Bastard by cleric - a book summary

I found this hard going the author seems to be quite selfish and narcissitic and it was hard to feel anything but disgust for the way he treated the women in his life Unless you were around during the early 1950 s in Melbourne or are better versed in Melbourne history than I this is not worth the time Hilary McPhee One of the most evocative Australian diaries of modern times this record contains the thoughts and musings of Tim Burstall the famous film director writer and producer best known for the motion picture Alvin Purple Beginning in the early 1950s this journal chronicles the world of arties and intellectuals living in Eltham then a rural area outside Melbourne as well as the talk in pubs and studios about art politics sex the Communist party branch meetings political rallies and film societies With an eye for detail and an unerring ear for cant and pomposity this book offers a behind the scenes account of a man eager to become a writer while juggling a public relations job and a few love affairs Memoirs of a Young Bastard The Diaries of Tim Burstall.