Sarah Evans is the powerful debut novel by Australian author Bernice Barry and I was totally immersed from the first to the very last page. After I'd read the last page and closed the book I actually said Wow! It was that impactful.
Set in early 1800's London, the story follows the life of Sarah Evans. Wrongly accused of theft she is sentenced to transportation to Australia (a fate considered worse than death). However when she catches the eye of the imperious Governor Aris he spirits her away to be his housemaid. What follows is a life of physical and sexual abuse in a time when women had no rights, none more so than those in poverty.
Sarah Evans is a totally captivating and heart-wrenching story. Closely based on the real life circumstances of Sarah Evans with events and dialogue drawn from original documents and prison records.
Bernice Barry brings her readers into a world filled with violence, corruption and ingrained poverty. It was a time of political upheaval and men championing social justice and equality were imprisoned.
Through Sarah Evans we are given a protagonist who is down trodden, beaten and raped but still finds her voice for women's rights and never gives up the hope of freedom.
Sarah Evans is a powerful story where women don't judge each other's actions but do whatever they can to help each other whether it be a morsel of food or a bed for the night.
If you read historical fiction, Sarah Evans is one book not to be missed.
My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher: Echo Publishing
Publication date: 3rd September 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 304
RRP: AU$32.99 ( trade paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
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