From The Road from Coorain by Jill Ker Conway

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From The Road from Coorain by Jill Ker Conway

From this reading, I was able to draw a lot of similarities between Jill Ker Conway and some of the other female authors we have read. For example, when Conway questions if God has any morality or exists at all it reminded me of a similar experience from Emilie Carles (161). Feeling doubt or losing faith in times of great loss is a common theme in many of these women’s lives. I think it is because they suffer such great hardships. 

Another theme is the sense of responsibility Conway feels towards her family, and on this one, I related on a deep level. “I found myself volunteering for jobs I was not quite sure I could do, in order to be sure that he had more time to rest” (157). I often feel that being the oldest daughter is both a blessing and a curse at times. All responsibilities and ambitions and dreams are placed on me. I, like Conway, recognize how hard I work, but never boast because it is what is expected of me. Luckily, my brothers and I will both have great educations, but Conway really had to fight for hers. She had to choose to leave everything she’s known, or stay and “fight the seasons” (161). She chose herself (161). 

Another thing I’d like to note is her use of imagery. Her writing about the infertile land, the dying sheep, her anxious father or screaming mother, and the dust storm was so visual (158). When she saw worry on her father’s face it made me imagine the similar look on my father’s face and reflect upon how I would treat my father in her situation (157). Her imagery allowed me to see the similarities between Conway and myself.