Historical Fiction at it’s Finest!
The Secret River by Kate Grenville is historical fiction at it’s finest. It starts off as a quiet pondering story of the toils in poverty-stricken 19th century England where most must resort to stealing to survive. Here Grenville focused on her central character, William Thornhill who got caught thieving to feed his family. He was sentenced to death, however that was commuted to life in New South Wales.
The story then turns to the survival of the Thornhill family in a new world, with a harsh hot climate and struggles with it’s original inhabitants, the aboriginals.
Grenville writes in a quite meditative style until the Thornhills encounter the aboriginals. Then she breaks out as she shows the brutal price that must be paid by both the new inhabitants and aboriginals of New South Wales. The Secret River is a very satisfying read that will make you hungry to read more by Kate Grenville! 5/5
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I seriously need to get around to reading this book! I have it and the book she wrote about writing it on my TBR pile, but I have yet to get to either! No surprise there, I am afraid.
Was this a reread for you, or did you write this based on when you read it ages ago?
Kallana,
Nothing to be afraid of, it was easy to read. Her prose just flies off the page! (Warning: It’s not a good bedtime book, it is extremly hard to put down!)
I have her book Searching for the Secret River, I couldn’t wait to buy it when it became available here in North America. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but hopefully will soon.
Teddy
Your very astute Marg. I actually read an advance copy of it from Harper Collins Canada.
It’s one of my favorite books of all times, so I decided to include my review of it here on my new blog. It is the actual review I wrote for Harper Collins.
Teddy
Thanks for this review. This book has been on my TBR list since it was suggested over on the Oprah boards, but I haven’t bought it yet. I’m glad to see you think so highly of it, which makes me even more eager to read it.
Bonnie,
If your into historical fiction, the book wont disappoint!
Once you all read it, please come back and let me know what you think.
Teddy
This one has been on my TBR list for a very long time, as well. One day it’ll make it into my hands. It’s encouraging that you liked it so much!
Thanks for linking me up to this post, Teddy. Yes, I did love the book- it was beautiful 🙂 I have heard about her book detailing her research into the novel, but I don’t have my hands on it yet. Soon, I hope! Let me know what you think of it.
I have not read many books set in Australia. This looks like a good one.
I have read few books about Australia. This looks like a good one.
Pinned this. This is the last blog in Historical Fiction.
Denise,this is still one of my all time favorite books! It also happens to be one of the first review copies I received when I started this blog in 2007, so this novel has staying power!!
Memories! That would stick in your mind, your first review. It does sound like a good one.