In Sydney, Betty is making ends meet as a waitress at the famous Trocadero dance hall when she stumbles into a rushed courtship with Donald, a wealthy businessman, and dedicates herself to being the ideal 1950s suburban housewife. But life has other plans for Betty, and soon she must find a way to do more than survive.
Set against a century of world events and social upheavals, Betty takes us to the frontlines of the anti-war protests and the women’s liberation movement of the 1970s, to the AIDS crisis during the 1980s, to Mexico and eventually becomes a TV screenwriter. Even in her nineties, Betty is still passionately engaged with the world, still surprising us.
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Betty, what an amazing woman! Filled with sass and far from ordinary, One Hundred Years of Betty explores the extraordinary 100 year life of Betty, aka Liz, Lizzy or Elizabeth, adjusting her name to fit her situation. Whilst extremely well written with such loveable characters, I did find that there were parts of the novel that I was left screaming for more, wanting to know more of the juicy details, whilst there were other parts where I thought, ‘are we done yet?’. But I must mention the positives definitely outweighed the negatives as Betty, although fictional, would be one lady I would love to sit and have a chat with! This is the first novel I’ve read by Debra Oswald and will definitely not be the last. Katrina, QLD, 5 stars
This is the first book of Debra Oswald’s that I have had the pleasure to read; and what a pleasure it was! About to reach the amazing milestone of her 100th birthday, Betty Rankin is looking back on her amazing life. Betty’s story starts in April 1928 in pre-war London where Betty is born into poverty. Betty is one of ten children living with their parents in Deptford, London. She becomes motherless at age seven and at age eleven is evacuated to Cornwall during the London Blitz where she feels loved for the first time in her life. In her teens Betty finds a wartime job in a munitions factory where she makes her first lifelong friend in Brenda, experiences pregnancy alone and the forced adoption of her child and emigrates to Australia by ship where she makes two more lifetime friendships with Pearl and Athena. This book was quite easy to read but in saying that it covered many important and difficult topics that Betty’s life was touched by either personally of by those close to her, including poverty, the London Blitz, separation from family, drug addiction, AIDS, conscription, discrimination of women, women’s liberation, death, cancer and what we now know as PTSD. How Betty copes with these challenges in her life are what shape Betty into the incredible woman that she is. This book is quite a departure from the genre of books that I would usually read, however I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. Betty’s life was so incredibly rich in love, family, friends, travel and other experiences that it was impossible not to be taken on this whirlwind ride with her. I believe this book will appeal to a wide cross-section of readers and lovers of the TV series Offspring will definitely enjoy it. It’s not hard to see that Debra Oswald was the creator of that incredible series. Toni, SA, 5 stars
I received this book later than anticipated and am yet to complete it. I’m not sure if I want it to finish or not as I am enjoying the read so much. The story is descriptive of Elizabeth Rankin’s life, from experiencing war in childhood in London to travelling to another land for a better life. It reads as an animated diary with good humour and a healthy dose of realism, plus lots of colourful characters that influence her in both positive and negative ways but which all become grateful learnings. As it says on the cover, it seems Betty was ‘an ordinary extraordinary woman’ A fabulous read. Julie, VIC, 5 stars
I loved reading One Hundred Years of Betty. It felt like Betty was sitting across from me in an armchair sharing her stories. And what stories they were! Modern history, family, friends, racism, love, vulnerability were only a few themes explored throughout this beautiful novel. It was a joy to experience how Betty’s amazing life unfolded throughout history. I loved her strong character too. Kelly, QLD, 5 stars
What a beautiful book! I absolutely loved Betty and her fabulous story. The idea of following one main character through their long life is unusual and tricky. But Debra Oswald has certainly succeeded! Not only does she give us the plucky Betty, she gives us a beautiful cast of characters and calls out various historical events. There were many times where I laughed or cried. Time spent with the wonderful Betty is time very well spent. Highly recommended! Kecia, NSW, 5 stars
An ordinary woman who has lived through some of the most extraordinary times in modern history, Betty’s story spans from 1928 to the 2020s – a lifetime of love, loss and discovery that she shares on the eve of her 100th birthday. But Betty is no demure little old lady – she is a well-travelled, strong-willed, passionate feminist who loves her family and friends fiercely and has a lifetime of lessons to impart. Debra Oswald cleverly weaves the story of this centenarian with sharp observation and moving insight into the shaping of Australia’s history. Born into poverty in England and living her teenage years through WWII, Betty’s beginning in life was tumultuous. As Betty’s story continues with her immigration to Australia as a ten-pound pom, Oswald explores events and issues that have touched our nation – including post-war immigrants, racism, domestic violence, motherhood (and single parenting), the Vietnam War, AIDS, the Whitlam government, social media, the Stolen Generation, education and women’s rights. Exploring such serious topics could be too melancholy – but Betty narrates with pragmatism, humour and her own experiences of love, loss and life that will have you eagerly flipping the pages to see what comes next in this magnificent life. Louise, NSW, 5 stars
Betty is the extraordinary heroine that we all wish to have in our lives to inspire us to improve and be better humans. Looking back at her 100 years and her journey from her cruel and neglectful family life with 9 other siblings in England to the journey aboard the SS Asturia to Sydney Australia for a fresh start and marriage, babies and disappointments and grief abound. I love her friends Pearl, Athena and Leo all being there for her as life changes rapidly for her and the children Rose and Mac. I am enthralled by the author Deb Oswald’s writing style and her ability to construct plot lines of messy, complicated family, relationships and drama. She is a writer of the hit series Offspring which sets the kind of atmosphere and vibes you can expect to be immersed in reading this 440 page sweeping saga. This is a 5 star read that will stay in your heart for a ling time. Preeya, QLD, 5 stars
Wow! What an adventure. In years to come I will mistake Betty as a member of my own family. Her story so real and so human. An unremarkable woman who lived it all. Danelle, VIC, 5 stars
I loved this book and read it in two sittings! It had me so intrigued. I felt at times I was reading about my mother’s journey from war torn Europe to Australia. It was thought provoking to experience the relationships in her life and how they developed over time. Well worth the read. Ingrid, VIC, 5 stars
This was by far the best book I have read in 2025. The depth of Betty was so beautifully written and I really wanted to have known her as a person. Debra Oswald already had my heart as I was a huge fan of the show The Offspring – so I was super excited at the wonderful journey I would be taken on. Betty made me realise so kindly that we only have this life and we really should do so much more with it. Her journey through life was so meaningful and had so many adventures and experiences. So refreshing to read a story like this. Jodi C, QLD, 5 stars
This was truly delicious! I devoured it all. I loved living through the journey of Betty, what an imaginative and thoughtful book that captures the human experience. While I can’t ruin the ending, it was perfect because that is life. Brought a little tear as it had me reflecting on my own journey and existence. Beautiful! Danielle, SA, 5 stars
I must say what an intriguing story, that covered such diverse moments in time. It drew me in from the beginning with the trials of making ends meet in such hard times. The incident with the condensed milk brought back memories from my early childhood. My older cousin eating out of the can and letting me sample some, I would of only been about four years old, but still remember. So many situations that Betty was in you could relate to, or had a family member relate to. Anyone wanting to have a really good read and trip down memory lane would thoroughly enjoy this book. Jan, VIC, 5 stars
Storyteller, feminist, eternally curious and phenomenally old. On the eve of her 100th birthday party, Betty tells her story. Born into poverty in pre-war London, and growing up fast during the Blitz, Betty grabs the chance of a better life by migrating to Australia. Set against a century of world events and social upheavals, Betty’s story takes us to the front lines of anti-war protests and the women’s liberation movement in the 1970’s to the AIDS crisis of the 1980’s. Even in her nineties she is still very much engaged with the world. I enjoyed this book very much. Betty’s matter-of-fact way of speaking and telling her story is very appealing. Her gutsy way of dealing with whatever life dealt her but enjoying herself along the way. This book makes you want to get out and grab what life has to offer and not let it pass you by. Carolyn, WA, 5 stars
Betty is an amazing woman. She has lived a spectacular life. But like so many women she struggles to believe in herself. As we follow the path of Betty’s life, we can probably all find a bit of Betty in ourselves along the way. There are many emotional ups and downs along the way. We could all learn from Betty’s life. Dianne, WA, 5 stars
One hundred years of Betty by Debra Oswald is a story about the remarkable life of Betty. Betty was born into poverty before the war in London. She has a difficult time growing up fast during the war, She takes a huge chance for a better life by migrating to Australia. While on the ship, she meets three people who will influence the course of her life. In Sydney, she works as a waitress when she meets a wealthy businessman. But life has other plans for Betty. This is a story of a very strong intelligent woman born too early in time to make the most of her talents. She has to fight for everything. Betty’s life is about motherhood, the family we make, determination to live life to the fullest, with all the joy and sorrow that happens. One hundred years of Betty is a amazing story of one particular ordinary fabulous woman living through a century of massive changes. A wonderful and interesting read. Denise, VIC, 5 stars
Debra Oswald has written a beautiful book that I found difficult to put down! Each time I picked the book up I felt as though I was having a cup of tea with Betty while she regaled me with her life story. The characters in Betty’s story came to life with the way she described them, and her experiences and escapades were very easy to conjure up in my mind. I loved everything about 100 Years of Betty! Chrissie, WA, 5 stars
What a lovely easy to read story it’s almost like reading an autobiography Gai, NSW, 5 stars
For two days I was resentful of any household task that took me away from “One Hundred Years of Betty”. To be able to lose myself in this book was a blessing. At times I had to remind myself that this book was one of fiction as it is written as if it could be an autobiography. I felt everything that Betty felt during my reading of this book. To be able to read a book where one can get lost in time is a joy and I felt this deeply. Betty could well have been a real person who underwent the joys, sorrows, life events large and small and it was a privilege to be able to read this book. Thank you so much for a wonderful read. Denise, NSW, 5 stars
One Hundred Years of Betty by Debra Oswald Once I started this book I found it very hard to put down. Beautifully written covering the events of the last 100 years of Betty’s life. Betty’s childhood was probably like a lot of children being brought up in the war in England, Betty had some very sad but also very happy times. She made the brave decision to come to Australia at a very young age after a troublesome childhood. Australia gave her an interesting life but also a hard life. It also covered most of the issues the world faced in the last 100 years, for example war, adoption, unmarried mothers, AIDS, women in the workforce with male dominated practices, abusive relationships just to mention a few. I loved the story of Betty and how she survived all the obstacles life threw at her. When reading the book you could think it was a biography not a novel. The story left me thinking about the past and the present and how it effected people and their decisions. Can highly recommend this novel and I would be very surprised if you did not enjoy it. Debra Oswald can definitely write a gripping story. Jenny, NSW, 5 stars
One Hundred Years of Betty… my all-time favourite book. I cried, I laughed, and I was in awe of Betty and the long life she was still living at the end of the book. I wanted to keep reading, in fact, as soon as I finished reading it, I reread it, as I was so taken by Betty’s life. She most certainly captured my attention and my heart. Betty’s ability to cope with whatever life handed her, her love for her family and friends, her quick wit, and sense of humour, outrageous events and devotion to having a full life. I was so sure Betty was a real person. This book is so relatable, as a 65 year young woman, who reads every day, sometimes a page or a chapter, sometimes for hours, it was so hard to put this book down as I wanted to read what her next chapter in life was going to bring. Debra Oswald has given me the inspiration I needed to write an account of my life for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren so they will be able to truly know me, the person I am and how my life has panned out. Annette, NSW, 5 stars
One Hundred Years of Betty is a fabulous read, her life a cavalcade of events, experiences and emotions that we can all relate to, whether it is personal to us, or that of our mothers and grandmothers. From the moment I started reading this book, I was intrigued where the story was going to go – it was boldly written, which was refreshing, and I just wanted to keep reading more of the highs and lows of Betty’s life. Whilst a work of fiction, the events Betty witnessed and described in her life all probably happened to someone out there, a lovely pairing of truth and fiction, confronting all the social issues that have presented challenges for individuals, organisations and governments across the world. Betty as the central character is a great heroine for the events of the past 100 years and those surrounding her give further credit to her story, supporting her, challenging her, loving her and sometimes nearly destroying her. Anne, ACT, 5 stars
Oh what an entertaining tale with history ‘re caps’ thrown in. I loved this book from the very first page till the end and had fallen in love with Betty! This book will be a hit! Jenny, VIC, 5 stars
I loved this inspiring story, eagerly reading each chapter to learn more of Betty’s exploits as she shares 100 years of extraordinary memories. I really felt immersed into her world. Betty was born into poverty as one of ten children as she was growing up in the time of the Blitz. She bravely migrated by herself to Australia and kept the friendships she met on the way. Sharing all her joys and sorrows made it an emotional read. Betty was a storyteller and a feminist. All her friends had a real depth of character. Debra Oswald is an excellent storyteller and she kept my interest throughout the entire book. I loved how the settings and era of clothing were true to life. She reveals social inadequacies and touches on world events making Betty’s life realistic. Overall an excellent book to read. Helen, QLD, 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this quaint first person narrative, telling the adventurous yet everyday tale of Betty’s 100 years, which were set across the background of real historical cultural changes. Betty could really be any one of us! Mopsy, VIC, 5 stars
This is quite the history of the past century, told from the point of view of Elizabeth/Betty/Liz as she approaches her 100th birthday. The language is conversational which makes it easy to read. There is a LOT in the novel as would be expected in a lifetime of 100 years. Towards the end I may have needed a guide to the characters. A good read for when you are looking for something a little different and not too ‘difficult’. KayTee, NSW, 4 stars
Wow. A great read and a look at the world and its ups and downs in the last 100 years. Interesting characters with Betty giving a “warts and all” emotional account of living with highs and lows, happiness and sadness, fear and loss. Michelle, NSW, 4 stars
Debra Oswald takes us on an historical journey of one hundred years in this clever and heart-warming novel, but we will all need to live at least one hundred years to experience the richness, diversity and emotional roller coaster that Betty does. More than just events, Betty navigates us through changes in attitudes and prejudices, alongside her own personal growth. Betty builds a bond with the reader with her personal asides and sharing of her wisdom. Full of energy fuelled by ‘old injustices and current outrages’, Betty is both a force to be reckoned with and a source of frustration. Keep a pen and paper at the ready when you read this book because there are some Bettyisms which are so good you will want to note them down such as ‘the trick is knowing when to live in the past, present or future’. Betty lived through a period of history of monumental events and massive change, but across it all there was the constant themes of love, grief, family and friendship. Michelle, VIC, 4 stars
Highly recommended this read. The author has a way with words that draws you in so quickly and easily, making it a very believable read as you progress through the protagonists story over the decades. I found this read quite relatable, with family members growing up in the same era and also travelling across to Australia at a similar time. I found it a wholesome story. Katrina, TAS, 4 stars
One Hundred Years of Betty is just that it’s about Betty from her early childhood years until now when she has turned one hundred. It’s explores many subjects from women’s rights and obligations to how they have and have not changed. I found it to be insightful and told with a lighthearted humour which was enjoyable. The research is told through the eyes of Betty yet it adds much glamour to the story. It’s a story written with wit, warmth, compassion and understanding for all to appreciate. Leanne, QLD, 4 stars
This book follows the experiences of Betty through her lifetime, from her early memories to her twilight years. We see not only Betty’s take on life, but her relationships with both her biological family & the family that she made her own. Historical events feature strongly throughout. This is ultimately a story of one woman finding herself. Four stars. Anne, ACT, 4 stars
Wow what an amazing amount of love & life experiences Betty has managed to cram into her 100 amazing Years. Betty is a special person with so much love to give surrounding herself with people from many walks of life. Deanne, VIC, 4 stars
One Hundred Years of Betty Betty as a character is bold, curious and resourceful, a hundred years just doesn’t seem to be long enough. Reading One Hundred Years of Betty as like listening to Grandma’s adventures as a child, all the things she had seen and done, the people she has met, and all the changes the that have happened throughout her life. Debra Oswald has managed to wrap them all into this book. I found this book to be a compelling easy read that was difficult to put down from the very first sentence which is extraordinary in itself. I think I want to be more like Betty when I grow up. Highly recommended Janet, NSW, 4 stars
A very interesting book full of Australian History. The story, One Hundred Years of Betty, commences during from her birth, pre-war years and then the war in the UK. Betty is a wonderful character full of life, full of life’s mistakes and challenges, not afraid to tell the truth even if the truth is detrimental to herself. The book covers many decades of her life but does not dwell too long on each event in her life. There is sadness, humour, opinions and controversial subjects covered. My only objection towards the book was the use of the “F” word but perhaps I lived a sheltered life unaware that even in the 50’s and 60’s this word was commonly used in Australia. Other than that opinion I loved the book from start to finish but found the first three quarters the best. Reads of other Australian authors i.e Fiona McIntosh, Tricia Stringer, Tea Cooper, Victoria Purman would probably enjoy the read. There are no murders but a few surprises do happen. Elaine, NSW, 4 stars
What a life! At first, it’s a seemingly interesting choice for Oswald to write a story exactly as the title implies. Betty has had the privilege of living for nearly a century, spanning many real-world events, such as the Second World War and immigrating to Australia as a ten-pound Pom with little more than the clothes on her back. Family, enduring friendships, heartbreak, and determination all feature strongly through the soaring highs and crushing lows of Betty’s life. It highlights the significance of everyone’s life journey and champions how special it is to capture this unique wisdom for the benefit of future generations. Join Betty as she learns, grows, loves, struggles, and grows once more with the tenacity and wit only Oswald can bestow upon a character. Thanks for sharing your life with us, Betty! Fran, NSW, 4 stars
The One Hundred Years of Betty follows the life of Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Rankin. Growing up in Pre- WWII London her life is drastically changed when the war begins. In the following years she changed the course of her life by immigrating to Australia. One the ship over she meets life long friends, Athena, Pearl and Leo. A failed marriage, children, numerous careers and lots of adventures Betty loves her life to the fullest and does not hold back. The concept of being able to follow Betty across her entire life is a great one although at times jumping from one event to another can be a bit fast paced. An enjoyable novel that covers world events across Betty’s decade long life are creatively interwoven through her personal story. Jess, SA, 3 stars
One Hundred Years of Betty by Debra Oswald Debra Oswald tells a story of courage through the eyes of Betty who is turning 100 years old, a fractured but strong character from years of torment, rejection, bad treatment and hardship. A novel of strength, hope and survival. Oswalds writing portrays the main character in a brutal and inappropriate way throughout, making the novel an awkward and uncomfortable read at times. Sometimes making her strangely unlikable with her abrupt and ruthless descriptions of her life, other times wanting to cheer her on. The story also jumps in and out of timeline and doesn’t continue with the story a lot. The main character rambles and there are a lot of spoilers of what is to come, leaving the story without surprises. The novel contains a variety of interesting issues and subjects throughout making the story an enjoyable read overall. Arrisarne, VIC, 3 stars
This sweeping novel relates Betty’s life story, looking back as she approaches her 100th birthday. Given the eras it crosses, it can’t help but be interesting, but I occasionally felt lectured rather than entertained. The book is ambitious, and perhaps it’s no surprise that occasionally Betty seemed to be lecturing about social movements and changes rather than relating her life. Sometimes placing what she was doing in a wider context diluted the personal story. Betty seemed a little flat, a character who didn’t quite come to life for me. I think this was because so much was stuffed into this story that some things just didn’t have the emotional impact they should have. Neither Betty or the reader reacts much. Still, this is well written and interesting, allowing readers a hopscotch through recent history with a female perspective. There’s a lot readers will empathise with, such as the strong female friendships which carry Betty through difficult times, sexist attitudes, and challenging relationships with her children as they grow. I enjoyed this, while not finding it greatly emotionally engaging. It’s interesting and well researched, and Betty is a believable character. Different eras are vividly evoked, and the story is well paced. Lorraine, ACT, 3 stars
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