Scrapwaggon - Barry Crump

Published by Beckett Publishing: Auckland, NZ, 1985.
First published 1965.

I found this at the ReStore in Tahunanui yesterday after work. I had the evening free and got a long way through it, then finished the book this afternoon.

So, a fairly easy read, and not one I've ever read before.

Dinny Virtue is a rubbish collector, not only doing the job of a rubbish collector but also collecting a large percentage of the 'rubbish' on his property, in case it ever comes in handy. He and his friend 'Watcher' enjoy their job, particularly the "perks" (aka, the good quality rubbish, and what they can sell it for), but are otherwise fairly unmotivated in life.

Dinny's world is upended when his eighteen-year-old daughter, Leila, turns up. Dinny hasn't seen her in years, and is resistant to her arrival. Crump's humour shines as Dinny tries half-heartedly to make Leila leave, while gradually growing to respect and appreciate her. Of course, Leila is soon a vital part of Dinny and Watcher's world, and gives them the motivation needed to make their operation more successful than ever.

As the story continues other neighbours are introduced, some of whom support Dinny and his friends, and some of whom take the role of antagonists. In true Crump fashion, those wanting 'peace and order' are the stuck-up villains, while the rough-around-the-edges rogues with a heart-of-gold are the heroes of the tale.

And it works.

Fun, an easy read (obviously), and a good, basic, lesser-known Barry Crump story.

Completed 16 August 2025.

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