'I've Been Bloody Lucky': The story of an orphan named Jimmy Butt 

As told to Felicity Dargan
$24.95 (inc GST)
ISBN 0-9758015-7-0
Paperback
160 pages

People like Jimmy Butt are the forgotten people of history, ordinary folk whose stories are never told. I’ve been bloody lucky tells one of those stories. It is a remarkable tale of a man who has achieved despite his circumstances. Readers will be moved from sadness to joy as Jimmy relives each colourful episode of his childhood as an orphan growing up in the 1920s and 30s; a rich upbringing that saw him boarded out to 16 different families across Melbourne and country Victoria. Some families treated Jimmy well, others shamefully. Despite all this, Jimmy reckons he’s been ‘bloody lucky’. This absorbing book is a demonstration of what some people can do to overcome the odds.


WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT JIMMY BUTT

“I sat up all night long and simply could not put this fascinating book down for a second. Modern history at its tenderest and most tragic and poignant, irresistible and beautifully written. A masterpiece of commonality… A joy to read and treasure… Heartbreakingly real and original… Deftly written…a modern folklore-classic."
Barry Dickins, Playwright and Journalist

"If Jimmy Butt has been "bloody lucky" how do we describe those of us who grew up knowing our parents, being well treated, well fed and educated? Felicity Dargan uses her listening, empathetic and journalistic skills to allow Jimmy to tell his extraordinary story of survival against the odds to lead a far from ordinary life. It restores your faith and reminds you of the need for gratitude for the simple gifts of life".
Elizabeth Proust, Former managing director of Esanda Finance and head of ANZ's Human Resources Department

"The story of Jimmy Butt is a heartwarming tale of resilience, character and values. It is an inspiring story, delightfully told, of a man who, despite being dealt a poor hand as a "neglected child", made a real success of his life, not measured in material terms but in those which really count."
John Ralph, AC, AO. Deputy chairman of Telstra, former chairman of Commonwealth Bank, Fosters and Pacific Dunlop, former deputy chairman of BHP and former deputy chairman and ceo of CRA

"The Jimmy Butt story shows one boy's determination to endure and overcome the adversities of a compounded fractured childhood. Jimmy's zest for life, despite a dysfunctional child welfare system, is most inspirational. Jimmy's strong belief in his faith and then his great devotion to his wife and family further demonstrates the strength of families as society's greatest asset. Jimmy's story is a must read for those who dream to make a difference."
Les Twentyman OAM, Street Outreach Worker

"Jimmy Butt's story reminds us that it is not only today that many kids cop a raw deal. Jimmy's irrespressible spirit shines through in his determination to have a rich and happy life despite very ordinary beginnings. Inspiring and heart-warming, "I've been bloody lucky" reminds us that we are all responsible for giving kids the best start in life, whatever their circumstances."
Jim Stynes is co-founder of the Reach Foundation for young people, a former AFL Brownlow medallist and Victorian of the Year 2003.