On Our Selection

In "On Our Selection," Steele Rudd captures the essence of rural life in Australia, portraying the trials and tribulations of the Rudds, a farming family struggling against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. Written in a rich, evocative style that intertwines humor with poignant reflections, Rudd effectively uses vernacular and regional dialects to breathe life into his characters and settings. The book serves as a social commentary on the broader themes of identity, resilience, and the connection to the land, making it a critical piece within Australian literature, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when such depictions were gaining prominence. Steele Rudd, born in 1868 in Queensland, was shaped by his experiences as a farmer and a wandering bushman. His keen observations of the struggles and joys of rural life stemmed from his own upbringing and work on the land, which fueled his desire to represent the authentic voice of the Australian bush. His background imbues "On Our Selection" with a genuine quality, seeking to highlight the everyday realities faced by farmers and the broader social changes impacting their lives. A must-read for those interested in Australian literature, "On Our Selection" transcends mere storytelling, offering readers an insightful exploration of universal themes through the lens of rural existence. Rudd's narrative invites readers to reflect on their own connections to the land and family, rich with humor and heart, making it a timeless classic that resonates with both historical contexts and contemporary audiences.

Steele Rudd is the pseudonym of Arthur Hoey Davis (1868–1935), an Australian writer best known for his rural-themed fiction, particularly the collection of short stories titled 'On Our Selection' (1899). This seminal work paints a vivid picture of Australian bush life and has been fundamental in shaping the portrayal of Australian rural culture in literature (Blake, 2003). As a former farmer and a public servant, Rudd drew heavily on his personal experiences of the harsh and often humorous realities of Australian bush life. His 'Dad and Dave' stories, which began with 'On Our Selection', remain among the most popular and enduringly affectionate accounts of Australian country life. They humorously depict the lives of the Rudd family on their selection – a term for a plot of land allotted to settlers by the government under a now-defunct policy intended to encourage domestic agriculture. Rudd's work is characterized by a strong sense of realism, an ear for authentic dialogue, and a wry sense of humor. While some critique his romanticized depiction of pioneering Australia, Rudd's work nevertheless presents an insightful and comedic exploration of community and resilience in the outback. The 'Selection' series, comprising several volumes, has been adapted into stage plays, radio serials, and movies, further cementing Rudd's legacy as a foundational figure in Australian literature and cultural heritage (Greenwood, 1995).