I read this after reading Ahn Do's autobiography to help our grandson pass Year 11 English so the theme of the comedian's life unfolding was familiar. The Hawks motif is clever and gives a structure and links the past to a broader framework. Lehman's observation about non-Hawk supporters is acutely true! Memories of life in "the bush" are evocative and at times, laugh-out-loud funny. I worked at Sacred Heart School at the time about which Lehman writes and he is "spot on" with his affectionate recollections. Understated and humble/self-deprecating, Lehman makes the book an easy read.
It takes a quantum leap in the section about the war zones which juxtaposes and yet parallels humour with the ugliness of war in a sort of "MASH-lite" manner.
It is a book which reminds the reader that success in Australia has to be earned and can be earned with the right foundation in life.