Migrantweb.com Hostels Forum

aussietrekker · Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 4:02 am Post subject: The Winter Sparrows

There's a great book called The Winter Sparrows, by Mary Rose Liverani.
Every one of us will relate to it. It's the story of a Scottish family who emigrated from the Gorbals in Glasgow in the 1950's and some chapters are devoted to their stay at the Wollongong hostel. It's a great warts-and-all read, and such a laugh.

sagittarius · Active Member Joined: 08 Aug 2009 Posts: 13 Location: UK

I shall look out for that book - I love to read! Do you think it would be available over here?

stormfour · Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:27 pm Post subject:

oh yeah sounds like a must read,I am going shopping today with the elusive Linda so I will look for it in the book shop
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Carol Myers Altona Hostel Dec 1962 - June 1964

aussietrekker · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:30 am Post subject:

stormfour · Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 5:34 am Post subject:

There is one for sale on ebay for $49.00 and a $5 postage fee,I looked on the web at a site that sold second hand books,they had one for $50.00 then another one for $120.00 Shocked

I looked in all the bookstores in Fountain gate and Endeavour Hills,but it seems to be out of print,so looks like ebay is the best bet
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Carol Myers Altona Hostel Dec 1962 - June 1964

aussietrekker · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 1:10 am Post subject:

You could try borrowing it from the library- might save you a fortune.

stormfour · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:06 am Post subject:

Well yeah I could have if I had thought about it Confused

I have bought it now,so I will report on it when I have finished it,and then if anybody wants to read it they can . It is only a little book though,for that money i was expecting an encyclopedia Shocked

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Carol Myers Altona Hostel Dec 1962 - June 1964

Susan Gillet · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 4:09 am Post subject:

Got to wonder how they can charge such an exhorbitant amount for a small book. Wonder who made all the money; bet it wasn't the author.
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Resident of Altona Hostel, 1963-1965

stormfour · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 5:00 am Post subject:

Oh absolutely,still I suppose it is what they call buyer beware,I think I will write a book about life on the hostel,I could use this site as a source!!
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Carol Myers Altona Hostel Dec 1962 - June 1964

stormfour · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:27 am Post subject:

Well I am half way through the book ( been busy with kitchen reno ) and it is a little bit slow in places but a very amusing read,they have just arrived in Australia and having their first thoughts of the hostel,so we are on familiar territory now..will report back when I have finished!!!
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Carol Myers Altona Hostel Dec 1962 - June 1964