The Boys From Binjiwunyawunya

Les Norton #3

by Robert G. Barrett

NOW AN ABC TELEVISION DRAMA STARRING DAVID WENHAM AND REBEL WILSON

There's no two ways about Les Norton-the carrot-topped country boy who works as a bouncer at Sydney's top illegal casino. He's tough and he's mean. He's got a granite jaw , fists like hams, and they say the last time he took a tenner from his wallet Henry Lawson blinked at the light.Lethal but loyal, he's always good for a laugh. In this, the third collection of Les Norton adventures, Les gets his boss off the hook. But not without the help of the boy from Binjiwunyawunya.
Les then finds himself in a spot of bother in Long Bay Gaol then in a lot more bother on a St. Kilda tram in Melbourne.

Genres: Audiobook, Humor, Action, Fiction

315 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

G’day.
You’ve no doubt read a lot of things about me and my books over the years written by other people. Well, this is the truth. I grew up in Bondi in Sydney, Australia. I went to Bondi Beach Public School then on to Randwick Boys High. I left school at 14, did a few odd jobs then a trade as a butcher, mainly in the Eastern suburbs before finally working as a boner in various meatworks around the inner city with two trips to Ross River meatworks at Townsville, Queensland thrown in. I gave up boning after a hindquarter fell on me tearing the tendons in my right arm. I always liked writing letters and reading, so while I was on worker’s compensation I did three writing courses at the WEA, Worker’s Education Authority.

Robert died of cancer at his home in Terrigal, New South Wales.

Reviews

[Chris Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear five star rating for the entertaining book. 2 novella this time, while the first two books are more on stories. Listen to the audiobooks, great entertainment.

[Grant Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also St Kilda Kooler in book

[Simon Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book featuring the venerable Lesley Norton and probably better than its two younger siblings.

'The Boys from Binjiwunyawunya' is basically one of a kind when it comes to telling a story. Bob's ability to carve out a sense of place was one of his greatest qualities as a wordsmith. I almost felt myself dusting off the cobwebs when reading about the hotel in Redfern.

While 'St Kilda Koola' might draw some cynicism due to its similarity with the infamous 'Bowen Lager' foray, it still has its idiosyncrasies which set it apart from the latter. The church incident surely has to be one of Les's greatest adventures, does it not?

All in all, I can't wait to sing my fangs into his next one.

[Adam Peters · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was Ok. Very long and drawn out. Took a long time to get anywhere at first. A lot less action in the first half of the book than I expected, after reading the first 2 Les Norton novels. It's the eighties in Sydney and things were different then, but I still can't see an Aussie Bouncer Bloke drinking all that tea!

[Russell Horton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barrett could certainly "spin a yarn" yet I found this hard to read due to pacing and at times, subject matter. (probably why Mr Barrett is considered non PC with some readers/critics) I'm glad I continued to read this despite thinking otherwise at points during reading.

[D'face · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of entertaining stories, black magic in Redfern, a church burning in Victoria. Les always seems to land on his feet.

[Veronica-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love the Les Norton series. So over the top, down to earth, hilariously funny and a jolly good read always. Les has a time of it in jail for a minor offense which he in his usual blunt way optimizes for full effect as only the rough but heart of gold bouncer can! Highly recommended for those who need a good laugh! Warning! No prudes allowed.

[Anthony Bosco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another serviceable entry in the Les Norton series. I got into these books as a teen because my dad was reading them whilst working night shift. They're a bit of fun but the writing style does become rather tedious and predictable after you've read one or two of Barret's books.

[Jonny Gibbings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced and bloody funny. Basic solid good read. Just a real pleasure, like a cold beer on a hot day.I want to be Les Norton.