Bøker av Joyce Lange Cowen

Now in her nineties, the author, in a fictional story, recounts the true events experienced by her family during decades of commercial trawler fishing on the mid north coast of NSW. Based out of Yamba, trawlers would have to negotiate the treacherous bar, the narrow channel through which the Clarence River entered the Pacific Ocean. With photos throughout, including of their trawler nearly capsizing when struck by a rogue wave in the bar, the story details many aspects of the life of a commercial fisherman. Suitable for readers from late primary upwards, it is a good introduction to the fishing industry and a fisherman's life.

Of the many girls who worked on dairy farms throughout 1930-1950 and who could not fulfill their aspirations, some left the farms, but many had to stay. The Second World War was taking so many of their brothers far away to keep the enemy at bay.Those who escaped the daily grind of the dairy worked in the local towns as waitresses, sales-girls, or in the telephone exchange. Some studied music, dress and pattern making. Some though continued their education at the local high school - they were the lucky ones. They were able to work as bank assistants, clerks, book-keepers and receptionists.In this short story, set in the mid 20th Century in rural north-eastern NSW, Janine longed to leave the 'farm girl' image, and its expectations of marriage and employment, behind her. It means some tough choices for her but love has a strange way of bouncing back.