'Bill & Doreen's Courtship (Selections from "The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke")' Summary

Bill, a young man belonging to a street gang in Melbourne, encounters Doreen, a young woman, and their lives become intertwined. Their courtship unfolds amidst the backdrop of early 20th-century Melbourne, revealing the challenges and joys of love in a working-class environment. Bill, once a larrikin prone to rowdiness, begins to see the value in family and responsibility. The book follows their relationship through its various stages, from initial attraction and courtship to the challenges of marriage and fatherhood, culminating in Bill's transformation into a contented and responsible man. Dennis's use of rhyming slang and colloquialisms vividly captures the vernacular and character of his time, making the story a poignant and humorous exploration of human relationships and social change.