More Memoirs: Little Princes by Conor Grennan / Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert / My Salinger Year by Joanna Rakoff / Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls by David Sedaris / The Gunners of Shenyang by Yu Jihui About the Author, Albert FaceyĪ.B. OR listen to the audiobook FREE with Audible’s Trial (check eligibility) The stark perspective this unassuming title can shine on our everyday trifles is a gift to a modern reader.īOOK RATING: The Story 5 / 5 The Writing 2.5 / 5 - Overall 3.75 Get your copy of A Fortunate Life from: Facey’s approach to life and inner strength was far from ‘ordinary’. He neither glorifies hardship nor wears it like a badge he simply appreciates the good whenever and in whatever form it comes. I think it is the understated and matter-of-fact description of the many traumatic events that peppered Albert Facey’s life, including his landing at Gallipoli, that is the key to A Fortunate Life’s ability to move its audience. Pure of heart, he is fiercely loyal to those that treat him well, keeps his promises and stands up for himself and others when able to do so. He either likes them or he doesn’t, he either enjoys or does not enjoy being around them.

It was a feeling of wonder – not lonely, not afraid – a feeling of independence.Ī Fortunate Life‘s straight-talking narrative contains no pretence and Albert expresses his feelings about the many people he meets in the simplest and most direct terms. Albert’s humble tale is one of resilience and ingenuity through unimaginably difficult childhood circumstances.

Just the fact that Albert found himself in a position to pen his experiences at such a ripe old age is nothing short of amazing. It is a privilege to have read this simply told story of a man described as ‘ordinary’. BOOK REVIEWĪ B Facey’s memoir is one of the Australian classics that I have always wanted to read but am ashamed to say never seemed to find time for until now. Disclosure: If you click a link in this post and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission.

Albert facey a fortunate life