Gone Fishin'

by John O'Grady, Nino Culotta, Neesh Santiago

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B000OGL3LK
• Release Date: January 1962
• Publisher: Ure Smith
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Fishin' with the old bloke

John O'Grady was unique among modern social commentators. Although raised in a rural environment, his return to Sydney sparked some deeper insight. When he began writing, it was to capture a picture of the city at its roots. His books, an "autobiographical" series purporting to be written by travelling journalist "Nino Culotta", have become Australian classics. When this one was published, the novelty had faded, but O'Grady's style had lost nothing from the passage of time. This book isn't to be compared to the earlier works by "Nino", but is simply an extension of his adventures but in another milieu.In this book he's retained the Nino identity. Directed by his doctor to rest from the intensity of the building trade, he joins a mate, Shorty, fishing the river. Fishing at night, the fisherman teaches Nino all the tricks from finding the fish to dealing with the authorities. Nino, always a quick learner, becomes adept at the trade. Nino meets other fishermen and Shorty's father, an irascible old codger. O'Grady's portrayal of the Old Man is superb, while Shorty himself is a composite of several individuals. Adding to the fun is the introduction of Nino's building trade mates to the fishermen. Those knowing Joe and Dennis, Nino's builder friends will encounter a welcome and unexpected surprise at the end of this book. O'Grady's books are classics for good reasons. He's always observant, witty and informative. While he's capturing a time and place in each account, there are reasons why his work will remain of interest for many years. In part, because the narrative demonstrates vividly what the Australian language has lost with the introduction of American-dominated global communications. His sense of humanity reaches beyond any limited locale in time or place and can find a welcome almost anywhere. Nino's expressions of humble acceptance, particularly of things imparted by those more knowledgeable, strongly reflects O'Grady's own outlook. It's an object lesson for us all. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]