Writer, public speaker and former global CEO Nigel Marsh
discovers - and loves -
A.B. Facey’s classic, A Fortunate Life.
The last title my local book club chose was the Australian classic
A Fortunate Life by A. B. Facey.
I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that as a Pom I’d never
heard of it before. Having devoured it in two sittings I am now recommending it
to anyone who will listen. I found it rewarding on so many different levels
beyond simply being a cracking good yarn.
My first reaction was a slightly conflicting one as it made
me feel like an over-privileged worthless whining earthworm. I am currently in
the process of publishing my third memoir [Fit, Fifty and Fired Up] and my concerns seem so trivial
compared to the challenges Facey had to deal with.
Secondly, I loved how it gave an insight into the birth of
this great nation. Having only been here for ten years, I lack a natural
historical connection to the early days. Facey’s story has given me a powerful
emotional feeling for the foundations of the society we now all enjoy.
Thirdly, the description of the enormous effort and time
involved at the turn of the century in traveling even the shortest of distances
was a wonderful reminder of how different our grandparents geographical
possibilities were to ours today. My grandfather left the county he was born in
(Devon) only once in his entire life, yet my own children have already been
around the world a number of times.
Fourthly, I was fascinated by the often devastating role
alcohol played in the lives of people Facey met. If he himself hadn’t been a
lifelong abstainer I fear his story would have been predictably and tragically
different.
My fifth reaction surprised me as I have read a lot about the First World War and I
thought I’d hardened myself to the tales of the unspeakable horrors that
occurred. Apparently not, as I wept anew as Facey told his personal version.
But my sixth and lasting reaction is just how damn inspiring
the book is.
A line from the afterword captures the essence of the man
well: “His guiding star became hope. There was always tomorrow and the promise
of a fresh start. His hope came from facing and surmounting adversity and
became a practical belief in the wholeness of most men despite the evil
encountered in some.”
Words to live by.
I only wish I’d come across the book earlier.
You can read Nigel's own new book, Fit, Fifty and Fired Up
You can enjoy Nigel Marsh in one of the most-watched "TED" talks http://www.ted.com/talks/nigel_marsh_how_to_make_work_life_balance_work.html
You can buy these or any books from our affiliate booksellers. Check top right.
You can buy these or any books from our affiliate booksellers. Check top right.
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