A Few Right Thinking Men (2010) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Romantic tension is present but generally chaste or off-page, maintaining the decorum of 1930s historical fiction. While Rowland Sinclair lives a bohemian lifestyle among artists like Edna Higgins and Milton Isaacs, their interactions are defined by deep friendship rather than explicit acts. There are mentions of scandalous reputations and the perceived immorality of the artist commune at 7 Oakwood Terrace, but no sexual descriptions occur. Characters occasionally flirt or discuss past dalliances, yet the…

The plot centers on a murder investigation beginning with the discovery of Rowland's uncle, with descriptions including clinical details of the crime scene and the cause of death. As Rowland digs deeper, he faces physical altercations and threats from political factions like the New Guard, who use intimidation tactics. There are scenes involving organized street brawls and domestic disturbances that result in bruises and blood but rarely graphic gore. The climax features a tense confrontation involving a firearm…

Moderate period-appropriate language is used, reflecting the speech patterns of both the Australian aristocracy and the working class in the 1930s. Some use of 'damn,' 'hell,' and 'bloody' occurs, alongside occasional stronger terms or historical slurs reflective of the era's class and racial tensions. Intellectual debates between Milton and the conservative elites often involve sharp, biting insults rather than modern profanity. The language serves to ground the setting in its historical context without being…

Social drinking is ubiquitous throughout the novel, with Rowland and his artist friends frequently consuming whiskey, gin, and beer while discussing their plight. Large social gatherings at the Sinclair estate and urban artist parties feature heavy consumption of wine and spirits, often used as a social lubricant or a coping mechanism for the era's stress. Smoking is also omnipresent, with pipes and cigarettes being a standard part of character descriptions and interactions. While characters are occasionally…

The narrative explores class warfare and political extremism during the Australian Great Depression, specifically the clash between the New Guard and Communist factions. Rowland Sinclair acts as a bridge between his wealthy, conservative family and his impoverished, radical friends, highlighting tensions regarding family loyalty. The search for justice in a corrupt system is a driving force as Rowland investigates his uncle's death amidst rising Fascism. Themes of economic hardship, social duty, and the fragility…