The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke

Description

Within the first year of it being published, The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke sold no less than 60,000 copies. This is only a small hint at how popular this unique work of poetry had become, and of the continuing popularity it has gained throughout the next 100 years or so.

The verse novel, written by Australian poet and novelist C.J. Dennis, features a simple, yet highly insightful plot. It presents us with Bill, a mischievous young man who was introduced to a young woman he ends up marrying. The novel places particular emphasis on Bill’s transformation from the member of a violent gang to a loving father and husband who completely changes his outlook on life.

Bill and Doreen’s story evolves over time in a beautiful, and in some places extremely droll fashion. While Bill finds it difficult to talk to the girl at first, he soon realizes just how deep and meaningful their connection can become, and Doreen manages to have a remarkably positive influence on him.

What’s more impressive than the plot itself, however, is Dennis’ ability to pen poetry like it’s never been written before. With an outstanding mastery of situation and language humor and a firm grasp on the accent and voice associated with English as it was spoken in early 20th century Australia, he manages to paint a vivid and colorful picture of Bill’s mishaps and the events leading to the big day.

Dennis has been commended by Australians and English speakers from around the world for his unique portrayal of this verse novel. The Songs of a Sentimental bloke has even been made into a silent movie and later turned into a musical, becoming a testament of C.J. Dennis’ greatest work. The book remains to this day one of the most entertaining and unusual examples of high quality poetry ever written in the Land Down Under.
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