The Moonlit Lands series, bk 2. Walker Books, 2016. ISBN
9781406333374
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Fantasy. This beautifully written retelling
of Beauty and the beast is a companion novel to Shadows
on the Moon, and takes the reader back to the Moonlit
Lands in a Japan like setting. Hana is a young woman, who is
confined to a remote village surrounded by a forest. The trees
whisper to her saying 'There is a monster in the forest' which Hana
knows for a fact, as many of the villagers have disappeared, never
to be seen again - one of them her beloved brother. When Hana's
father is taken, she is the only one in her village who is prepared
to try and find him. She is successful, but is determined to kill
the beast and goes off again in search of it, encountering much that
is magical and more dangerous than she could have imagined.
At the beginning of the book Marriott has written about her idea for
the book and her wish to write it from 'a feminist perspective,
asking 'What if Beauty went after the Beast of her own free will?
And how could the Beast redeem himself in order to truly deserve her
forgiveness . . . and her love?' The author is very successfully in
achieving her aim. Hana is a resourceful and clever person, who has
the strength of character to pursue what she knows is right. In
doing so she is able to forgive not only the Beast and her father
for their mistakes but she is able to come to terms with her own
actions when her brother went missing. This has a ripple effect on
the magic in the forest.
The strong imagery in the book provides an atmospheric background to
Hana's adventures. It is easy to imagine the shadowy woods, the
dense thorn hedge, the frozen lake and the evil creations that
inhabit the forest. The petty mindedness of the villagers and the
isolation of Hana also adds to the dark and brooding atmosphere.
This is a really good retelling of the fairy tale and while it is
suitable for younger readers, teens will also enjoy it for its
unusual setting and wonderful characters.
Pat Pledger
Royal rabbits of London by Santa Montefiore and Simon Sebag Montefiore
Ill. by Kate Hindley. Simon and Schuster, 2016. ISBN 9781471157868
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. The Royal Rabbits of London is
a richly rewarding adventure story for newly confident chapter book
readers to enjoy. Shylo Tawny-Tail lives with his family in a deep
burrow in the countryside. As the runt of the litter he suffers
teasing and bullying from his three older brothers and sisters; they
constantly make fun of his eye-patch and play tricks on him. Shylo's
only escape is the secret meetings with his friend, Horatio an old
grizzled rabbit who lives at the edge of the forest. He shares
stories of the Royal Rabbits of London; a secret society of agent
rabbits living under Buckingham Palace, whose job is to protect the
Royal Family. Horatio is a true friend, who encourages his young
friend praising his fearlessness and courage for traversing the
dangerous forest and visiting the scarred old rabbit, banished from
his former home and family.
One morning, when Shylo hides in a fallen oak tree to escape from
his bully brother Maximilian, he overhears three evil rats plotting
to embarrass the Queen. The Ratzi's purpose in life is to hunt the
Royal Family down, take, and publish embarrassing photos of them.
Suddenly Shylo has a mission, a purpose for his life, and old
Horatio instructs him to travel to London and warn the protectors of
the queen, the mysterious and hidden Royal Rabbits. Their skills are
needed to foil the Ratzi's plan and make them aware of the impending
plot.
Horatio sends young Shylo off to London with clear instructions and
this encouragement. 'Life is an adventure. Anything in the world is
possible - by will and by luck, with a moist carrot, a wet nose and
a slice of mad courage!' The pace picks up when Shylo encounters the
frenetic pace of life in London, with growling dogs and busy
traffic; he leaves the safety of the farmer's cart loaded with
spring cabbages and sets out to find the Weeping Willow entrance to
a secret tunnel. The London Royal Rabbits are elegant and their
personalities unique, their world is rich in structure and
tradition, their warrens stylish and their lives quite a contrast to
Shylo's world.
The difficult journey under Buckingham Palace, the dramatic scenes
fighting with the Ratzis, and the escape from the Pack of the
Queen's dogs, is fraught with danger and some scenes are graphically
told. Shylo is a hero; he overcomes his fears, grows in
self-confidence with his physical limitations and is even
instrumental in a family reunion.
From the gold embossed jacket to the beautifully meticulous
illustrations and the rabbit paw prints that hop across the page
corners, this is a quality children's story. Kate Hindley's detailed
line drawings are intricate and emotive, they show Shylo's
vulnerability, Horatio's kindness, Belle de Paw's elegant style and
the frenetic action in the Royal Kennel.
Santa and Simon Montefiore's descriptive story is perfect for a
class novel for years 2-4, as an English text to discuss character
depiction and development and the well-paced narrative arc. In
Health and Wellbeing, this is an excellent forum to discuss the
implications of bullying and to encourage building healthy
self-esteem with an 'I can do it' attitude.
Rhyllis Bignell
The Twins of Tintarfell by James O'Loughlin
PanMacmillan, 2016. ISBN 9781743548097
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. The Twins of Tintarfell is a
completely captivating fantasy adventure novel by author James
O'Loughlin. The plot changes directions, focuses on different
characters and their decisions and actions and is fast-paced,
delivering strong protagonists and an exciting array of animal
characters. O'Loughlin writes with a fluidity of style that will
capture the audience.
Orphaned at birth, twins Dani and Bart live as servants in
Tintarfell Castle, working in the kitchen. They have become friends
with spoilt Prince Edward and meet him on their afternoons off. King
Corolius gives his timid pony-loving son a new huge horse named
Midnight and demands that his son prove himself by riding the beast.
Fearless Bart who has a deep connection to animals, and can
communicate with them, takes Edward's place and rides out of the
palace only to be kidnapped and held for ransom. Dani makes it her
mission to rescue her brother; unfortunately, Prince Edward becomes
her reluctant assistant.
Deep in the forest, evil Lord Randling awaits the kidnapped victim's
arrival hidden in a hay cart. He understands Bart's special power
and greedily desires this ability. Dani follows the trail of hay
left by the sparrows and eventually discovers her much-changed
brother. Their dangerous journey takes them through the dark forest
where tigers and lions roam; up dangerous mountains and steep cliffs
guided by a talking fox, to Melindarah the healer's castle. Here,
Dani must choose to pay the highest price for loved twin brother
Bart.
With powerful themes of love, sacrifice, friendship, resilience,
acceptance and courage interwoven, this story challenges the reader
to consider their own beliefs. The power and manipulation of adults
and their affect on the lives of the children needs to be considered
as well. Use this novel for Upper Primary students to engage with
the fantasy genre. The Twins of Tintarfell by James O'Loughlin is an excellent
class novel for Years 5-7.
Rhyllis Bignell
Last Descendants by Matthew J. Kirby
An Assassin's Creed series. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN
9781743811788
(Age: 12+) 15 year old Owen's life has not been the same since his
father was imprisoned for a murder Owen is sure he didn't commit and
then died in prison. His mum has to work long hours and they live
with his grandparents who take every opportunity to disparage his
father and pry into his life in case he is turning out like him.
Owen has drifted away from his best friend Javier but he seeks him
out for support in his quest to clear his father's name. Monroe, an
IT worker at his school has offered Owen the chance to try the
Animus simulation developed by Abstergo Corporation which takes
samples of your DNA and allows you to access genetic memories,
entering into the lives of your ancestors. Owen asks Javier to go
with him for support but finds out that the simulation can't help
his quest as his father's DNA can only be expressed in him up to the
time he was born. They both go ahead with a joint simulation anyway
and find themselves as a conquistador and a Tlaxcaltec warrior. When
they meet with Cortez and feel him wield a powerful influence on
them Monroe abruptly ends the simulation and anxiously hurries them
away. It turns out that the powerful influence came from an object
of power that the secret societies, the Templars, who believe that
powerful people can impose order on chaos, and the Brotherhood of
Assassins, who believe in preserving the free will of the people but
who demand absolute loyalty and obedience in their members, have
been searching for and that Owen and Javier are now being hunted
down for their genetic memories. In a bid to find the object first
Monroe whisks them away to a warehouse where they meet a group of
kids their age who all have either Templar of Assassin in their DNA.
They enter into a group simulation which takes place during the 1863
New York Draft Riots to find Cortez's dagger, a powerful Piece
of Eden which they believe was taken to the Aztec Club
headquarters in the Astor Hotel.
As a phenomenally successful video game Assassin's Creed has
spawned books, games, and the recently released movie. This new book
joins eight previous successful series and is sure to find an avid
readership in the middle school age group. As a new reader I found
enough fundamental information to follow the story though there were
too many characters to really engage with them. No doubt they will
come into play in subsequent books in this series. It was good to
see some powerful female figures but this is still essentially a
book for boys.
Sue Speck
Little People, Big dreams series
Frances Lincoln, 2016. Amelia Earhart by Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Ill. by Maria
Diamantes. ISBN 9781847808851 Maya Angelou by Lisbeth Kaiser. Ill. by Leire Salaberria.
ISBN 9781847808905
(Age: 5-8) Highly recommended. Frances Lincoln Children's Books have
published a new series Little People, Big Dreams, which
celebrates the lives of exceptional women activists, designers,
scientists, artists and authors. These simple biographies suited to
preschool and junior primary classes, are centred on a little girl
with a dream and their life journey, the struggles, hardships and
sheer determination needed to attain their goals. Each story
concludes with timeline, photographs, biographical information,
websites to visit and additional books to read.
Amelia Earheart's dream was to fly like a bird, and in her young
imagination she sees her arms stretch like wings ready to take
flight. In her early twenties, her dreams become a reality and she
learns to fly, soon she is crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean
in her tiny plane. She is an inspiration to other women and
encourages them to dream big as well. Her final flight when her
plane disappears is carefully worded for the young audience. Maria
Diamantes' colourful graphic illustrations use space, light and
shade, simple backgrounds and layering to complement the narrative.
Take time to engage with each spread, especially the Atlantic Ocean
with the mid-turquoise sea, huge whale shadow and small red bi-plane
flying bravely above.
Maya Angelou's complex and confronting life story is carefully and
succinctly written. She experienced a traumatic incident as a young
girl and became mute for five years. Maya grew up in Missouri where
she faced the extreme difficulties of racial prejudice. With the
encouragement of a family friend, Maya learned to love reading and
began her writing journey. As an adult, she became a singer, an
actor, civil rights campaigner and a famous author and poet. Leire
Salaberria's illustrations support the story; she celebrates the
triumphs of Maya's life, her classroom, the graduation, her overseas
travels and many careers.
This series supports the social justice curriculum and Health
education, linking to personal wellbeing in the kindergarten and the
early years of schooling. In English and History lessons, students
can write their own biographies, discuss their plans for the future,
and engage in additional research as well.
Rhyllis Bignell
Tracy Lacy is completely Coo-Coo Bananas by Tania Lacy
Ill. by Danielle Donald. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781760156251
(Age: 9-12) Highly recommended. Move over Wimpy Kid and Big
Nate, Tracy Lacy is ready to take her place in the illustrated
diary genre. With a distinctive voice, unique personality, loyal
friends and a crazy family Tracy is ready to leave behind the
embarrassing socially catastrophic events of primary school, survive
the school holidays and begin high school as a changed person! Laugh
aloud with Tracy; everything she does has hilarious consequences,
she is opinionated, not afraid to share and her life is an open
book.
In Grade One Tracy drew a pretty pink pony Oomphoof with a
strategically placed rainbow in art class, and everywhere she went
at school kids made farting noises! She led a strike in Year 3, drew
goulash instead of a ghoulish picture in Year 5, she was zero on the
HA-YA Scale - how awesome you are. Tracy and her best friends Ag and
Ponky determine they need a self-improvement plan and spend their
holidays before high school working on it.
There are constant asides, side thoughts and hilarious family
memories. Tracy's Mum and her German Dad's ye 'olde worldie' wedding
flashback is a highlight. There is rivalry over whose Pavlova is
better, Grandma's or great grandma Gammy's. On the dance floor, Dad
whirls Gammy's wheelchair in time to the music, but unfortunately,
she is unresponsive. During the family photos, Tracy stretches
Gammy's mouth into a smile, Dad quietly wheels their dead great
grandma into the kitchen and the celebration continues.
Their annual summer holiday at Poowong, is a series of unfortunate
incidents for Tracy. She meets the BOMD - boy of her dreams and
knocks him unconscious with a minigolf club. She plans to reboot her
life with four main goals, she must self-sensor, be a show-off free
zone, she will not argue or bicker even if she is right and will
listen instead of doing her own thing. Yes, nothing goes to plan,
her second meeting with the BOMD involves a highly allergic reaction
to Mum's revitalising face cream resulting in a sunburnt puffer fish
face. She crowd surfs to the Poowong Minigolf Championships where
Mum and Dad are playing in the championship round and becomes a
legend. The Poowong Big Head also known as Tracy crawls out of the
minigolf swamp and becomes a celebrity on social media and the news.
Danielle McDonald's expressive caricatures add fun and vitality to
Tracy's diary entries. With flourishes, starry borders, bold sized
text and an array of fonts, it is a visually exciting novel. Themes
of self-acceptance, resilience, loyalty, puberty, coping with the
transition to high school, family life, making the right choices are
included with a large dash of comedy and some cringe-worthy moments
to make this story enjoyable. Tania Lacy's first book Tracy Lacy
is completely Coo-Coo Bananas in this new series is an
enjoyable read for preteens, both girls and boys.
Rhyllis Bignell
A dog like that! by Janene Cooper
Ill. by Evie Kemp. Starfish Bay, 2016. ISBN 9781877378416
(Age: 2-5) Janene Cooper introduces us to a little girl whose dog
just doesn't conform, he's not like that! Grandad's dog is a guard
dog, while Uncle's is clever and the neighbour's dog is fierce
barking at the local cats and dogs. Instead of watching out for
strangers, protecting the yard or barking this little brown dog
prefers to sleep on the bed and lick everyone, even visitors. Yes,
he does not fit in but he is a loveable pet who even licks up sad
tears and keeps her company when she is sent to her room.
Evie Kemp's layered cutouts and computer graphics, placed on bright
backgrounds enliven the different dogs represented. The fierce dog
is positioned on a bold red background, while the bouncy Dalmatian
has jumped part way off the page. The large single word exclamations
are emphasized with large letters, they sum up the feelings
presented and are enhanced by the images. A dog like that is an enjoyable book to share with family and
at story-time.
Rhyllis Bignell
Shield by Rachael Craw
Walker Books Australia, 2016, ISBN 9781922179647
(Age: Secondary) Recommended. Science fiction. Future. Dystopian
fiction. 'Love, freedom and future, in a final attempt to right the
wrongs of the Affinity Project and save her family' (New Zealand
author, Rachael Craw's elevator pitch for Shield says it
all) as the third volume in the Spark trilogy continues the
story of Evie (Evangeline Everton) who begins to develop powers
beyond her imagination. She finds that she is part of a genetic
experiment called the Affinity Project, where a synthetic gene has
been implanted to produce the perfect soldier, but she rebels. In
the second book, Stray, the Affinity Project wants to take
Evie back to control her, forcing her to do the work she had been
genetically manipulated to do, even if innocent people must die.
Evie is forced to take sides in a struggle with the Affinity Project
which ends with her being held in a psych ward, and the third, Shield,
has Evie sent back to the Affinity Project for retraining. Here she
is resented after what happened in book two, and is forced to take
sides once again to survive. But she has secrets and after
Counsellor Knox takes a blood sample she knows it will not be long
before he works out what she is. Knox is wrestling for power within
the Affinity Project, using Evie as a tool to undermine those who
would bring him down. She eventually finds a group trying to
initiate change but she is forced to make some decisions in the face
of fierce opposition.
The series is a heart stopping sci-fi thriller. Set in a complex
dystopian society with a little romance and sympathetic characters,
this fast paced tale will appeal to many teens.
Fran Knight
The awesome book of rap, rhyme and putrid poetry by Andy Jones
Ill. by Jules Faber. ABC Books, 2016. ISBN 9780733335662
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Entertainer and author Andy Jones understands
exactly the kind of things that children love to read and gross body
humour rates highly. Burps, pus, dancing in your underpants, vomit
and so much more are included here in rhyming format. Jones has
rewritten nursery rhymes in rap style, presented a range of poetic
pests and included epic poems about singing belly buttons and Ziggy
Snotball Smell Detective.
In Andy's 'Limerick Tricks', there is the unicorn named Kevin and an
unfortunate incident with Devon meat, the Pus Bus and the troubles
of the pimply dimpled boy. In 'Punk Porkers A Pigtacular Tale' Jones
transforms the familiar story of 'The Three Little Pigs'. Here the
porkers are reinvented as a punk rock band, hamsome Brad is the
leader, Priscilla P from the Pigsy Chix and Hogzilla plays the
guitar.
'The moral of the story goes,
Dreams sometimes do come true,
And big bad wolves rarely get the better,
Of the likes of me and you.'
How to create different forms of poetry is discussed at the end of The
awesome book of rap, rhyme and putrid poetry. Different rap
styles, freestyle, lyrical and rapid fire as well as how to write an
irregular ode and epic poetry. In the 'Pooetry' Toolbox, essential
language terms are explained in easy to understand terms, including
alliteration and metaphor. Middle Primary classes will enjoy Jones'
special brand of humour and are encouraged to create their own poems
utilising tips from the toolbox.
Rhyllis Bignell
A most magical girl by Karen Foxlee
Picccadilly Press, 2016. ISBN 9781848125742
(Age: 10+) Magic. Good vs evil. Friendship.
Heroism. Annabel Grey is an ordinary but vibrant girl living in
London during the era when young ladies were raised to decorate and
adorn and needed to learn the refinements of a delicate life with
appropriate manners. Her mother has removed Annabel from her genteel
life and deposited her with her rather elderly and unusual Great
Aunts - who also happen to own a magic shop and practice magical
skills. Annabel is a reluctant participant in the Magic Arts, but
she soon learns that although her mother had turned her back on the
magical world, now Annabel is needed to save London from the
overbearing influence of the Dark Magic wielded by the ironically
rather awful Mr Angel. This unexpected role as the good and innocent
rescuer of the aging witch and magic community (and all of London as
well) from the oppression of Mr Angel, takes Annabel into Under
London, the world that exists in parallel to the streets she knows.
With an unenthusiastic assistant in Kitty, she also meets Trolls and
Dragons as she attempts to rescue the White Wand that will protect
the order of life in London.
This story has parallels to the Harry Potter saga in that the hero
(heroine) of the story is good, brave and reluctant, and relies on
the help of trusty friends to overcome evil influences. In
comparison it is considerably shorter; but it does involve entry
into the magical world with creatures and magical talents and a very
dark and malevolent opposition. This dark and oppressive adversary
has his story and evil plans scattered through Annabel's narrative,
and the reader recognises the growing threat. Because it is shorter,
it may be more accessible to young readers and with a female lead
character it may be appreciated by readers looking for a strong
female heroine. The magic and witch world is obviously a fantasy
adventure, and there are some small moments of humour hidden amongst
the drama.
Carolyn Hull
Remind me how this ends by Gabrielle Tozer
Harper Collins, 2017. ISBN 9781460751688
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Relationships. Grief.
Decision-making.
Milo has finished school, but doesn't know where his life is headed.
His long-term girlfriend has moved away to study and she now has a
whole new life and a circle of 'friends' that do not include him.
His parents are persistently on his back to encourage him to make a
decision about the direction in his life... to overcome the lack
of direction in his life. And into this turmoil of uncertainty about
what the future will bring comes Layla. Layla is returning to the
small town of her childhood, where she was well known and had grown
up until her life was torn apart by the loss of her mother in a
dreadful accident. Still grieving, and struggling in a
relationship that is complicated by her tangled past, she blows back
into town and reconnects with Milo, her neighbour and friend from
childhood. Her vibrancy and spark ignites Milo in directions that he
was not expecting and gives them both a human anchor to hold onto as
they are buffeted by choices and decision-making.
Rich in the psychology of young relationships and the difficulties
of grieving well, and also in the angst and uncertainty of laying
the pathway to adulthood, this is a book that will appeal to young
readers. The text conversations between the main characters are
refreshing, with the humour laced with feistiness and the spark of
personality that is endearing. What seems an inevitable road in
their friendship has its own twists and turns, and you will wonder
along the way about how this will end... will there be tears, or
is this the start of something new? Gabrielle Tozer writes well for
older teens, and although her characters reflect teenage 'types',
they have their own unique ways of relating and interacting and
responding to their world. Set in a regional town, the weight of
expectations and the circumstances for teens who need to make big
decisions at a young age impact upon the direction of the
characters. This book demonstrates that many decisions can be
difficult and Tozer avoids giving neat and trite solutions to the
complexities that teens face.
Carolyn Hull
Animals in my garden by Bronwyn Houston
Magabala Books 2016. ISBN 9781925360448
(Ages: 2-4) Recommended. Written by Australian author and
illustrator, Bronwyn Houston, Animals in my garden is a
vibrant and richly textured counting book that will engage toddlers
to learn about the unique Australian animals found outside through
its enchanting and playful style.
Bronwyn's images are filled with bright colours, texture and
movement which adorns single pages in this sturdy and small board
book. Images featured in Animals in my garden are highly
detailed and hidden amongst leaves and trees which encourages
children to look closely to find and count the animals, just like
they would if they were playing outside.
Overall, Animals in my garden supports early numeracy
development whilst introducing native Australian animals to
toddlers.
Keely Coard
Cheeky animals by Shane Morgan
Magabala Books, 2016. ISBN 9781925360431
(Age: 3-6) Recommended. Published by Australian company Magabala
Books which aims to promote, preserve and publish Indigenous Australian
culture, Shane Morgan's Cheeky animals reflects just that.
Cheeky animals successfully captures the humour and playfulness of
some of our Aussie animals in this sturdy board book.
Shane Morgan's simple pictures and wording allow children to easily
follow this humorous rhyming tale depicting how animals interact
with human contact. However, from an adult perspective, one animal
interaction that is quite strange and a little inappropriate is from
the Emu, though, children would find it hilarious.
Images are simple and earthy which magnificently reflects the
Australian outback. Overall, Cheeky animals is a wonderful
reflection of our Australian culture.
Keely Coard
The Midnight Gang by David Walliams
Ill. by Tony Ross. Harper Collins Children's Books, 2016. ISBN
9780008188573
(Age: Independent readers) Themes: Humour; Hospitals/Illness; Hope;
Adventure; Friendship. Walliams has created a great story that is
Dahl-esque in style and quality, and fun for all ages. The children
in the Children's Ward at Lord Funt Hospital are at the mercy of
horrible adults with gross manners and unpleasant personalities
(except for the unfortunate but caring Porter). Despite their
illnesses and injuries they band together as The Midnight Gang to
give themselves hope and joy . . . and a Midnight adventure. Young
Tom, whose unlucky cricket injury has caused his Hospital excursion,
has escaped his horrible existence at his very expensive but
oppressive boarding school for medical care and has become the
latest participant in the adventure at Midnight. This is a story of
the power of friendship and hope, despite the pressures of the adult
world around the children, and the gravity of illness. And their
adventures are just wonderful! The image of the 99-year old dementia
patient floating off over London with her misappropriated collection
of helium balloons is delightful!
Walliams has written this with considerable comedic flair and the
book will appeal to readers who also love Roald Dahl's dark humour,
but there is also the potential to see a message hidden beneath the
light-hearted (and almost farcical) imaginary journey. Tony Ross's
cartoon-like illustrations add quirky and extremely humourous visual
detail to the text. This is a book that independent readers will
love, but would also make an enjoyable 'shared text' read by a
teacher or parent to an eager listener keen to hear a 'funny story'.
Carolyn Hull
The soldier's curse by Meg and Tom Keneally
Monsarrat series. Vintage Books, 2016. ISBN 9780857989369
The Monsarrat series begins with an absolutely mesmerising
story of a trusted convict at Port Macquarie in the north of New
South Wales. It is 1825, and Monsarrat, a convict with a legal
background who does the secretarial work for the commandant, Major
Shelborne, realises that his wife's health is worse than the surgeon
thinks. A trusted convict, Monsarrat spends many mornings drinking
tea in the Government House kitchen with the cook, Mrs Mulrooney and
it is she who tends to Mrs Shelborne, trying different ways of
tempting the ailing woman to eat. Through Monsarrat's descriptions
of these events, we see the misery of the penal settlement, the
destitute convicts serving out their time on hard rations, strict
punishments and little chance of surviving, let alone getting the
prized ticket of leave at the end of their sentences.
The writers, Meg and Tom Keneally insinuate so much historical
detail into the story that the reader will feel they know the place
and its inhabitants intimately.
A cruel second in command, Captain Diamond relishes the absence of
Major Shelborne, sneaking around the little settlement looking for
breaches of rules, then using these infringements for his own ends.
His cruelty is demonstrated when one convict, Dory attempts an
escape. On being recaptured he is given one hundred lashes, Diamond
taking over from Private Slattery to deliver more that the allocated
number, leaving the wretch lying on his stomach in hospital with a
skinless back, soon to die.
But it is after Mrs Shelborne's death, seemingly from being slowly
poisoned, that Diamond's vindictive nature comes to the fore,
accusing Mrs Mulrooney and by implication, Monsarrat of her death,
his arguments overwhelming the grief stricken husband.
Monsarrat must tread carefully if he is to prove their innocence.
Marvelous historical detail, believable characters, a setting that
at times is beyond belief and a style of storytelling that takes the
reader back to literature of the nineteenth century, combine to make
this one of the best historical novels I have read. The Kenneallys
touch on a whole range of themes significant to life in convict
Australia: treatment of indigenous people, women in colonial
society, struggle between rich and poor, education, isolation, our
convict beginnings and so on, raising many issues which will be
thought about long after this book has been read.
Fran Knight
