The Little Larrikin by Ethel Turner

The Little Larrikin Reviews

• 
  Marianne

  The Little Larrikin is the fourth novel by Australian author Ethel Turner and was first published in 1896. It tells the story of junior Barrister Roger Carruthers who, 2 and 3 years after the death of his mother and father, spend his meagre income on funding his brothers’ education, and keeping house and home together. Martin has almost completed his medical degree at University; Clem will soon be finished high school; Phil still has some way to go at school and Lawrence (Lol), the Little Larrikin of the title, spends his days getting up to mischief with the local louts. Roger would love to marry budding artist Linley Middleton, but cannot offer her the lifestyle to which she is accustomed. This novel is an excellent portrait of family life in Sydney in the late 19th century. Turner includes the challenges of poverty, young love, romance, heartbreak, near tragedy but also plenty of humour. It is largely biographical and Turner admits that it is really a re-enactment of her romance with Herbert Curlewis, ultimately her husband, with herself disguised as Linley and Herbert as Roger. A charming read.
• 
  Jordan

  A beloved book with one of my all-time favorite love stories. I don't know how many times I've read this one after being lucky enough to get a copy on eBay years ago. It's very much the story of an Australian family, but it also touches on universal themes: love, sacrifice, class struggles, family ties. I'd recommend to anyone who has already read and loved L.M. Montgomery's works.