Review of The Dirt Farmer's Son

[Jeremie Mondejar]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Dirt Farmer's Son" by Frederick Mulae.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Have you ever remembered your first impression when you were in a different place? The Dirt Farmer's Son
by Frederick Mulae is the story of an immigrant from Italy to Australia. It's the compelling journey of a young boy named Fortunato, who narrates his family's background in Italy until his family settles in Australia. Let's start to dig into the story from Fortunato's point of view.

Fortunato's father, Peppino, is a hardworking man and is the remaining son of Immacolata, his grandmother. While Peppino is cultivating the family's garden plot in the year 1947, he is also courting Teresina during the summer until their love comes to fruition. In the following year, Fortunato was born. When the garden wasn't enough to support the family, Peppino was sponsored by a family friend named Cosimo, who is already residing in Australia. Fast forward: Peppino's family grows in Australia. He and Teresina later had four daughters.

At school, Fortunato got a new name, Fred, from his teacher, Miss Henderson. He refers to himself as "Fred" or "Freddie" throughout the story. He made some friends, enjoyed biking, and had numerous shenanigans. Later, he worked as a real estate agent in Balmain. He also never deprived himself of several adventures with his best friend, Marcus. Suddenly, while on tour with a new friend, he missed Marcus. No one could ever replace Marcus as his best friend. Why? What happened to Marcus?

The best thing I like about this story is how detailed it is, from Fred's family background until he smoothly adapts to the Australian way of life. Readers will know the cultures of Italy and Australia from 1933 to 1971 as the author relives his memoir through writing during his earlier years of life in post-war Italy while merging his Italian upbringing with the lifestyle of Australia.

I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars because it's rich in historical accounts of the said countries, and I'm quite thrilled to see how people make a living without the so-called "advanced technologies" we have right now in the 21st century. Though it's a lengthy book, which I least like, Fred's career, Australian adventures, and his cruise tour thrilled me enough to finish this lengthy book.

Moreover, I appreciate the close-knit family bond, which makes me think that Italians are quite family-oriented, though Fred is living in a more liberated world. I also admire the camaraderie created through friendships, as I have seen it through Fred's careers and adventures. Lastly, the book has only minor typos, so I can say that Frederick Mulae's memoir book is professionally edited. The book is best for those who like to read memoirs. Those who are familiar with Australia and Italy will really appreciate the book.

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The Dirt Farmer's Son
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[Elina Tshabalala]

Leaving a place you spent most of your life in to go live elsewhere, in a foreign country takes guts and resilience. Can't wait to read this book

[The Keeper Jr]

Nice review. I completely understand how hard it is to settle into a new place, it is difficult in the beginning but later on, things can get better. The story seems interesting and you have introduced it very well. Thanks for the great review!

[Sasikala gupta]

As an ex-pat myself I completely understand the struggle of settling into a new country and finding different ways to adjust to a new way of life. Based on your review which is excellent makes me want to read this book.