Loving Alan Marshall

Today I want to pay homage to one of Australias greatest storytellers, Alan Marshall. I ask you, is there anyone out there who DIDN’T enjoy reading I Can Jump Puddles? For me, this book continues to withstand the test of time, and my numerous re-reads as a child and as an adult.

And have you read his short stories? Personally, I believe that Alan Marshall really shines as a storyteller in his short stories. My particular favourite is The Gentleman, a wonderfully evocative tale about a spirited wild brumby, with an ending that’s both unexpected and immensely satisfying.

Of course, I am no Alan Marshall, but I have tried to learn from him. When I wrote my short story The Tide Turns, I had the final twist at the end of The Gentleman in mind. I hope I got it right. What do you think? Does the ending work . . . or not? https://bushtelegraphxpress.com/the-tide-turns/

By the way, the wonderful sculpture of Alan Marshall in this photo is by Marcus Skipper, and stands outside the Eltham Library. The photo was taken by Malcolm Cross in 2014.