Cheating death, chasing waves and growing up in one of Australia’s most notorious crime families
Penguin Books
- ISBN: 9781761345005
- Imprint: Penguin
- RRP: $36.99
This isn’t really a review – but a recommendation. A few weeks ago the lovely Dot Tonkin from Penguin gave this one a book talk and on the strength of that, plus the fact that it was related to surfing, which of course is of interest in this house these days, and that it was a slice of Sydney history, I was in. I really didn’t know of Larry Blair so much, as surfing wasn’t of any interest to me (beyond the eye-candy on Cronulla beach haha!) but any kid growing up in Sydney in the late 60s/early 70s, as I did, knew about the Toe Cutters gang and the crooked cops – some of whom have infamy that will never be forgotten.
Larry’s story of growing up surrounded by some of the most violent and ruthless criminals in our history books and coming out the other side, almost unscathed was an intriguing read over the past few nights. Aside from his [step]father Frank ‘Baldy’Blair, his mum Patricia was a highly-skilled and therefore, successful thief running a ring of like-minded and light-fingered associates. This is a biography not to be missed. I reckon it’d make a great biopic!
Bigly thanks to Dorothy Tonkin! and you should check out the weekly reviews on Penguin’s FB page – my TBR list is ever-growing! 🏄🏄🏄🏄🏄
Book Review: ‘The Outside’ – The Story of Larry Blair in Tracks magazine – of course!
Disgraced former NSW detective Roger Rogerson dies aged 83
Australian Crimes; Stewart Regan
“Growing up I was always passionate about surfing but I didn’t set my sights on winning contests, surfing Pipeline or on anything really.” Tracks Magazine.
Just So Stories 
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