And finally how time moves forward bringing adulthood and changes.
There are a few things to note and because of these I recommend the book for 12 years and over.
In the first chapter an aboriginal girl is caught by her tribe and murdered by being tied to a tree and run through with spears. This is a disturbing and graphic scene. The author also uses the word ‘lubra’ which is now an offensive term.
When the family are making their way up to the mountain for the first time, there is a storm and one of the horses panic. Letty, the mother starts to faint and Edwin strikes her across the face to wake her up. He commands her to see that the children are alright. It is a confronting scene that might disturb some readers.
There is tension between Edwin and Letty but it is subtle and may go over the heads of most young readers.
There is also tension between Edwin and his son. There is no explanation for this tension, it is just included in the story. To the son’s credit, it doesn’t make him bitter.
There were no others issues with language except the one mentioned above.
If you can have discussions with your child about these issues, and learn from them, the rest of the book is a valuable and enjoyable insight into life of a pioneering family in early Sydney.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2012
This is not a review! I can't start a new book because I'm studying for exams, so I went for an old favourite from my childhood.
It was still good to read, but this time I really noticed the absence of aboriginal people. I think it is typical of 20th century Australian books, and not just ones for children, that aborigines are there to greet the settlers, guide the explorers, and then quietly and tactfully fade out. Not that I expect a children's book, about growing up in the fringes of cleared land during the Depression, to explain massacre or forced displacement! I'm just conscious now of the artificiality of their absence from the story.
(Ref Why Weren't We Told?)
It was still good to read, but this time I really noticed the absence of aboriginal people. I think it is typical of 20th century Australian books, and not just ones for children, that aborigines are there to greet the settlers, guide the explorers, and then quietly and tactfully fade out. Not that I expect a children's book, about growing up in the fringes of cleared land during the Depression, to explain massacre or forced displacement! I'm just conscious now of the artificiality of their absence from the story.
(Ref Why Weren't We Told?)
April 25, 2017
This story is set in my hometown and mentions many places in the region which are familiar to me. So obviously I loved it. Thanks to my dear choir friend for lending me her copy!
September 3, 2024
This Book of the year 1972 was sent to me by my dear Aussie friend, Lea. It is a story about the development of a place in the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney, Australia. I loved the start and the characters and the setting.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews