Just in time to celebrate the Bridge’s 80th anniversary comes Vashti Farrer’s fascinating account of 1931 and the events leading up to its opening. Published as part of the My Australian Story series, the diaries are written from two different perspectives: Alice lives on the north shore and is the daughter of one of the engineers.  Billy is keeping his diary to share with his mate Bluey, whose Dad is out of work and whose family has been moved out to Happy Valley at La Perouse, home for the homeless. Billy’s father is a ‘donkeyman’ on the Bridge, and lucky to have work. The reality of the Depression and the politics of that time form an intriguing backdrop to the detailed information about the building of the bridge, while the characters gain our interest and sympathy.  I wasn’t born or educated in Australia so I found this book both a pleasure and an education to read. Well done, Vashti!

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