Introducing Dennis McIntosh
Posted by: Reading Victoria Moderator
5 January 2009
Dennis McIntosh is next Summer Read author blogging from 6 – 10 January.
His book Beaten by a Blow is one of the books on the Summer Read shortlist.
Dennis McIntosh was born in Townsville and grew up in Newcastle and Melbourne’s outer west. He has been a manual labourer for twenty years, a recovered alcoholic for ten years, and a student of writing for three. This is his first book.
Beaten by the Blow details the life of a hopeful young man who, through the sights, sounds – and smells – of the sheep-shearing sheds, learns the gritty lessons of life and all its hardships. Heavy work, heavy responsibilities and heavy drinking – all lead to this young man dropping the shears and picking up a pen to write this compelling memoir.
As part of the free Summer Read events across Victoria, Dennis will be appearing at:
• Richmond Library, 415 Church Street, Richmond on Tuesday 27 January 2009, 7.00 – 8.00 pm
For more information phone 1300 695 427 or book online at http://summerread4.eventbrite.com
• Shepparton Library, 41-43 Marungi Street Shepparton on Wednesday 28 January 2009, 6.00 – 7.30 pm
For more information phone 5832 1600 or book online at http://summerread6.eventbrite.com
• Barwon Park, 105 Inverleigh Road, Winchelsea
Join Dennis for a BBQ, coldie and a darn good yarn. Wander through this magnificent historic National Trust Homestead from 6pm; join us for a sausage and a coldie from the bar-b-que.
Borrow books from the mobile library and settle in the historic courtyard overlooking bluestone buildings for an evening of yarns from Dennis McIntosh.
For more information phone Annmaree Harper 5241 6151 or book online at http://summerread7.eventbrite.com
What Dennis says about summer reading
‘I’ll never forget a few summers ago I started reading ‘The Reader’ I quickly realized I had a great book on my hands and I stopped reading immediately. I did all my jobs, cancelled any appointments, locked myself in the house, shut the curtains, put the jug on and read it from start to finish. It was great. Then I went round trying to get other people to read it. When I find a great book I always want to share it with my friends, or anyone who’ll listen to me.’
September 17, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Hi Dennis, I tuned into ‘Beaten By a Blow’ book reading on RN only y’day and was immediately transported back to the best years of my life in rural South Australia. You’ve brought so many pleasant thoughts back to me. Through the eyes of an innocent child I vividly recall my sense of anticipation as the build-up towards shearing came around, with much activity mustering, yarding and penning of sheep; of dogs barking and men whistling commands, yelling, cursing; the excitement rising as the shearing team arrived; the thrill of anticipation racing home from the school bus up the hill and into the kitchen, breathlessly asking if we could please go down to the shed’ to watch shearing. We were allowed only on strict instructions to stay right out of the way. Shearing itself was mesmerising. By the age of 12 I knew every blow the shearer made and itched to have a go myself. I could absolutely press a bale of wool never-mind-being-a-little-girl-with-too-little-strength! The hectic pace and activity in the shed was riveting. The smells, the sounds, the unique atmosphere all flooded back as I listened to your wonderfully detailed and descriptive book reading. It stopped me in my tracks. And now I’m delighting in memories of the fun we had after knock-off time playing hide-and-seek in the steadily rising mound of wool bales awaiting loading. I’ll buy your book and treasure it, Dennis. Thank you. You’ve made my day! Regards, Sue from Echuca.
January 10, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Dennis,
I remember the shearing season on our farm growing up in rural NSW. It`s remarkable how you capture the sights, sounds, smells of the shed and rural life so vividly and involve us in your memorable story. Your personal journey of struggle and harshness is so honestly and poignantly expressed. It`s an important book from many viewpoints. It would be a great book for study in any literature course.
Of course all readers will want to know what happened to you next.
Can you comment on alcohol/addictions in out culture?
thanks dennis
Joan
January 7, 2009 at 1:06 am
Dennis - I thought Beaten by a Blow was a great read. Do you think the experience of young shearers today would be much different to yours? And what was the outcome of the New Zealanders/wide tooth comb debate?