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Apollo and Thelma
A True Tall Tale
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Format: Hardback
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Apollo and Thelma
$5000
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Apollo and Thelma appeals to readers interested in Australian biography and history, those drawn to stories of resilience and character, and anyone who appreciates a rich blend of memoir, social reflection, and cultural exploration.
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See moreA humorous and quintessentially Australian story, from broadcaster Jon Faine, a trusted and respected observer of Australian life
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
In Apollo and Thelma, broadcaster and lawyer Jon Faine shares a yarn that has enthralled him for forty years, taking him from Melbourne’s depression-era slums to the isolation of the outback.
Apollo and Thelma have been a constant in Jon Faine’s life for decades. As a young lawyer, he was captivated by his favourite client, the Mighty Apollo, a legendary strongman and circus star, famous for pulling trams with his teeth and having an elephant stand on him. Apollo’s sister, Thelma, on the other hand, ruthless and rugged, had survived decades running solo one of the most remote pubs in the outback until unexpectedly dying, leaving behind a complicated estate.
Befriending Apollo and immersing himself in Thelma’s estate, Jon is forced to untangle a long line of astonishing stories and episodes in our distant and recent history that keep intersecting with his own. Via the circuitous route of these two larger-than-life characters – alongside a supporting cast of characters from the world of politics, law, literature and media – Jon reflects on their stories and is inevitably forced to rethink his own.
Apollo and Thelma is a uniquely Australian story, beautifully told.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
‘It’s intimate, yet deals with massive, very Australian issues. It made me weep… It made me question whether life is chaos or if indeed there are big swirling, beautiful patterns if only we cared to look. I’m so glad Faine looked.’ – Jaye Chin-Dusting, Mary Martin Bookshop
‘The Australian book of the year. I was riveted.’ – Peter Goers, ABC Radio Adelaide
‘Intriguing and entertaining mix of biography, memoir and social commentary’ – Steven Carroll, The Age
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781743797082
Publisher: Hardie Grant Books
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 30 March 2022
Country: Australia
Imprint: Hardie Grant Books
Illustration: colour sections x 3
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 34.0mm
Width: 153.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 677g
Pages: 384
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About the Author
Jon Faine is an award-winning journalist who, until October 2019, hosted the agenda-setting morning broadcast for ABC Radio in Melbourne for more than twenty years. Before joining the ABC in 1989 to host ‘The Law Report’ on Radio National, Jon had practised for seven years in both commercial litigation and as a legal aid/human rights advocate. He regularly contributes to major newspapers with opinion pieces, has been nominated for three Walkley awards, and does countless conference presentations, panel moderations, guest lectures and public events. His best-selling travel book was published by ABC books. Jon is well known for his provocative and probing debate, quick wit and thought-provoking ideas.
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