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That Bligh Girl
A fascinating story of Governor Bligh's trouble-making daughter, Mary, a powerful and determined woman from the bestselling author of Elizabeth and Elizabeth.
'Superb narration and engrossing drama.' Tom Keneally
Mary Bligh is no shrinking violet. After an horrific six-month sea voyage from Britain, she proves as strong-willed as her bloody-minded father, the newly appointed Governor William Bligh. The pair immediately scandalise Sydney with their personalities, his politics and her pantaloons.
When three hundred armed soldiers of the Rum Rebellion march on Government House to depose him, the governor is nowhere to be see. Instead, Mary stands defiantly at the gates, fighting them back with just her parasol.
Despite being bullied, belittled and betrayed, Mary remains steadfast, even when her desperate father double-crosses her yet again in his last-ditch attempt to cling onto power. But will Mary turn out to be her father's daughter and deceive him in pursuit of her own dreams and ambitions?
Sue Williams returns to the untold stories of the women of colonial Sydney with another fascinating, meticulously researched historical novel.
'Superb narration and engrossing drama.' Tom Keneally
Mary Bligh is no shrinking violet. After an horrific six-month sea voyage from Britain, she proves as strong-willed as her bloody-minded father, the newly appointed Governor William Bligh. The pair immediately scandalise Sydney with their personalities, his politics and her pantaloons.
When three hundred armed soldiers of the Rum Rebellion march on Government House to depose him, the governor is nowhere to be see. Instead, Mary stands defiantly at the gates, fighting them back with just her parasol.
Despite being bullied, belittled and betrayed, Mary remains steadfast, even when her desperate father double-crosses her yet again in his last-ditch attempt to cling onto power. But will Mary turn out to be her father's daughter and deceive him in pursuit of her own dreams and ambitions?
Sue Williams returns to the untold stories of the women of colonial Sydney with another fascinating, meticulously researched historical novel.
400 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2023
22 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 7, 2023
This is such a great story, filled with history, it is so well written, Sue Williams has done a lot of research for this one, I loved Elizabeth and Elizabeth and was excited to read this one and was not disappointed, I knew bits and pieces of history about William Bligh but nothing about his daughter, Mary and I am glad I got to read about her.
Mary Putland reluctantly agrees to travel to Sydney with her father as his consort when he takes over the job of Governor of Sydney, they set sail on The Lady Sinclair as part of a flotilla of ships, sadly her husband John is one of the other ships and she suffers a horrendous six months on the ship, her father in not liked at all on the trip over and there are many problems with him and his temper.
Their arrival in Sydney is not welcomed by all of the people, Bligh has been sent to fix the problems with the soldiers and sort John Macarthur out, it is not long before Mary is causing talk about her fashions and her attitude she seems to be a very spoilt young woman but she stands firm with her father knowing he is not always right.
When the rebellion starts and three hundred soldiers are storming the gates of Government House Mary stands her ground to try and stop them from entering and no amount of bullying by anyone will stop her doing what she can to protect her father.
This is such a fabulous story taking us on a journey with Mary, and her maid Meg as we see Mary go through many hardships in her life, it shows the courage and strength that she has to live in a new town and fight for her rights and those around her, I am so glad I picked this book up and learnt about Mary. I do highly recommend this one especially if you love some early Australian history.
Mary Putland reluctantly agrees to travel to Sydney with her father as his consort when he takes over the job of Governor of Sydney, they set sail on The Lady Sinclair as part of a flotilla of ships, sadly her husband John is one of the other ships and she suffers a horrendous six months on the ship, her father in not liked at all on the trip over and there are many problems with him and his temper.
Their arrival in Sydney is not welcomed by all of the people, Bligh has been sent to fix the problems with the soldiers and sort John Macarthur out, it is not long before Mary is causing talk about her fashions and her attitude she seems to be a very spoilt young woman but she stands firm with her father knowing he is not always right.
When the rebellion starts and three hundred soldiers are storming the gates of Government House Mary stands her ground to try and stop them from entering and no amount of bullying by anyone will stop her doing what she can to protect her father.
This is such a fabulous story taking us on a journey with Mary, and her maid Meg as we see Mary go through many hardships in her life, it shows the courage and strength that she has to live in a new town and fight for her rights and those around her, I am so glad I picked this book up and learnt about Mary. I do highly recommend this one especially if you love some early Australian history.
October 25, 2024
Vice Admiral William Bligh is famous for being a tough leader in the Royal English Navy and the mutiny aboard the Bounty and when he and eighteen of his supporters were set adrift after they left Tahiti and were taking breadfruit plants to the West Indies.
Mary Bligh Putland is one of his eight children, when her mother Elizabeth doesn’t want to travel to Australia her father decides Mary's husband John can to be his aide-de-camp and she’s not happy about it. Mary travels to the new colony in New South Wales, it takes six months and she suffers from terrible seasickness.
When they arrive in Sydney the new Governor William Bligh starts changing things, he wants to stamp out the rum trade and Mary a fashionista wears a new dress to church and is embarrassed when everyone can see her frilly pantaloons through it's sheer material and she certainly makes an impression.
Later three hundred armed soldiers march on Government House to overthrow William Bligh on the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the colony and their influenced by John Macarthur, and an angry Mary stands defiantly at the gates, waving her parasol at them.
Mary and her father are under house arrest, when they're told they must return to England, Mary has no idea he has other plans and decides to attempt the gain back power and be reinstated as Governor.
I really enjoyed reading That Bligh Girl by Sue Williams, Mary she was a strong and capable women, I admired how she adapted to living in Australia and New South Wales, sadly Mary's husband John suffered from consumption and she nursed him and while she putting up with her father being demanding and difficult.
The highlight for me was Mary's relationship with Meg Hill who was a convict, servant and her best friend. The perfect choice for those who are interested in what it was like to live Colonial Australia and Sydney in the early 1800's and I’m looking forward to reading Sue Williams new novel The Governor, His Wife and Mistress and five stars from me.
Mary Bligh Putland is one of his eight children, when her mother Elizabeth doesn’t want to travel to Australia her father decides Mary's husband John can to be his aide-de-camp and she’s not happy about it. Mary travels to the new colony in New South Wales, it takes six months and she suffers from terrible seasickness.
When they arrive in Sydney the new Governor William Bligh starts changing things, he wants to stamp out the rum trade and Mary a fashionista wears a new dress to church and is embarrassed when everyone can see her frilly pantaloons through it's sheer material and she certainly makes an impression.
Later three hundred armed soldiers march on Government House to overthrow William Bligh on the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the colony and their influenced by John Macarthur, and an angry Mary stands defiantly at the gates, waving her parasol at them.
Mary and her father are under house arrest, when they're told they must return to England, Mary has no idea he has other plans and decides to attempt the gain back power and be reinstated as Governor.
I really enjoyed reading That Bligh Girl by Sue Williams, Mary she was a strong and capable women, I admired how she adapted to living in Australia and New South Wales, sadly Mary's husband John suffered from consumption and she nursed him and while she putting up with her father being demanding and difficult.
The highlight for me was Mary's relationship with Meg Hill who was a convict, servant and her best friend. The perfect choice for those who are interested in what it was like to live Colonial Australia and Sydney in the early 1800's and I’m looking forward to reading Sue Williams new novel The Governor, His Wife and Mistress and five stars from me.
May 5, 2023
In That Bligh Girl, Sue Williams blends historical fact with a fictionalised narrative to tell the story of Mary Bligh, the daughter of New South Wales fourth Governor.
The controversial role of Captain William Bligh (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame) in Australia’s colonial history is well known. Appointed the 4th Governor of NSW in 1806, Bligh was ousted by a coup, known as the Rum Corps Rebellion led by grazier and officer John Macarthur, less than two years later. But few probably remember that while Bligh hid under a bed from the 300 armed soldiers who stormed Government House, his daughter, Mary Putland (née Bligh), who had reluctantly accompanied her father to Australia, stood bravely at the gates wielding only a parasol, indignantly refusing them entry.
Mary’s courageous stand may be mentioned in historical records, which tend to favour men, but generally only in the context of her father’s biography. In That Bligh Girl Williams draws on meticulous research to give Mary her own voice and place in history.
Bright, spirited, stubborn, and a little spoilt, Mary had been planning on making a home with her new husband, Lieutenant John Putland, in Ireland when her father imperiously announced the couple would be accompanying him to New South Wales, where Mary would serve as the Lady of Government House in her mother’s stead.
Williams’s novel, unfolding from the perspective of Mary, and her convict maid, Meg Hill, stretches from Mary’s arduous six month journey to Australia, past the events of the Rum Corps Rebellion, to her eventual death in Paris in 1864. It shares her complicated relationship with her father, the tragic death of John Putland, and her life with her second husband, who later also served as the (acting) governor of NSW. I enjoyed learning more about Mary and admired her fortitude.
The character of Meg is mostly based on one of Mary’s maids, Susannah Harrison, but is more properly an amalgamation of several. Meg’s perspective provides additional context to Mary and her life in NSW, as well as information about the experience of female convicts in the colony.
Well written and interesting, That Bligh Girl is an engaging historical novel about adversity, courage, friendship, and love.
The controversial role of Captain William Bligh (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame) in Australia’s colonial history is well known. Appointed the 4th Governor of NSW in 1806, Bligh was ousted by a coup, known as the Rum Corps Rebellion led by grazier and officer John Macarthur, less than two years later. But few probably remember that while Bligh hid under a bed from the 300 armed soldiers who stormed Government House, his daughter, Mary Putland (née Bligh), who had reluctantly accompanied her father to Australia, stood bravely at the gates wielding only a parasol, indignantly refusing them entry.
Mary’s courageous stand may be mentioned in historical records, which tend to favour men, but generally only in the context of her father’s biography. In That Bligh Girl Williams draws on meticulous research to give Mary her own voice and place in history.
Bright, spirited, stubborn, and a little spoilt, Mary had been planning on making a home with her new husband, Lieutenant John Putland, in Ireland when her father imperiously announced the couple would be accompanying him to New South Wales, where Mary would serve as the Lady of Government House in her mother’s stead.
Williams’s novel, unfolding from the perspective of Mary, and her convict maid, Meg Hill, stretches from Mary’s arduous six month journey to Australia, past the events of the Rum Corps Rebellion, to her eventual death in Paris in 1864. It shares her complicated relationship with her father, the tragic death of John Putland, and her life with her second husband, who later also served as the (acting) governor of NSW. I enjoyed learning more about Mary and admired her fortitude.
The character of Meg is mostly based on one of Mary’s maids, Susannah Harrison, but is more properly an amalgamation of several. Meg’s perspective provides additional context to Mary and her life in NSW, as well as information about the experience of female convicts in the colony.
Well written and interesting, That Bligh Girl is an engaging historical novel about adversity, courage, friendship, and love.
May 10, 2023
This was a fantastic read. I have never ever thought about Mary Bligh before and to meet such a brave, fortitudinous, courageous and stubborn woman lurking in the history pages was incredible! What a woman! What a story! I don’t know enough early colonial Australian history so it was wonderful to have the opportunity to get to know the people behind the suburbs and streets..just an incredible reading experience. Completely recommend, thank you Allen and Unwin for the gift of That Bligh Girl
February 9, 2025
That Bligh Girl is historical fiction mostly set in early colonial New South Wales. Mary Bligh is the daughter of William Bligh, famous of course for the mutiny on the Bounty. Mary travels to NSW with Bligh when he is appointed Governor of the colony and ends up facing another mutiny as he’s such an awful person. Mary is not much better, privileged and naive and pretty annoying. This was a pleasant listen as I enjoy historical fiction and I’m interested in colonial history. The book focuses almost entirely on Mary but luckily (and wisely) the author introduces a convict character, Meg Hill who becomes Mary’s maid and friend. Once the mutiny is over I found the book less interesting as it follows Mary’s life and it’s a baby here and a posting there (her second husband is in the army) while I’d be more interested about what life is like in the colony. There are glimpses here and there, the safety of women, the luck of the draw which settler or officer chose the convict when they arrived, later in the book there is even a mention of the Myall Creek massacre (indigenous people are mostly absent from the book). Not bad and I’ll probably read her other colonial fiction novels.
May 20, 2023
Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A wonderful historical story that combines fact with fiction to create clever storytelling and the end result is an enjoyable read.
Mary Bligh arrives in Van Diemans Land after a long journey from England aboard a ship.
Being dragged here reluctantly by her stubborn father Governor William Bligh.
He immediately becomes a hated man with his political views.
But when soldiers begin to storm Government House wanting answers, William is no where and Mary must face the crowds.
Using her smarts, she begins her fight and while her father continues to struggle and double cross, Mary’s life unfolds.
I really enjoyed Sue’s book Elizabeth & Elizabeth and this is on the same wavelength as that book and does have characters in common.
Extensive research and meticulous writing make for an informative and engaging novel.
While we see the scandalous attitude Governor William Bligh brings onto society, a lot of the tale is the friendship between Mary and her maid Meg.
Their friendship is a highlight and a focus for quite a lot of the narrative and is somewhat the strongest part of the book.
Drama filled, informative, brimming with history, real life people and a plot of generous knowledge gives the reader a glimpse into early colonial life and community.
This volume of work is one I’m happy to endorse.
A wonderful historical story that combines fact with fiction to create clever storytelling and the end result is an enjoyable read.
Mary Bligh arrives in Van Diemans Land after a long journey from England aboard a ship.
Being dragged here reluctantly by her stubborn father Governor William Bligh.
He immediately becomes a hated man with his political views.
But when soldiers begin to storm Government House wanting answers, William is no where and Mary must face the crowds.
Using her smarts, she begins her fight and while her father continues to struggle and double cross, Mary’s life unfolds.
I really enjoyed Sue’s book Elizabeth & Elizabeth and this is on the same wavelength as that book and does have characters in common.
Extensive research and meticulous writing make for an informative and engaging novel.
While we see the scandalous attitude Governor William Bligh brings onto society, a lot of the tale is the friendship between Mary and her maid Meg.
Their friendship is a highlight and a focus for quite a lot of the narrative and is somewhat the strongest part of the book.
Drama filled, informative, brimming with history, real life people and a plot of generous knowledge gives the reader a glimpse into early colonial life and community.
This volume of work is one I’m happy to endorse.
May 7, 2023
As a history nerd, particularly Australian colonial history, I knew about William Bligh and the Rum Rebellion. I’d even heard the story of how his daughter Mary confronted soldiers from the NSW Corps with only a parasol for protection. But this book too such a deep dive into Mary’s story, and consequently that of her father and the early years of Sydney post European occupation. And it did it in a fabulously engrossing dramatised way.
It tells the story of Mary Bligh, who in her early 20s, accompanies her father to the far-flung colony of NSW where he is to become the fourth governor of the colony in 1806. Against her will, Mary essentially becomes the First Lady of NSW and sees her father through the chaotic days of the Rum Rebellion of 1808 when the NSW Corps, with William Macarthur and George Johnson at the helm, overthrew the established order in Sydney.
What was fascinating about this book is that, through exhaustive research, Williams takes us behind the scenes of history to reveal the human side of our past.
I particularly loved the bond between Mary and her dedicated maid Meg, who shares the narrative with Mary and as such gives us a convict’s perspective of life in the early colony.
I can’t tell you how much I loved this book and can’t wait to read Williams’ first book, Elizabeth and Elizabeth, based on the lives of Elizabeth Macarthur and Elizabeth Macquarie.
Out May 2
It tells the story of Mary Bligh, who in her early 20s, accompanies her father to the far-flung colony of NSW where he is to become the fourth governor of the colony in 1806. Against her will, Mary essentially becomes the First Lady of NSW and sees her father through the chaotic days of the Rum Rebellion of 1808 when the NSW Corps, with William Macarthur and George Johnson at the helm, overthrew the established order in Sydney.
What was fascinating about this book is that, through exhaustive research, Williams takes us behind the scenes of history to reveal the human side of our past.
I particularly loved the bond between Mary and her dedicated maid Meg, who shares the narrative with Mary and as such gives us a convict’s perspective of life in the early colony.
I can’t tell you how much I loved this book and can’t wait to read Williams’ first book, Elizabeth and Elizabeth, based on the lives of Elizabeth Macarthur and Elizabeth Macquarie.
Out May 2
July 2, 2023
Williams has chosen an important episode in Australian history (the country’s only real coup d’état) and given it the immediacy it needed by having it retold by a feisty, strong woman (governor William Bligh’s daughter Mary Bligh) and yet one who is still vulnerable and not always in the right.
The result is it feels real and alive, which is also helped by the way it deftly moves from the showing (third person) to the telling (first person). In this way we can see Mary both from within and without. In another writer’s hands, the combination of changing voices (particularly Meg’s no bullshit view on her mistress) might weaken the story. Here it consolidates it.
The meeting between Elizabeth Macarthur and Mary Bligh is a brilliant ploy. It’s the perfect culmination of well, everything!
By rights, they should be enemies and then Elizabeth explains to Mary how very much they have in common. I find it a brilliantly conceived paradox - her imagined adversary is actually her most valuable ally.
A great novel and if anyone in this business has a brain, they would be talking to Williams about the movie rights.
The result is it feels real and alive, which is also helped by the way it deftly moves from the showing (third person) to the telling (first person). In this way we can see Mary both from within and without. In another writer’s hands, the combination of changing voices (particularly Meg’s no bullshit view on her mistress) might weaken the story. Here it consolidates it.
The meeting between Elizabeth Macarthur and Mary Bligh is a brilliant ploy. It’s the perfect culmination of well, everything!
By rights, they should be enemies and then Elizabeth explains to Mary how very much they have in common. I find it a brilliantly conceived paradox - her imagined adversary is actually her most valuable ally.
A great novel and if anyone in this business has a brain, they would be talking to Williams about the movie rights.
July 7, 2023
While the history was well told and made Mary central to the story I really had a problem that the author was very selective with the reinterpretation of roles through the scope of reviewing history. The author easily retold Mary’s role and highlighted her struggles of the time, but fell into to tired old trope of many who write on Captain Bligh painting him as a tyrant, for the sake of the narrative arc. A truly accurate retelling would have recognised Captain Bligh as the genius he was and the fractious relationships he had as consequence of a savant personality. More research on Captain Bligh and not the propaganda would have improved this retelling significantly. A nice fiction.
May 27, 2023
What a moving epic story! Certain passages had me in tears (literally) so this novel really pulled on my heart strings. The cover is gorgeous, too, and represents its pages within. Sue Williams once again expertly weaves fact with fiction to create an unforgettable, intriguing and captivating story, drawing from a particularly challenging era in Australian history.
That Bligh Girl is a stunning depiction of Mary Bligh and her famous father William Bligh, a British officer in the Royal Navy and colonial administrator. He is often remembered for the mutiny on the Bounty but this story focuses on the happenings seventeen years later when he was appointed Governor of New South Wales. His mission was to clean up the corruption attached to the rum trade. Unfortunately, his strong actions led to the Rum Rebellion motivated by John Macarthur. Bligh was placed under arrest and removed from his position by the NSW Corps. This coup action later was declared illegal so we can appreciate to some extent, William’s fight against the powers that tried to overthrow him. And understand Mary’s determination on that day to make trouble for those who tried to capture her father. Yes, when they stormed on Government House, she fought the rebel soldiers at the entrance gate with a parasol! Sue paints quite a picture of that event and I don’t think I will ever forget it.
So much of the action centres around Mary’s father. But through it we learn about this man’s daughter and what she had to deal with. I really felt for her on the voyage from England to Australia. The sea-sickness, forced separation from her husband and the loss of their dream to make a home in Ireland. For she is pushed into accepting the position of Lady of Government House (replacing her mother) and out of a sense of duty must go with her father to NSW (along with her husband but he is on a separate ship). The challenging six month voyage was presented in great detail. It is here we begin to learn about Mary’s fortitude. Initially she comes across as a bit spoilt but as her layers infold, we see she is quite a smart, spirited, determined woman who has learned much from her father’s positions and is no fool. She offers sound advice, though her father more often ignores it, if it does not suit his purpose. Their relationship is a complex one. He drives her mad with his strong opinions and single focus, and just when it seems he is succumbing to reason, he turns around and proves everyone wrong. Her attempts to prevent her father from making decisions he could regret, often becomes a battle of the wills, with her losing. But under that tough exterior and rough demonstration, lies a strong father-daughter love. There are moments when his love is visible. And, we see to what extent Mary goes to keep him safe. But he also double-crosses her and it is a pain she must bear more than once. His reasons are not to hurt her but to fight what he sees is wrong. He believes in standing up to the rebels and that they have no right to take away his position. His battles are never ending, though—and this in itself is exhausting—his relentless drive for what he calls justice, hurts relationships closest to him.
The novel is written from two points of view. There is a great advantage in this. Besides Mary’s, we also get Meg’s. Meg is Mary’s maid. Her character is an amalgamation of all the maids that attended Mary in NSW, including Susann Harrison who was transported to Australia after being charged with theft in her employer’s home, while the man who convinced her to let him in (the real thief) was acquitted of any charges. Meg, the character is reliable, a constant support and strong friend to Mary and helps her through many horrendous trials—including the death of her first husband. Meg is there almost at the start of their journey so we are able to get a different view, one outside the realm of power, and one at the very bottom of the social scale—a convict’s. The poor conditions and abusive treatment they received—especially female convicts. These are made known. Thankfully, Meg is rescued more than once from evil hands by Mary and her husband. But, also, by William Bligh, who initially takes her off another ship to tend to Mary. He believes her to be innocent of the crime she is accused (why she is a convict) and appreciates her talents in the art of healing with herbs (something she learned from her mother). This gift makes her of great use on the voyage and this is where Mary and Meg’s relationship begins. She has a cure for sea-sickness.
Meg is a witness to many of Mary’s colonial life events. The changes and experiences—including when Mary remarries (therefore fulfilling her first husband’s request). Her second husband serves as acting governor for NSW, so she is in an important position once again. Mary Bligh-Putland-O’Connell was an amazing woman and she shines like a beacon of strength in this novel—to provide encouragement for those who are fighting battles that seem impossible to win. This novel shows the power in vision, friendship, love and determination.
I cannot rave enough about That Bligh Girl. It definitely makes a great companion to Elizabeth and Elizabeth which I also highly recommend as there are some shared characters. Lovers of historical fiction will love these two outstanding stories that kept me interested and engaged at all times. As for The Bligh Girl, it sheds light on another brilliant woman who deserves to be recognised and remembered for her part in Australian colonial leadership history. It may even help others take another look at William Bligh and understand a little better his battles. This is a well written historical gem that I gladly give 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my review copy.
That Bligh Girl is a stunning depiction of Mary Bligh and her famous father William Bligh, a British officer in the Royal Navy and colonial administrator. He is often remembered for the mutiny on the Bounty but this story focuses on the happenings seventeen years later when he was appointed Governor of New South Wales. His mission was to clean up the corruption attached to the rum trade. Unfortunately, his strong actions led to the Rum Rebellion motivated by John Macarthur. Bligh was placed under arrest and removed from his position by the NSW Corps. This coup action later was declared illegal so we can appreciate to some extent, William’s fight against the powers that tried to overthrow him. And understand Mary’s determination on that day to make trouble for those who tried to capture her father. Yes, when they stormed on Government House, she fought the rebel soldiers at the entrance gate with a parasol! Sue paints quite a picture of that event and I don’t think I will ever forget it.
So much of the action centres around Mary’s father. But through it we learn about this man’s daughter and what she had to deal with. I really felt for her on the voyage from England to Australia. The sea-sickness, forced separation from her husband and the loss of their dream to make a home in Ireland. For she is pushed into accepting the position of Lady of Government House (replacing her mother) and out of a sense of duty must go with her father to NSW (along with her husband but he is on a separate ship). The challenging six month voyage was presented in great detail. It is here we begin to learn about Mary’s fortitude. Initially she comes across as a bit spoilt but as her layers infold, we see she is quite a smart, spirited, determined woman who has learned much from her father’s positions and is no fool. She offers sound advice, though her father more often ignores it, if it does not suit his purpose. Their relationship is a complex one. He drives her mad with his strong opinions and single focus, and just when it seems he is succumbing to reason, he turns around and proves everyone wrong. Her attempts to prevent her father from making decisions he could regret, often becomes a battle of the wills, with her losing. But under that tough exterior and rough demonstration, lies a strong father-daughter love. There are moments when his love is visible. And, we see to what extent Mary goes to keep him safe. But he also double-crosses her and it is a pain she must bear more than once. His reasons are not to hurt her but to fight what he sees is wrong. He believes in standing up to the rebels and that they have no right to take away his position. His battles are never ending, though—and this in itself is exhausting—his relentless drive for what he calls justice, hurts relationships closest to him.
The novel is written from two points of view. There is a great advantage in this. Besides Mary’s, we also get Meg’s. Meg is Mary’s maid. Her character is an amalgamation of all the maids that attended Mary in NSW, including Susann Harrison who was transported to Australia after being charged with theft in her employer’s home, while the man who convinced her to let him in (the real thief) was acquitted of any charges. Meg, the character is reliable, a constant support and strong friend to Mary and helps her through many horrendous trials—including the death of her first husband. Meg is there almost at the start of their journey so we are able to get a different view, one outside the realm of power, and one at the very bottom of the social scale—a convict’s. The poor conditions and abusive treatment they received—especially female convicts. These are made known. Thankfully, Meg is rescued more than once from evil hands by Mary and her husband. But, also, by William Bligh, who initially takes her off another ship to tend to Mary. He believes her to be innocent of the crime she is accused (why she is a convict) and appreciates her talents in the art of healing with herbs (something she learned from her mother). This gift makes her of great use on the voyage and this is where Mary and Meg’s relationship begins. She has a cure for sea-sickness.
Meg is a witness to many of Mary’s colonial life events. The changes and experiences—including when Mary remarries (therefore fulfilling her first husband’s request). Her second husband serves as acting governor for NSW, so she is in an important position once again. Mary Bligh-Putland-O’Connell was an amazing woman and she shines like a beacon of strength in this novel—to provide encouragement for those who are fighting battles that seem impossible to win. This novel shows the power in vision, friendship, love and determination.
I cannot rave enough about That Bligh Girl. It definitely makes a great companion to Elizabeth and Elizabeth which I also highly recommend as there are some shared characters. Lovers of historical fiction will love these two outstanding stories that kept me interested and engaged at all times. As for The Bligh Girl, it sheds light on another brilliant woman who deserves to be recognised and remembered for her part in Australian colonial leadership history. It may even help others take another look at William Bligh and understand a little better his battles. This is a well written historical gem that I gladly give 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my review copy.
January 18, 2025
Sue Williams, writes a fictional story based on fact and real life people, based on Mary Bligh, the eldest daughter of William Bligh and Elizabeth, Mary. It follows her journey with her father to Sydney in February 1806, and her husband, Lieutenant John Putland sailing in the same convoy. Lieutenant Putland died of consumption in January 1808. After her father was ousted as Governor, Mary married the new Lieutenant-Governor, Maurice Charles Philips O'Connell in May 1810. She remained in New South Wales until O'Connell's death in 1848 the daughter of Governor William Bligh of NSW.
This story paints a very clear picture of what the strong willed and fashionable young woman’s life was like in colonial Australia in the early 19th Century, weaving Australian History, drama and romance within its pages.
An enjoyable book that I would recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 🌟
Page 62 ~ As well as the ginger root for settling stomachs, she has fenugreck for curbing appetite, liquorice for thirst, chamomile for anxiety, hyssop for head lice, mustard for chest infections, garlic for wounds, mint to repel fleas, feverfew for killing pain and inducing labour, and gingko for feelings of hopelessness and despair...
Page 377 ~ “We women are masters of compromise, of finding a middle path, and then of moving on with our lives.”
#soniasreads2025 @suewilliams #thatblighgirl #suewilliams #historical #australianhistoricalfiction #australian #history
February 4, 2025
Perhaps because there were so many facts that had to be put in this book, it became a retelling of the Bligh's lives. Overall, I enjoyed the book and the depiction of women’s lives and experiences in a new colony, and other colonies. The end was a bit of dump of information, but I really appreciated the meeting with Mary and Elizabeth McArthur. Reading historical fiction always makes me glad that I was born when I was!
February 28, 2024
I found the story very interesting and also thought it was amazing to get so much historical insight from the book. It’s a very enjoyable way to understand history more deeply.
Interested for more fiction like this.
Interested for more fiction like this.
December 20, 2024
Not my usual genre but quite captivating
February 11, 2025
Weaving history and fiction
July 23, 2023
The beauty of this read brings to light the difficulties of being a female in this time and how so little power they had in determining what they wanted out of life, Mary Bligh was just one of many young women that add to these stories.
Seventeen years after the Bounty mutiny, in 1806 William Bligh was appointed Governor of New South Wales, with orders to clean up the corrupt rum trade of the New South Wales Corps. On receiving this commission his daughter was forced to travel with her father, Mary Bligh/Putland (later on Lady O'Connell), as Lady of the Governor due to her mother refusing to travel to the ends of the world. Mary, a young woman with position enjoys fashion, parties and the good life is horrified by the thought of this demand by her father, a man who has not ever deemed her important enough to even hold a reasonable conversation, rather he dismisses her all the time.
Even with all her objections there is little alternative. The one thing that gives light for her is the attention of a young man, John Putland who marries her and also sails with them as her father's aide-de-camp. The voyage lasts about six months and during this time Bligh, commander only of his ship and not the whole convoy causes havoc, he is incensed that he wasn't given full command of the whole convoy and does as much as is possible to undermine Captain Short's command even to the point of ignoring a change of course to which Short had 2 shots fired at Bligh's ship. Bligh is a vindictive man and pursues the matter after arrival in the colony and ensures that Short and his wife are returned to England, Short to face Disciplinary Charges.
Mary has a dreadful time with seasickness and when her father becomes aware of a convict herbalist on Short's ship he sends for her and proposes she stay and become her new maid. Mary is horrified that a convict is to become her new maid but relents when the mixture given to her stops the seasickness. Mary learns that Meg is not a criminal, rather a young woman used as a scapegoat for a crime and punished by transport to the new colony. Their lives together develop into a close relationship and Meg is forever grateful that, for all of Governor Bligh's shortcomings, he managed to get her out of the cruel grips of her first assigned master.
Early in their colony lives, sadly for Mary her much loved husband after months of sickness dies, leaving her alone to deal with the torment that of her father and her duties as his Lady, to meet, greet and entertain visiting dignitaries. Her life is difficult in managing her father's dreadful temper and unending criticism of everyone, his narcissistic nature and sheer cruelty to others. Bligh had made it clear he would not tolerate the corruption of the NSW Corps and vowed to destroy their control of the importation of spirits and domination of economic life in the colony. This finally blows up and in 1808 the military deposes him and puts him under house arrest – this was known as the 'Rum Rebellion'.
Meg is Mary's confidant suggesting different strategies in solving problems due to Mary showing a similar nature to that of her father which emerges more now as a widow. She also becomes the source of gossip, particularly her conceited nature and insistence in wearing fashions unsuitable for a colony and at one time her "see through" pantaloons and dress become the source of gossip and ridicule.
With a turn of events finally Mary is able to remarry (Sir) Maurice Charles O'Connell, a distinguished military man and new Lieutenant-Governor, beforehand telling her father that she will stay in the colony and not return with him to England. Mary and Maurice went on to have a good life, 9 children, a transfer to "Ceylon" and return to Australia. Maurice died on the day they were due to return to England, passing away at the home they had built that today still stands. Mary spent most of the remainder of her days in Paris….fashionable!
"Bounty Bligh" was the derogatory term used to refer to the much reviled Captain Bligh, a man who in 1789, near Tahiti was thrown off his ship by mutineers, dumped into a launch with only the few who supported him. So much has been written and movies made of this man that was loathed by so many.
Seventeen years after the Bounty mutiny, in 1806 William Bligh was appointed Governor of New South Wales, with orders to clean up the corrupt rum trade of the New South Wales Corps. On receiving this commission his daughter was forced to travel with her father, Mary Bligh/Putland (later on Lady O'Connell), as Lady of the Governor due to her mother refusing to travel to the ends of the world. Mary, a young woman with position enjoys fashion, parties and the good life is horrified by the thought of this demand by her father, a man who has not ever deemed her important enough to even hold a reasonable conversation, rather he dismisses her all the time.
Even with all her objections there is little alternative. The one thing that gives light for her is the attention of a young man, John Putland who marries her and also sails with them as her father's aide-de-camp. The voyage lasts about six months and during this time Bligh, commander only of his ship and not the whole convoy causes havoc, he is incensed that he wasn't given full command of the whole convoy and does as much as is possible to undermine Captain Short's command even to the point of ignoring a change of course to which Short had 2 shots fired at Bligh's ship. Bligh is a vindictive man and pursues the matter after arrival in the colony and ensures that Short and his wife are returned to England, Short to face Disciplinary Charges.
Mary has a dreadful time with seasickness and when her father becomes aware of a convict herbalist on Short's ship he sends for her and proposes she stay and become her new maid. Mary is horrified that a convict is to become her new maid but relents when the mixture given to her stops the seasickness. Mary learns that Meg is not a criminal, rather a young woman used as a scapegoat for a crime and punished by transport to the new colony. Their lives together develop into a close relationship and Meg is forever grateful that, for all of Governor Bligh's shortcomings, he managed to get her out of the cruel grips of her first assigned master.
Early in their colony lives, sadly for Mary her much loved husband after months of sickness dies, leaving her alone to deal with the torment that of her father and her duties as his Lady, to meet, greet and entertain visiting dignitaries. Her life is difficult in managing her father's dreadful temper and unending criticism of everyone, his narcissistic nature and sheer cruelty to others. Bligh had made it clear he would not tolerate the corruption of the NSW Corps and vowed to destroy their control of the importation of spirits and domination of economic life in the colony. This finally blows up and in 1808 the military deposes him and puts him under house arrest – this was known as the 'Rum Rebellion'.
Meg is Mary's confidant suggesting different strategies in solving problems due to Mary showing a similar nature to that of her father which emerges more now as a widow. She also becomes the source of gossip, particularly her conceited nature and insistence in wearing fashions unsuitable for a colony and at one time her "see through" pantaloons and dress become the source of gossip and ridicule.
With a turn of events finally Mary is able to remarry (Sir) Maurice Charles O'Connell, a distinguished military man and new Lieutenant-Governor, beforehand telling her father that she will stay in the colony and not return with him to England. Mary and Maurice went on to have a good life, 9 children, a transfer to "Ceylon" and return to Australia. Maurice died on the day they were due to return to England, passing away at the home they had built that today still stands. Mary spent most of the remainder of her days in Paris….fashionable!
"Bounty Bligh" was the derogatory term used to refer to the much reviled Captain Bligh, a man who in 1789, near Tahiti was thrown off his ship by mutineers, dumped into a launch with only the few who supported him. So much has been written and movies made of this man that was loathed by so many.
July 16, 2023
I didn’t give Sue Williams previous book, Elizabeth and Elizabeth a great review possibly because I had been reading quite a lot of ‘hard history’ and that book didn’t quite stack up.
However, this book seemed to have a better ring of authenticity to it. It was still a little light and fluffy in places but you have to accept this is cataloged in the fiction section and the author has every right to do what she wishes with those characters. I have noted many of the books she has listed as “suggested reading@ and added them to my TBR list.
If books such as this become a gateway into reading ‘what did happen’ it’s got to be a good thing. As is giving readers a taste of life in colonial Australia and rigours of being the wife of a military man in that era.
However, this book seemed to have a better ring of authenticity to it. It was still a little light and fluffy in places but you have to accept this is cataloged in the fiction section and the author has every right to do what she wishes with those characters. I have noted many of the books she has listed as “suggested reading@ and added them to my TBR list.
If books such as this become a gateway into reading ‘what did happen’ it’s got to be a good thing. As is giving readers a taste of life in colonial Australia and rigours of being the wife of a military man in that era.
October 24, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. It took me by surprise and has sent me in a new direction in my own endeavours.
I appreciated the extensive lists references provided and I like to believe that the author has presented us with a likely representation of that Bligh girl — feisty, sometimes foolhardy and as tempestuous as her father.
I appreciated the extensive lists references provided and I like to believe that the author has presented us with a likely representation of that Bligh girl — feisty, sometimes foolhardy and as tempestuous as her father.
June 14, 2023
This was a very easy read but was not my cup of tea.
August 13, 2023
I was looking forward to That Bligh Girl, an historical novel set in early Sydney from the pov ofGovernor Bligh’s spirited daughter.
It is a period of history very familiar to us, and I was hoping to see it from Bligh’s viewpoint. A new imaging, such as Hilary Mantel did with Thomas Cromwell. Unfortunately the Bligh we are presented with is, as we have been told, the same old bully and despot.
Still, there was hope. Would we see the woman behind the man. So often historic women are written as doormats or somehow imbued with 21st century feminist views. I was hoping this time we would avoid such tropes.
Mary’s story began well, and I wanted to hear more, but in the end this spirited intelligent woman was just too shallow with an occasional twist of conscience that did not ring true. And then Meg was introduced - the honest convict trope, a poor put upon orphaned herbalist, virginal, literate daughter of a clergyman- and really, for me it all fell apart.
From then on modern attitudes flew from every page. Some, but not all that struck me as follows-
a) Mary and her servant are on first name basis.
b) Bligh denigrates Mary for her love of fashion (which he has bought)in an era where in upper circles men wore silk stockings and wigs.
c) A woman herbalist is sought out and accepted by educated people, her cures tolerated even by doctors.
Perhaps this could be overlooked, but there are also many anachronisms and modern phraseology, such as: ‘see-through’ dress for one. Surely ‘transparent’ may have been a better word?
And then this dialogue -‘I do not like this’, ‘no me neither’ - the first comment being the maid, the reply her mistress. So wrong on many levels.
It just took me out of the story.
Sorry, but I can only give this a 2, mainly for the setting and plot. An easy read that introduces nothing very new or thought provoking.
Finally, i may have forgiven all the above, but I just really disliked the way Megs chapters were written. I found the style very jarring. A good editor would have seen to that.
It is a period of history very familiar to us, and I was hoping to see it from Bligh’s viewpoint. A new imaging, such as Hilary Mantel did with Thomas Cromwell. Unfortunately the Bligh we are presented with is, as we have been told, the same old bully and despot.
Still, there was hope. Would we see the woman behind the man. So often historic women are written as doormats or somehow imbued with 21st century feminist views. I was hoping this time we would avoid such tropes.
Mary’s story began well, and I wanted to hear more, but in the end this spirited intelligent woman was just too shallow with an occasional twist of conscience that did not ring true. And then Meg was introduced - the honest convict trope, a poor put upon orphaned herbalist, virginal, literate daughter of a clergyman- and really, for me it all fell apart.
From then on modern attitudes flew from every page. Some, but not all that struck me as follows-
a) Mary and her servant are on first name basis.
b) Bligh denigrates Mary for her love of fashion (which he has bought)in an era where in upper circles men wore silk stockings and wigs.
c) A woman herbalist is sought out and accepted by educated people, her cures tolerated even by doctors.
Perhaps this could be overlooked, but there are also many anachronisms and modern phraseology, such as: ‘see-through’ dress for one. Surely ‘transparent’ may have been a better word?
And then this dialogue -‘I do not like this’, ‘no me neither’ - the first comment being the maid, the reply her mistress. So wrong on many levels.
It just took me out of the story.
Sorry, but I can only give this a 2, mainly for the setting and plot. An easy read that introduces nothing very new or thought provoking.
Finally, i may have forgiven all the above, but I just really disliked the way Megs chapters were written. I found the style very jarring. A good editor would have seen to that.
June 25, 2023
‘That damned Bligh girl.’
In this novel, through a combination of fact and fiction, Ms Williams brings Mary Bligh, daughter of Governor William Bligh, to life. When Captain William Bligh was offered the post of Governor of New South Wales, his wife Elizabeth, afraid of the long sea voyage, did not wish to accompany him. Mary, recently married to Lieutenant John Putland, agreed (reluctantly) to accompany her father to act as the Lady of Government House. John Putland was to serve as Governor Bligh’s aide-de-camp.
The story unfolds from the perspectives of both Mary and her (fictional) convict maid Meg Hill. At first horrified to be served by a convict during the voyage to New South Wales, Mary comes to value Meg’s skills.
Governor Bligh, tasked with cleaning up the corrupt rum trade of the New South Wales Corps, is ousted by a coup less than two years into his appointment. And, while he hid under a bed from the three hundred armed soldiers who marched on Government House, his daughter Mary, stood at the gates refusing them entry.
In Ms William’s telling, Mary is strong enough to stand up to her father during both his turbulent governorship and his attempts afterwards to cling on to power. Mary’s relationship with her father is complicated, her life touched by tragedy when her husband John dies. Fortunately, Mary does find happiness with her second husband.
I found Meg’s perspective particularly interesting. Not only does Meg provide the reader with a different view of Mary, she also provides us with insight into the treatment of female convicts within New South Wales.
I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction set in this period of Australia’s colonial history.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In this novel, through a combination of fact and fiction, Ms Williams brings Mary Bligh, daughter of Governor William Bligh, to life. When Captain William Bligh was offered the post of Governor of New South Wales, his wife Elizabeth, afraid of the long sea voyage, did not wish to accompany him. Mary, recently married to Lieutenant John Putland, agreed (reluctantly) to accompany her father to act as the Lady of Government House. John Putland was to serve as Governor Bligh’s aide-de-camp.
The story unfolds from the perspectives of both Mary and her (fictional) convict maid Meg Hill. At first horrified to be served by a convict during the voyage to New South Wales, Mary comes to value Meg’s skills.
Governor Bligh, tasked with cleaning up the corrupt rum trade of the New South Wales Corps, is ousted by a coup less than two years into his appointment. And, while he hid under a bed from the three hundred armed soldiers who marched on Government House, his daughter Mary, stood at the gates refusing them entry.
In Ms William’s telling, Mary is strong enough to stand up to her father during both his turbulent governorship and his attempts afterwards to cling on to power. Mary’s relationship with her father is complicated, her life touched by tragedy when her husband John dies. Fortunately, Mary does find happiness with her second husband.
I found Meg’s perspective particularly interesting. Not only does Meg provide the reader with a different view of Mary, she also provides us with insight into the treatment of female convicts within New South Wales.
I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction set in this period of Australia’s colonial history.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
September 12, 2023
An entertaining imaginative retelling of the life of Mary Bligh, based on facts and thoroughly researched. I had never heard of Mary Bligh - only the problems caused by her father, who was appointed the Governor of New South Wales after his exploits following the mutiny on the Bounty.
This book shows Mary as not only being very determined and extremely loyal to her father, but also to have a sense of justice and fairness. She was also fortunate to have had 2 marriages to men who were devoted to her, and produced many children.
Williams is a talented author who makes history come alive with real people.
A fascinating story of Governor Bligh's trouble-making daughter, Mary, a powerful and determined woman from the bestselling author of Elizabeth and Elizabeth.
'Superb narration and engrossing drama.' Tom Keneally
Mary Bligh is no shrinking violet. After an horrific six-month sea voyage from Britain, she proves as strong-willed as her bloody-minded father, the newly appointed Governor William Bligh. The pair immediately scandalise Sydney with their personalities, his politics and her pantaloons.
When three hundred armed soldiers of the Rum Rebellion march on Government House to depose him, the governor is nowhere to be see. Instead, Mary stands defiantly at the gates, fighting them back with just her parasol.
Despite being bullied, belittled and betrayed, Mary remains steadfast, even when her desperate father double-crosses her yet again in his last-ditch attempt to cling onto power. But will Mary turn out to be her father's daughter and deceive him in pursuit of her own dreams and ambitions?
Sue Williams returns to the untold stories of the women of colonial Sydney with another fascinating, meticulously researched historical novel.
This book shows Mary as not only being very determined and extremely loyal to her father, but also to have a sense of justice and fairness. She was also fortunate to have had 2 marriages to men who were devoted to her, and produced many children.
Williams is a talented author who makes history come alive with real people.
A fascinating story of Governor Bligh's trouble-making daughter, Mary, a powerful and determined woman from the bestselling author of Elizabeth and Elizabeth.
'Superb narration and engrossing drama.' Tom Keneally
Mary Bligh is no shrinking violet. After an horrific six-month sea voyage from Britain, she proves as strong-willed as her bloody-minded father, the newly appointed Governor William Bligh. The pair immediately scandalise Sydney with their personalities, his politics and her pantaloons.
When three hundred armed soldiers of the Rum Rebellion march on Government House to depose him, the governor is nowhere to be see. Instead, Mary stands defiantly at the gates, fighting them back with just her parasol.
Despite being bullied, belittled and betrayed, Mary remains steadfast, even when her desperate father double-crosses her yet again in his last-ditch attempt to cling onto power. But will Mary turn out to be her father's daughter and deceive him in pursuit of her own dreams and ambitions?
Sue Williams returns to the untold stories of the women of colonial Sydney with another fascinating, meticulously researched historical novel.
August 30, 2023
After having thoroughly enjoyed Williams' "Elizabeth and Elizabeth", I picked up her latest publication and hoped it would not disappoint. The author's astute understanding of her colonial women, enriched with meticulous research, once again shone through this engaging novel. Williams brings her women out of the pages of history and enables her readers to become acquainted with their perspectives, their intimate thoughts, and the actions that have sustained interest in them through the centuries. The focus is certainly on Mary Bligh, daughter of the defamed Governor of colonial New South Wales, but the author also includes a detailed portrait of her infamous father, William Bligh, of his belligerence and desperate attempts to retain power.
Of most interest to me were Mary's own strength and ambitions, many of which she had sacrificed as she remained dutiful to her bullying father. The picture painted of Mary's holding off the troops at the gate of Government House with her parasol during the Rum Rebellion was a stunning recreation by the author.
The relationship between father and daughter was shown to be a complicated connection, characterised by deception and betrayal as Mary strives to realise her own dreams. And yet, there was love behind the shadows, which Williams succeeds in portraying with sensitivity.
Of most interest to me were Mary's own strength and ambitions, many of which she had sacrificed as she remained dutiful to her bullying father. The picture painted of Mary's holding off the troops at the gate of Government House with her parasol during the Rum Rebellion was a stunning recreation by the author.
The relationship between father and daughter was shown to be a complicated connection, characterised by deception and betrayal as Mary strives to realise her own dreams. And yet, there was love behind the shadows, which Williams succeeds in portraying with sensitivity.
June 19, 2023
Although a work of historical fiction, That Bligh Girl provides a fascinating insight into the inimitable Mary Bligh, daughter of William Bligh, the irascible, self-aggrandising, ambitious Governor.
Mary is a complex, spirited character, loyal to a fault to her inexorable father, who deceives her on more than one occasion whilst expecting absolute obedience.
An engrossing page turner, Mary’s story is skilfully interwoven with thoroughly researched details of colonial Sydney, as is the case with William’s first historical novel, Elizabeth and Elizabeth.
Mary’s obsession with and wearing of the latest fashions from Britain, (including those pantaloons!) along with her forthright behaviour, ensure she is the focus of envy and scandal as she both supports and despairs of her father’s scheming and sometimes immoral actions.
The reader is introduced to many fascinating individuals, with Mary showing herself to be a wilful, dominant, yet likeable character, as she navigates life in the colony, which is so different to her apparent pampered childhood in Britain.
A thoroughly worthwhile and riveting read.
Mary is a complex, spirited character, loyal to a fault to her inexorable father, who deceives her on more than one occasion whilst expecting absolute obedience.
An engrossing page turner, Mary’s story is skilfully interwoven with thoroughly researched details of colonial Sydney, as is the case with William’s first historical novel, Elizabeth and Elizabeth.
Mary’s obsession with and wearing of the latest fashions from Britain, (including those pantaloons!) along with her forthright behaviour, ensure she is the focus of envy and scandal as she both supports and despairs of her father’s scheming and sometimes immoral actions.
The reader is introduced to many fascinating individuals, with Mary showing herself to be a wilful, dominant, yet likeable character, as she navigates life in the colony, which is so different to her apparent pampered childhood in Britain.
A thoroughly worthwhile and riveting read.
July 13, 2024
This book was so underwhelming I don't even know where to start. The idea is a good one and it would have been amazing to be in the head of Mary Bligh as she leaves her world behind and sails to Australia. It was a long book so there was certainly space to describe what was going on, what she was thinking and feeling in a way that could allow the reader to feel it with her.....but it fell short on every level. A historian might enjoy it for the dates and historical facts surrounding Sydney in the early 1800's but anyone who likes to read for escapism surely won't find it here.
She loses a husband and we're told about it in such a matter of fact way that we don't wonder for a second what it might be like to be a woman living alone in that time. She loses two children at 14 months of age and not even a paragraph is dedicated to telling us about how sad she is. It read more like a list of dates and location.
Not for me at all and I wouldn't read another book by this author because she isn't descriptive at all and I felt the book would never end.
She loses a husband and we're told about it in such a matter of fact way that we don't wonder for a second what it might be like to be a woman living alone in that time. She loses two children at 14 months of age and not even a paragraph is dedicated to telling us about how sad she is. It read more like a list of dates and location.
Not for me at all and I wouldn't read another book by this author because she isn't descriptive at all and I felt the book would never end.
June 16, 2023
I loved this book. Having written about the Rum Rebellion in my biography of Esther Abrahams, I was intrigued to read about Governor Bligh from the perspective of his feisty daughter. Sue Williams captures his character perfectly and makes sense of some of his more outrageous behaviour. She also ingeniously develops the personality of his daughter, Mary, showing how she grew and matured throughout the years. Mary's eventual meeting with Elizabeth Macarthur is exquisitely crafted.
An extra treat is the way Sue alternates the narration from first-person (for Mary's part of the story) to third-person (for her lady's maid's view of events).
Mary's final role was a complete surprise to me. No spoilers here, but it was astonishing.
An extra treat is the way Sue alternates the narration from first-person (for Mary's part of the story) to third-person (for her lady's maid's view of events).
Mary's final role was a complete surprise to me. No spoilers here, but it was astonishing.
June 14, 2023
Fabulous book and a really interesting read. I really love how the author manages to make Australia’s early history so alive and enjoyed it even more because it was written from the not often heard/seen woman’s perspective. Who knew Mary Bligh was such a strong woman and that she played an important part of our early history. We have all heard tales about her (in) famous father Captain Bligh but Mary was not someone I had ever heard about. So glad I read this book and I can recommend it to people even if they are not normally keen on historical novels. This book is so alive.
July 16, 2023
Sue William's background as a journalist puts her readers in safe hands with her impeccable research and her keen eye for just the right detail to make this story jump off the page. I loved reading about strong-willed Mary Bligh matching her wits against her equally scandalous father, William Bligh, the newly appointed governor of the colonised state of New South Wales. I learned things I never knew about Australian history, at the same time being swept away by a great story. Highly recommended!
August 20, 2023
Mary Bligh is forced to go with her notorious father to Australia when he becomes Governor there, and her new husband becomes his aide. Convict Meg becomes Mary's maid, and the books tells both stories between 1803 and 1846. Mary is not very likeable so Meg's narrative is a good counterpoint. The end part (the later years) felt rushed and were not as interesting, to me anyway. There were also a few jarring comments which sounded too modern. Overall it was a good read but I enjoyed the author's 'Elizabeth & Elizabeth' more.
September 21, 2025
This is probably my favourite book in this series so far. Still simply written but for some reason I didn't notice it as much; maybe I was more interested in the story of Mary Bligh. She actually is a fascinating lady who certainly lived an adventurous and often, unsettled life. I enjoyed putting the historical characters to existing street names in Sydney and historical events like the new, still existing, Governement House being built or the Female Orphanage being moved to Parramatta. The Female Orphanage is still in existence and can be visited.
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