Brian E Turner's Plays and Novels 
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     The Road Goes On is an historical novel set in New Zealand in the first half of the twentieth century. It tells the life story of a swagman, Rowdy Jack, so called because he is a quiet man. The swagman is a phenomenon that has virtually disappeared from our  modern society. Called in other cultures a tramp, he was a homeless wanderer who carried his total possessions in a swag. He survived by stopping at farmhouses and doing odd jobs for a meal and shakedown. The book presents an authentic picture of this way of life.

 The book is not entirely about swagmen however. Before he hit the road John Johns (to give him his real name) had a rich and varied life. Arriving from England an orphan child n 1913 he was adopted by his eccentric aunt and uncle. The story follows the tragedies and joys of his life that shape his character. His friendship with a boy of German descent during the first world war. His marriage and the subsequent death of his wife during the depression. The pages of the book are crowded with a variety of characters, drawn with insight and affection.  

The book may be purchased from the publisher, the Earl of Seacliff.

TITLE              The Road Goes On
AUTHOR         Brian E Turner
PUBLISHED    2003
CATEGORY    Novel
FORMAT         Paperback
EXTENT           249 pages; 24 cm
ISBN                1-86942-031-4
PRICE              NZ  $35