About the Book

This book is about the author's experience as a Light House keeper. It is an entertaining record of day-to-day living experienced by the author and other light-keepers at various light stations during their time of duties.

Here are a few stories about some of those light-keepers, their attitude towards crises, and their humour. They most certainly were ‘a variant breed.’

About the Author

Raymond Kirkwood was born in Carlton Victoria and grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne during the Great Depression.
As a result of these times and the criminal activities of his notorious family, Ray too became a professional thief
at the age of ten, leaving his schooling behind him soon after.  By the age of seventeen years he was leading a gang
of young men in dubious and illegal activities.

During his life Ray tried his hand at numerous trades and occupations including the scrap metal business, auctioneer
and lighthouse viii keeper. He served on most manned stations along the coasts of Victoria and Tasmania including
islands in Bass Strait and other waters. Ray and his wife Kaye enjoyed this period of their married life immensely.

Ray did not commence his writing until 1991, after the tragic and sudden death of his wife Kaye. He claims he
commenced writing to preserve his sanity, and still has self doubts about the quality of his work. Now residing at
Welshpool, Victoria, Ray Kirkwood has written dozens of short stories as well, and hopes to have a third novel published soon.