Alan Collins was an Australian-Jewish writer. He has written short stories, novels and a memoir as well as newspaper columns and a radio play.
Most Jewish writing in this country has emanated from a European migrant perspective. Alan Collins came from a completely assimilated Anglo-Jewish background and he is probably the only writer of his generation to write about this community from an Australian point of view. His work adds a great deal to our understanding of Australia’s social history.
Alan was particularly interested in exploring the interplay between different cultures in the Australia of the 1930s and 1940s. As Barry O’Farrell, Leader of the NSW Opposition said recently at the Sydney launch of ‘Alva’s boy: an unsentimental memoir’: ‘This was a time of “the great awakening of Australia”. When this country’s gaze expanded from a narrow focus on Britain, to a wider, more worldly, view.’
For all his literary talents, Alan was, as his children would say, ‘technologically challenged’. However, his family is delighted and proud to present this website devoted to his work.
Ros, Alan’s wife, is also a passionate and entertaining public speaker. She will keep you posted about editions of his work, reviews, educational possibilities, films, events. You may contact Ros using alvasboy@gmail.com