Fifteen Hundred Down the Murranji

Bob Lunney

Crawford House Publishing

1997 $21.95

200p pbk

1-86333-141-71         

Fifteen Hundred Down the Murranji is a readable and funny book. It is a yarn that will appeal to older readers. The use of the vernacular creates realistic voices that almost resonated from the page. 

"You fella supposed to ride this fella horse, Bob, not chase him. I tink this filly too smart belonga you," says Albert to Bob when his rotten bloody crowbait throws him for the umpteenth time. 

The story is told using fun, light hearted banter, which provides a laugh per page.

Fifteen Hundred Down the Murranji, is written from notes taken by Bob Lunney in 1956 during one of the last long-distancce cattle drives in Australia. The author gives readers the opportunity to appreciate the hardship and beauty of central Australia, and the tenacity of the first settlers and drovers in the area. It provides fascinating and amusing insights into the lives of drovers.

Only through reading this book did I realise how little I knew about such a significant part of Australia's culture. I recommend this book to anybody who appreciates humour and has an interest in Australia's history or culture, or who simply loves a good story.

Emily, aged 16, Canberra, ACT  

This book is set in 1956 in Australia. It is about one of the last big cattle drives in Australia. This is an autobiography. Bob Lunney's main ambition is to be a pilot but he lacks the funds to pay for his training. He plans to go to the goldfields and make some money. On the way to the goldfields he meets the Little Brothers. They are cattle drovers who are looking for good men to help them with their next drove. They convince Bob that he would be better off with them. He is lured by the thought of a movie he has once seen that portrays the drover's life as comfortable and romantic. He learns that a drover's life isn't as romantic and comfortable as the film led him to believe. Bob experiences the hardships of a droving life, the danger, the hunger, and the conflict. He makes many friends, and unfortunately, a few enemies. He rises above his problems, confronts his enemies and faces a few of his fears.

This is truly a great story, made better for knowing it is true. I would rank this novel up there with A Fortunate Life and other such Australian classics. The book was made enjoyable for me by the frequent moments of humour and confrontation. I would give this book 8 out of 10, purely because I am not comfortable within this particular genre. I am more at home with fantasy. However for lovers of Australian books, indeed of any books, Fifteen Hundred down the Murranji is a must read.

Ben, aged 14, Canberra. ACT