Product Description

Through the story of two brothers who grew up in patriotic, suburban Melbourne, George Johnston created an enduring exploration of two Australian myths - that of the man who loses his soul as he gains worldly success, and that of the tough, honest, Aussie battler. It is a TV miniseries due in 2001.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2143786 in Books
• Published on: 1992-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 385 pages

Customer Reviews

Insightful, Intruiging and Enjoyable
An intriguing story that fills the reader with conflicting and contrasting emotions. Gives an in-depth look at Australian suburban life pre WW2 and also an insight into Johnstons own life. Starting with David Merediths father coming home from WW1, David, as a 6 y.o., grows up often in the shadow of his brother Jack who is older, trendier, and more 'blokey.' David manages to get into Journalism and create a superficial happiness for himself and his wife, the story continues... Having to read this book for V.C.E. Literature (Victorian Certificate of Education, for those that aren't Australians) I was surprised to find myself enjoying it. Definitly worth the read as it is a great classic.

Melbourne in the 40,s
I'm sure that the critics and reviewers are correct in stating that this is a fine piece of literature and that it deserves all the accolades that it has won over the years,but it induced in me a terrible sense of claustrophobia and a feeling of melancholy.I was born in Melbourne and was a child during the years of W.W.2 so am very conscious of all the aspects of living in the closed,careful society that was Melbourne and its suburbs in the 40's. Not having had to think about that time for years,reading this book is,(to me)remembering the feeling of suffocation and also the feeling of being out of step with my family,even at that young age.My father believed that we all would be happier by "keeping your head down and fitting in".Perhaps My Brother Jack should be read by someone who grew up in a totally different environment and who would be fascinated by its culture.

Brilliant Coming of Age Story set in Australia
The story of a young boy growing up in Australia in the years leading up to World War II. Although not quite as good, it compares favorably to Joyce's Portrait of the Artist. The fact that this book is out of print is a sad commentary on our reading habits. This book should be required reading material in every school in the country.