11 Ruby Road 1925

By Charlotte Barkla

Reviewed by Margaret McKay Lowndes

Charlotte Barkla has structured her historical fiction series around a single address, 11 Ruby Road, and 1925 is the second instalment, the first having been set in 1900. In this story, the first family living at the address has moved on and 1925 sees the Miller family moving into the house from Ipswich, west of Brisbane. Barkla has skilfully drawn a detailed picture of life 100 years ago.

World War I saw the development of anti-German sentiment around the world, not least in Australia where the German-sounding names of some towns were changed, people anglicized their surnames (following the example of the Royal family perhaps) and some German immigrants returned to their homeland to avoid the prejudice which persisted into the 1920s. The Miller family is of German descent and Ben’s father has been deported back to Germany, leaving his wife to support their four children: Ben, his older siblings Hildegaarde and Carl, and younger brother Friedrich. Mrs Miller works in the shop next door to No. 11.

Ben confronts a multitude of challenges as he tries to develop new friendships in his adopted town, overcome community antipathy towards his German heritage and help look after the young, energetic Friedrich while his mother is working. His love for music, particularly jazz, gives him the idea to start a Jazz Club under the house at No. 11, with which to entice his classmates to share his enthusiasm. Unfortunately the Jazz Club must compete with the universal adoration of cricket. Along the way Ben enlists the aid of sympathetic neighbours and helps out a friend in need. Ben’s narrative is just one of of the story arcs here. Carl’s character develops through his experiences of prejudice and hurt while Ben’s friend Mary has her own challenges.

Barkla observes a multitude of references to aspects of life in Brisbane in 1925. Clothing, technology and social norms, are portrayed through the actions of the characters, for example, when Hildegaarde is going out to a dance her mother insists that she is escorted by her brother to the venue, and that she dresses conservatively. Ben’s older teenaged brother wears a suit to work, while Ben uses a gramophone at the Jazz Club. Twenty-first century children might be amazed to know it hasn’t always been possible to carry music around in a pocket-sized device. Mention is made of the Spanish flu’ epidemic, as well as anti-German propaganda posters used during WWI. Recreation includes visits to the creek and playing with a go-cart. At the back of the book, author’s notes provide more information about life in the 1920s.

Themes of, tolerance, kindness and compassion emerge as the Miller family navigates its way through a barrage of prejudice and forges strong relationships with the more enlightened citizens. Young readers will observe many differences between life in 2025 compared with 1925. For the classroom, this novel could provide many useful springboards for discussion of modern attitudes and lifestyles compared with those of yesteryear.

Teacher Notes

Walker Books Australia

Charlotte Barkla