We all know the distinctly Australian term, Half a Chance, is as optimistic as anyone could be. Half a Chance, the novel is a story of blind optimism in the face of incredible adversity as we follow the life path of Terry Martin the son of a knock-about shearer, Stephen and his young wife Shelly. The story begins not long after Terry is born in the early 1950's and follows the lives of the entire family through 22 addresses they have over the next 22 years. Stephen is a bit of Jack of all Trades in his life having survived as a tent show boxer, travelling musician, shearer and roustabout, shed cook and truckie. If only he could have stuck it out on the property things may have been very different for all concerned. A return to Melbourne and struggle street, the grog and the nefarious, sleazy side of city life in the 50's and 60's derail him and change their lives forever. This transition is seen through the eyes of his family in this poignant slice of Australian life which takes you from country Victoria to Melbourne and Sydney through the 1950's and 60's and 70's. Half a Chance is just what it says. Life is a gamble and every decision we make could affect the rest of not just our own lives but many of those with whom we are intertwined. Half a Chance not only has sex and drugs and rock and roll, but fills all the gaps in between. It will make you laugh and make you cry, but one thing for certain, you will not want to put it down. It's a winner because you will be a better person to have read it.
