Shear delight: Harry Hall’s bush yarns told afresh

Harry Hall used to tell stories to his five kids — at their urging — while they waited for dessert, the highlight of dinner. It was Adelaide in the 1970s, but it could have been anywhere. Some nights, Harry was ready with a story, and on others he had to be prompted. But if the quintet had to wait, it was worth it. “The wait never seemed long if we could get Dad to tell us one of his marvellous tales,” Julie Carbone said. “Whether it was a story about maggots or bunyips or a little church, Harry’s worn face would light up, his eyes twinkle, and he would begin. “For the next few minutes, dessert and everything else was forgotten as we were lost in the enthralling world of the outback Harry had known for so many years.” Now Harry, and his yarns — with a big Mid West flavour — are to be made public. Mrs Carbone has written about her dad and his memories in a book, titled Harry. “This is my first book, it’s much more fact than fiction, though I filled in the gaps,” Mrs Carbone, of Adelaide, said. “Dad captivated us with his yarns and inspired us with his life, and I trust this biographical fiction will do the same for readers. “Geraldton is one of the places Harry passes through. “He also spends a lot time in Mullewa, Yalgoo, Mount Magnet, Meekatharra, Gascoyne Junction, Boolardy and Carnarvon. “Shearing stations near these towns are the settings for a large part of the story, though their names have been changed. “Harry was only 18 when he ran away to the outback from a difficult childhood in post-World War I Adelaide. He discovered a rare talent for shearing and success gave him the confidence he’d only dreamed of . . . but it brought with it the biggest battle of his life. “Harry is a fictional narrative based on the true story of a profoundly deaf boy who endured bullying, abandonment and coming of age escapades. “Then as a man, he encountered the tough but honest breed of men from the Aussie bush where he discovered success, failure, true friendship and love. “It is filled with humour and hope.” Harry will hit the streets early next month.