The book comprises a series of loosely interwoven stories of the various people encountered by the narrator as he travels about the countryside. At times the prose is difficult to understand because of the use of Australian vernacular and the author's attempt to convey the accents of Scottish and Chinese personalities. This novel nevertheless provides an insight into the character of rural dwellers in Australia in the latter half of the 19th century.
The title of Such is Life is said to be derived from Ned Kelly's last words.
A furphy is Australian slang for a rumour, or an erroneous or improbable story. It derives from Furphy carts, used to transport water during World War I, around which servicemen would gather and gossip, spreading tall stories and rumours.