What is such is life?

Such is Life is a novel by Australian author Tom Collins (pen name of Joseph Furphy), published in 1903. It is considered a classic of Australian literature, though its unconventional style and philosophical digressions can make it challenging for modern readers.

The novel is structured as a series of loosely connected short stories and anecdotes, purportedly based on the experiences of Collins himself while working as a bullock driver in the Riverina region of New South Wales in the 1880s.

Here are some important subjects explored in the novel:

• Australian Identity: The novel grapples with questions of national identity and what it means to be Australian, particularly in the context of the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the outback.
• Bush Life: Such is Life provides a vivid and realistic portrayal of the daily lives of people living and working in the Australian bush during the late 19th century.
• Fate and Free Will: The novel explores the themes of fate, chance, and the extent to which individuals have control over their own destinies.
• Social Commentary: Furphy uses the novel to offer social commentary on issues such as class distinctions, colonialism, and the treatment of Aboriginal Australians.
• Narrative Structure: Such is Life is notable for its experimental and non-linear narrative structure, which challenges traditional conventions of storytelling.