Man Called Possum: The Mystery Man Who Became a Legend

by Max Jones

This is the story of a bush legend of the 20th century. A man who shunned society and chose to live a life alone with nature, with the mighty Murray River as his lifeline for 54 years. Max Jones, a Detective Sergeant with the South Australian Police Force, became interested in "The Possum" and to why he had "gone bush". Was he a murderer on the run? Had he committed serious crimes that lead to him avoiding all human contact for years?

Max Jones' instincts as a police officer lead him on a 28 year quest to get to the bottom of the mystery. The Possum roamed hundreds and thousands of kilometres along the Murray, and often was not sighted for years at a time.

Max Jones, during breaks in his police duties, would set out in search of the Possum, often tracking him for many days, only for the Possum's tracks to disappear into the Murray where the recluse would swim across the river or seek refuge on one other many small islands in the river system. But Max persisted, and not only did he track down the Possum, he gained his confidence and heard the real reason why he had turned his back on society.

This is a remarkable story of survival against the odds and of two men who have established themselves in Australian outback folklore.

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Jen Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was an awesome book

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this close to home piece of history.

[Josie Awwad · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those old biddies that say “we didn’t have autism back in my day” need to take one look at this old Adelaide fella.

This biography about a man named Possum is constructed just okay, but it’s the content of the book that is seriously shocking. Jim is a fella that lived a fierce life, but also tragically lonely.

I think the author wanted us to focus on materialism as the central theme, and how content we could be with so little. However, I think we should instead focus on the lack of support that was in place in South Australia for those neurodivergent people in the first half of the last century.

A short little read, randomly suggested by the Libby app. Would I read again? No. But am I better off for reading this book? Yes.

[Dion Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the amazing Story of a New Zealander who became a swagman along the Murray River after he was refused a job as a shearer because his union fees were outstanding. The man who was colloquially named Possum, would work for free on farms, asking only for salt and matches in exchange. He was befriended by the author, a detective from Renmark who did his best to keep an eye out for Possum through the years. He went on to write this book which is a compendium on biographical stories, letters and newspaper articles. The book is a classic story of a legendary bushman. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes reading history, biographies or Australian stories.

[Maria Magdalena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read about a man who lived and survived walking along the Murray River and creeks, between Renmark and Wentworth, avoiding most human contact. Well written.

[Toni Greenwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading it, as he was related to my husband

[Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man who lived alone and off the land for 60 years on the Murray-Darling.

[Fayth Grann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in High school. Grade 9 or 10. I enjoyed it immensely for some reason.

One of the few biographies that I have read!

[Manas]

good