Read by: Deidre Rubenstein
Publisher: Melbourne, Vic. : Bolinda Publishing Pty, Limited, 2011
(CD Audio)
Originally commemorated throughout the British Empire on Queen Victoria’s birthday in May, Empire Day was more commonly known as Cracker Night and celebrated by bonfires and the lighting of fireworks. On Empire Day 1948 we meet the residents of a street in Bondi, half of whom are Australian–born and half who are European migrants searching for a new life after WW2. Each person has their own misconceptions about their neighbours and these are tested and challenged as relationships evolve.
How did you celebrate Empire Day?
Click here for a sample
Hi Robyn,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful choice for your bibliography and I will look for this title (in book form) in my local library.
I have very mixed memories of cracker night when I was a kid - I am remembering both the excitement and anticipation in the lead up to the night, with the street in a flurry of activity. But also the sheer terror of poorly handled fireworks going off around me. I can certainly understand why we no longer celebrate in this way.
Love your work,
Megan.