1931 Tough Times by S. Mitchell (Puffin Books)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 9789143398910
Reviewed by Dianne Bates
If you’re a child aged 8 to
12 years who wonders what it would have been like to live in Australian during
the 1930’s Depression, this is the book for you. The historically fictional
story, part of the Do You Dare series, is set in Melbourne where Tom Parker and
his mates, the Daredevils, enjoy playing cricket in the Fitzroy alleyways.
Tom’s Dad, who works in a boot factory, loses his job which has everyone
worried as employment lines are long and work is scarce. Dad invests the last
of his money – the rent money – on Phar Lap, racing in the Melbourne Cup, but
unfortunately this is a race in which the great horse is unplaced. This losing
bet places the family is peril as the rent man threatens to evict them. On top
of this, Dad gets drunk and then there’s no money at all. A determined Tom
feels it is up to him to find the ten pound that’s needed to save the family.
For this, he decides he needs the help of his mates and the family dog, Fungus.
Tough Times is an appropriate title for this novel
that manages to capture the spirit of the 1930s. Historical details ring true
so the reader becomes immersed in a world where people suffer through adversity
but do so with hope and hard work. Tom’s hopes hinge on Fungus being successful
in a competition offered by MacPherson Robertson (of chocolate fame and one of
the richest men at the time in Australia).
Time and again there are
exciting action scenes where cheerful characters and not-so-likable ones,
interact with one another. The themes of friendship, loyalty, self-belief and
hope are woven into a story which rings true, a time in Australia’s history
that helped to establish the nation’s character. Boys in particular are sure to
enjoy this uplifting, engaging and past-paced yarn.
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