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Memoirs of a Young Bastard: The Diaries of Tim Burstall
One of the most evocative Australian diaries of modern times, this record contains the thoughts and musings of Tim Burstall, the famous film director, writer, and producer best known for the motion picture Alvin Purple . Beginning in the early 1950s, this journal chronicles the world of “arties” and “intellectuals” living in Eltham—then a rural area outside Melbourne—as well as the talk in pubs and studios about art, politics, sex, the Communist party branch meetings, political rallies, and film societies. With an eye for detail and an unerring ear for cant and pomposity, this book offers a behind-the-scenes account of a man eager to become a writer while juggling a public relations job and a few love affairs.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 25, 2020
This is a fascinating book both about how boring Melbourne in the 1950s was, and how complex Burstall's life and love affairs were at the time in an attempt to break out of that black and white world. Recommended for bohemians, fans of mud brick houses, communists, key party enthusiasts and artists.
February 23, 2014
I found this hard going, the author seems to be quite selfish and narcissitic and it was hard to feel anything but disgust for the way he treated the women in his life. Unless you were around during the early 1950's in Melbourne or are better versed in Melbourne history than I this is not worth the time.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews