My Brother Jack
385
Novel • Fiction
Australia • 1940s-1950s
1964
Adult
18+ years
My Brother Jack by George Johnston is a semi-autobiographical novel set in Melbourne between the two World Wars, focusing on two brothers: Jack, a rugged, outdoorsman idealizing the mid-century Australian male, and David, a physically unimposing intellectual who becomes a journalist. The story explores their contrasting lives, career successes, personal struggles, and evolving relationships within a family marred by the trauma of World War I. The book includes detailed depictions of domestic violence and abuse.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Gritty
Bittersweet
2,941 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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George Johnston's My Brother Jack is widely praised for its vivid storytelling and rich character development, portraying Australian life from the 1920s to the 1960s. Reviews commend its authentic depiction of familial and societal struggles. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and the narrative too reflective at times. Overall, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Readers who enjoy My Brother Jack by George Johnston are likely captivated by rich, character-driven narratives and historical settings. Fans of A Fortunate Life by A.B. Facey and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee will appreciate Johnston’s exploration of personal growth and societal change.
2,941 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
My Brother Jack by George Johnston won the Miles Franklin Award in 1964, which is a prestigious annual literary prize awarded to a novel of the highest literary merit portraying Australian life.
The novel is semi-autobiographical, drawing heavily from Johnston's own experiences growing up in Australia and working as a journalist during World War II.
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My Brother Jack was adapted into a critically acclaimed Australian television mini-series in 1965, and it was later remade in 2001, showcasing the enduring impact of the story.
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385
Novel • Fiction
Australia • 1940s-1950s
1964
Adult
18+ years
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