‘Collins’ book, ‘Going Home’, is a sequel to his 1987 novel ‘The Boys from Bondi’, and explores many European cultures. It continues the story of Jacob Kaiser, who in the first novel was growing up in Sydney during the Depression, orphaned and living in a children’s home, surrounded by European refugees. In the sequel, set in 1947, 20-year-old Jacob is at odds with post-war Australian society and decides to live on a kibbutz in Palestine with his childhood friend Peg, but tragedy awaits them in the dramatic events surrounding the formation of Israel. The most important aspect for Collins is not multiculturalism but that the story has an uplifting, humorous and passionate side. “I was disturbed that a lot of young adult fiction is depressing, focusing on problems like homelessness and drug abuse. Some parts of my book are sad, but it does reflect hope for universal tolerance,” he said. Southern Cross, 1 Sept. 1993
“The book is deeply relevant to the kind of Australia we want to have.” Clyde Holding, Federal Member for Melbourne Ports who launched the book
“…highlights the events of today in Palestine with the comment of Uri, another kibbutznik, ‘Already there have been a hundred wars for this tiny piece of land.’ And to what end?” Joan Zahnleiter, Magpies
“Alan Collins with his acute observations establishes scenes and characters quickly, using well-chosen details. Sydney in the 1940s comes alive.” Vivienne Ulman, Australian Jewish News
‘Collins’ book, ‘Going Home’, is a sequel to his 1987 novel ‘The Boys from Bondi’, and explores many European cultures. It continues the story of Jacob Kaiser, who in the first novel was growing up in Sydney during the Depression, orphaned and living in a children’s home, surrounded by European refugees. In the sequel, set in 1947, 20-year-old Jacob is at odds with post-war Australian society and decides to live on a kibbutz in Palestine with his childhood friend Peg, but tragedy awaits them in the dramatic events surrounding the formation of Israel. The most important aspect for Collins is not multiculturalism but that the story has an uplifting, humorous and passionate side. “I was disturbed that a lot of young adult fiction is depressing, focusing on problems like homelessness and drug abuse. Some parts of my book are sad, but it does reflect hope for universal tolerance,” he said. Southern Cross, 1 Sept. 1993