- Published: 1 October 2019
- ISBN: 9780143795759
- Imprint: Random House Australia
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 368
Buckley's Chance
a new era of Australian non-fiction storytelling
- Published: 1 October 2019
- ISBN: 9780143795759
- Imprint: Random House Australia
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 368
Exceptionally well-researched, Linnell has delivered a terrific tale. The story is split into three sections that along with polished prose written in an unusual conversational style means that Buckley’s Chance is not your average historical biography. It’s vivid in its descriptions of not only Buckley but many figures of that time, as well as the setting and time period. William Buckley was an astounding character and Linnell does a brilliant job of bringing him to life on the page. I found Buckley’s Chance absolutely fascinating and highly entertaining. At the back of the book Linnell includes summaries of many of the other characters who appear along the way – what happened to them later. There is also a list of Wadawurrung clan names and locations, as well as more information about the First Peoples of Victoria. This is an important book not only telling the history of one white man, but this period of history for Australia’s First Peoples, in particular the Wadawurrung. It’s clear William Buckley sat on Garry Linnell’s shoulder as he wrote this book. I imagine he must be pleased with the result. A fabulous yarn. Highly recommended.
Better Reading
It is recounted in a fluid, poetic, but never overly florid, writing style that makes the book very easy to read and gives the author some lassitude to fill in some of the gaps in the historical record. He does this with speculations or recreations based on what is known about the era, on the stories that Buckley told about his life and on what might have been plausible for the time. This is an always compelling and very entertaining and insightful reworking of a familiar tale.
Troy Lennon, Daily Telegraph
Walkley Book Award
Longlisted • 2020 • Walkley Book Award