About the Book
In 1961, Bernard Bridgeman is 10 years old living in suburban Melbourne. His family life is overshadowed by the ghost of his uncle, his namesake, who died 16 years earlier as a prisoner of war of the Japanese at Sandakan, Borneo.
In the summer heatwave of that year, Bernard and his friends embark on an adventure. Doug, a boy from their school, joins the group. Bernard’s friendship with Doug includes a tragic event that will have a lifetime impact on Bernard.
Fast forward 50 years and Bernard is a cynical Melbourne wills and estates lawyer nearing the end of his career. His wife has left him and his work performance is under scrutiny. He believes he has uncovered a criminal conspiracy within the Department of Defence. Events happen that suggest his life may be in danger. But is it no more than his imagination? Bernard encounters several people from his childhood on his journey to discover the truth about the conspiracy, and in the process, learns more about himself and ultimately is able to reconcile himself with his past.
About the Author
Rob grew up and lives in suburban Melbourne. He has practised as a litigation lawyer for 40 years and is the author of several legal texts. Rob is a past recipient of the Rogers Legal Writing Award.
The Last Magpie's Song is Rob's first work of fiction.
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"Bernard Bridgeman, the protagonist, is not a superhero, sports star, A-lister or otherwise extraordinary individual. In many respects, he’s quite ordinary, and for me that’s a large part of his appeal.
In ‘Book 1’ we learn about many of his childhood adventures and misadventures, with his friends in and around the ‘Helles Road gang’ in 1961, as well as some events which we later see reverberate through Bernard’s life in decades to come. For me, as someone who was in primary school in 1961, though in a different environment, the carefully drawn characters and situations resonated and prompted me to reflect on my own childhood, and how my experiences then might have fed into the person I’ve become.
‘Book 2’ sees Bernard, some 50 years on, as a crusty, late career lawyer. There’s a lot going on his life and not just to do with his work as a wills, estates and probate lawyer. Bernard has a vivid imagination and a capacity, on occasions for spontaneous action, which can land him in rather hot water. We’re hearing the story unfold directly in Bernard’s words, with linkages back to people and events from his childhood, yet with a dry wit and a gradual build of suspense. I was very much drawn in.
Robert White is a writer of talent and flair. Let’s hope we get to read more from him.
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Mike Smith, December 2022
“Rob White's The Last Magpie's Song is a bloody good read.
It's a rollicking yarn that builds in pace and intrigue and you'll certainly want to know how it ends.
The protagonist, Bernard Bridgeman, a realistically flawed character, is outwardly successful but inwardly full of self doubt with a failed marriage and a stalled career in corporate law. When he tries to claim his uncle's WWII medals only to be informed that they have already been issued to the next of kin, Bernard smells a conspiracy and begins a pursuit of the truth. A cast of well-drawn characters attempt to assist or thwart his endeavours.
The engaging plot is punctuated with astute and pithy observations of school days, practising law, the vagaries of corporations, bumbling bureaucracy, society and the ongoing, inter-generational legacies of war. There are laugh-out-loud moments and poignant reflections. Do yourself a favour and read it, you won't be disappointed.
Declaration: I'm a good mate of Rob White, but it's still a bloody good read.”
Craig Nelson, December 2022
