Among the Grey Gums
by
Paula J. Beavan
Secrets, corruption and bushrangers.
Publication date: 5th June 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 400
RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
Review: Among the Grey Gums
Among the Grey Gums is my first read by Paula J. Beavan and I absolutely loved it! I do have Paula's debut novel on my shelf and I can't wait to read it.
I loved Lucy's character! She was forthright, courageous and strong.
1842 Hunter Valley, Lucy is a woman in a man's world, fighting to survive and make a living in a harsh environment. Everyone that knew her respected her but it was still a dangerous place for a woman, she had to not only be tough but smart too.
Constable Samuel Donovan was the perfect hero, respectful and compassionate. He had been sent to the Hunter Valley to investigate the local magistrate and why there had been no progress on capturing a gang of bushrangers. The Constable ends up helping Lucy try to clear her brother-in-law's name when he is accused of murder.
Among the Grey Gums is a riveting historical fiction. I love that Paula J. Beavan writes strong, feisty female characters. Lucy is doing what is considered to be a man's job, and doing it well. I liked the descriptions of the bullock teams, how they all had names and the whole process of yoking the team up, travelling through the harsh countryside and sleeping under the stars.
There is a perfect division of good and bad characters which balanced the story out nicely.
A very subtle romance thread added a heartwarming touch to this story of murder, corruption and manipulation.
I'm excited to read Daughter of the Hunter Valley, where we are introduced to another strong and resilient female character.
My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
No comments:
Post a Comment