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The Matilda Saga #3
The Road to Gundagai
Blue Laurence has escaped the prison of her aunt's mansion to join The Magnifico Family Circus, a travelling troupe that brings glamour and laughter to country towns gripped by the Depression. Blue hides her crippled legs and scars behind the sparkle of a mermaid's costume; but she’s not the only member of the circus hiding a dark secret. The unquenchable Madame Zlosky creates as well as foresees futures. The bearded lady is a young man with laughing eyes. A headless skeleton dangles in the House of Horrors.
And somewhere a murderer is waiting … to strike again.
This third book in the Waltz for Matilda saga is set in 1932, at the height of the Depression. Miss Matilda is still running Drinkwater Station, but has put aside her own tragedy to help those suffering in tough economic times and Joey, from The Girl from Snowy River, uses his new medical skills to solve a mystery.
And somewhere a murderer is waiting … to strike again.
This third book in the Waltz for Matilda saga is set in 1932, at the height of the Depression. Miss Matilda is still running Drinkwater Station, but has put aside her own tragedy to help those suffering in tough economic times and Joey, from The Girl from Snowy River, uses his new medical skills to solve a mystery.
448 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2013
24 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Jackie French
320 books868 followersJackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.
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December 29, 2013
Victoria, 1932. On her sixteenth birthday, Bluebell "Blue" Laurence looks in the mirror of her bedroom in her aunt's rented house in Willow Creek, and sees a monster. The scars from the fire cover her neck, and her red hair is falling out. She can barely walk, reduced to a clumsy shuffle because of scar tissue joining her thighs together. Her aunts, Daisy and Lilac, whisked her away not long after the fire to this house in the country, where they feed her detestable liver custard and tapioca. Her only company is the young Chinese servant girl, Mah, who rescued her from the fire at her parents' house.
Orphaned after her parents and baby brother, Willy, die when their ship sinks en route back from South Africa, Blue is kept in ignorance of the state of her family's affairs. Her father was the manager for her grandfather's shoe factory, Laurence Shoes, and she assumes their house burned down in the fire, but no one actually talks to her, not even her Uncle Herbert, who sends her chocolates and some money for her birthday.
With the ten pounds from her uncle, Blue sneaks out at night to see the circus that just arrived in town. The Magnifico Family Circus is a one-night-only event, and Blue enjoys seeing through the trickery in the sideshow tents and trying to guess how things were done. But it's in the Big Top that she really enjoys herself, watching the acrobatic displays and the elephant, called the Queen of Sheba. Led by the indomitable and very talented Madame - of no known name or age - the Magnifico Family Circus is a small group of skilled performers who take on several roles to make the circus feel bigger and more glamorous. Aside from Madame, the fortune-teller, there's Mrs Olsen, her daughter Gertrude and her young son Ginger, who are trapeze artists, and handsome young Fred who plays the bearded lady and many other roles. And there's the middle-aged brothers, Ebenezer and Ephraim, who play the Ring Master and the clown, respectively, among other things, and manage the heavy work.
Her aunts arrive to take her home during the intermission, and lock her in her bedroom for the rest of the night. It is when the house is quiet and everyone asleep - everyone but Blue, who tries not to panic at the thought of being trapped in the room - that there's a tap at her window. The circus has come to break her free, rescue her and hide her in plain sight. Madame, in her inscrutable way, has knowledge that Blue is being poisoned with arsenic - the hair loss is a sure sign. She wagers Blue has barely weeks left to live, and even though Blue resists the idea that her aunts could be trying to kill her, it starts to make a strange sort of sense. Especially when, from the very next day, she stops vomiting and starts feeling better.
It is a long road to full recovery for Blue, though, and in the meantime she's a runaway with the police looking for her. The circus is skilled at hiding people in plain sight, though, and soon Blue is masquerading as a boy when she's not performing as a harem dancer or a mermaid called Belle. Over the next few years Blue finds a new home in the circus, and a new family among the eclectic Magnifico family. Her only guiding thought is to wait till she's of age and can be financially and legally independent; until then, she plans to stay with the circus.
But Blue has no control over the way of the world, or the effect the Depression will indirectly have on the circus and the fate of her new family. It is at the small rural town of Gibber's Creek in 1935 that their luck runs out and Blue's carefree days of performing in a circus come to an end. It is there they meet Miss Matilda, owner of Drinkwater Station, and her husband who runs the nearby wireless factory. It is at Drinkwater that the circus's real secrets come to light and Blue realises just how clever they all are at multiple duplicity. And it is at Drinkwater that a murder and a murderer catches up with the circus.
While The Road to Gundagai is the third book in the Matilda Saga, it - and all the others (there are more to come too) - can each be read as a stand-alone book. The first book, A Waltz for Matilda, introduces readers to Miss Matilda as a child in 1894 and ends in 1915; the second, The Girl From Snowy River, is about Flinty McAlpine in 1919 till 1926; her brothers appear in Gundagai, as does Matilda from the first book. The next book will be set in 1942, during World War II, and the fifth in 1969.
But this is Blue's story, and I have to say right here, right now, that it's an excellent, wonderful, exciting, perfectly-written story that's easily one of the best teen novels I've ever read, and one of the best books I've ever read, too. I can't recommend this book highly enough, I am utterly in love with it and I know I would have loved it as a teenager as well.
Jackie French was previously known to me as a picture book author - her Diary of a Wombat is a modern-day Australian classic. But I had no idea until recently that she also wrote fiction, primarily for Young Adults and older children. I sought out her books one day and found a whole section in Petrarch's in Launceston, a bit tucked away sadly but completely devoted to Jackie French novels. They didn't have A Waltz for Matilda or The Girl From Snowy River, but I had already planned on reading this and was thrilled to find they had a few copies. I mean, who doesn't love circus stories? Stories about orphan girls being poisoned by wicked aunts? Stories about elephants who love to steal jewellery and have their own teddy bear? Stories about adventure and young love, mystery and treachery and family secrets? The Road to Gundagai has it all, and what's even better is that the writing is so ... flawless.
It's extremely rare for me - in my jaded, too-often-cynical 30s - to find a book, especially a YA novel, that doesn't annoy me in some small way, or feel a bit simplistic or unpolished or with weak world-building or characterisation or plotting. There's almost always something that stops me from really, truly loving a YA novel. One of the reasons why French's writing reads with such confidence and vitality and realism, is that she's practiced and experienced enough to know her own writing style and be comfortable in it: there's no pretensions here, no awkward turns-of-phrase in an attempt to be original, and no present tense! French is skilled at bringing her characters to life with just the right amount of detail, and the pacing is swift and sure so that you never get bored nor feel rushed. Like many of the characters, the story itself is full of charisma. It's completely absorbing and engaging, and just beautiful to read.
The story is also rich in period details, and setting. There is a handy appendix at the back for younger readers that gives concise and interesting explanations and insight into many of the things in the book, but if you already have the context and a general understanding of the Depression you can really revel in the fine details of life in a circus in Australia during the 1930s. Throughout the story, there's the running theme of what a circus - or any kind of theatrical performance - can bring people living in poverty, who spend what they can for a bit of glitter, a gasp and a laugh.
Balancing the dark tones is light and laughter, warmth and friendship. Blue finds love, too, and so does the reader: if you don't fall in love with Sheba the elephant, I shall be very much surprised. It should come as no surprise, of course, that French can write an elephant character so damn well.
Enriched with themes of economics and politics, class divides and gender imbalance, the story of Blue growing, maturing and really coming into her own is an absolute delight. She becomes a confident young woman with skills only the circus could have taught her - along with the nurturing of her circus family. There are moments of sadness and tears, and moments of bravery and resilience. Through it all, Blue is a strong heroine and protagonist you will come to love, along with all the other characters, so diverse and full of surprises. If I haven't won you over yet and made you eager to pick up this wonderful, wonderful book and read it today, then that's a lack in me and not in Jackie French's skill as a storyteller. For myself, I plan to read her entire backlist of novels and discover more gems.
Orphaned after her parents and baby brother, Willy, die when their ship sinks en route back from South Africa, Blue is kept in ignorance of the state of her family's affairs. Her father was the manager for her grandfather's shoe factory, Laurence Shoes, and she assumes their house burned down in the fire, but no one actually talks to her, not even her Uncle Herbert, who sends her chocolates and some money for her birthday.
With the ten pounds from her uncle, Blue sneaks out at night to see the circus that just arrived in town. The Magnifico Family Circus is a one-night-only event, and Blue enjoys seeing through the trickery in the sideshow tents and trying to guess how things were done. But it's in the Big Top that she really enjoys herself, watching the acrobatic displays and the elephant, called the Queen of Sheba. Led by the indomitable and very talented Madame - of no known name or age - the Magnifico Family Circus is a small group of skilled performers who take on several roles to make the circus feel bigger and more glamorous. Aside from Madame, the fortune-teller, there's Mrs Olsen, her daughter Gertrude and her young son Ginger, who are trapeze artists, and handsome young Fred who plays the bearded lady and many other roles. And there's the middle-aged brothers, Ebenezer and Ephraim, who play the Ring Master and the clown, respectively, among other things, and manage the heavy work.
Her aunts arrive to take her home during the intermission, and lock her in her bedroom for the rest of the night. It is when the house is quiet and everyone asleep - everyone but Blue, who tries not to panic at the thought of being trapped in the room - that there's a tap at her window. The circus has come to break her free, rescue her and hide her in plain sight. Madame, in her inscrutable way, has knowledge that Blue is being poisoned with arsenic - the hair loss is a sure sign. She wagers Blue has barely weeks left to live, and even though Blue resists the idea that her aunts could be trying to kill her, it starts to make a strange sort of sense. Especially when, from the very next day, she stops vomiting and starts feeling better.
It is a long road to full recovery for Blue, though, and in the meantime she's a runaway with the police looking for her. The circus is skilled at hiding people in plain sight, though, and soon Blue is masquerading as a boy when she's not performing as a harem dancer or a mermaid called Belle. Over the next few years Blue finds a new home in the circus, and a new family among the eclectic Magnifico family. Her only guiding thought is to wait till she's of age and can be financially and legally independent; until then, she plans to stay with the circus.
But Blue has no control over the way of the world, or the effect the Depression will indirectly have on the circus and the fate of her new family. It is at the small rural town of Gibber's Creek in 1935 that their luck runs out and Blue's carefree days of performing in a circus come to an end. It is there they meet Miss Matilda, owner of Drinkwater Station, and her husband who runs the nearby wireless factory. It is at Drinkwater that the circus's real secrets come to light and Blue realises just how clever they all are at multiple duplicity. And it is at Drinkwater that a murder and a murderer catches up with the circus.
While The Road to Gundagai is the third book in the Matilda Saga, it - and all the others (there are more to come too) - can each be read as a stand-alone book. The first book, A Waltz for Matilda, introduces readers to Miss Matilda as a child in 1894 and ends in 1915; the second, The Girl From Snowy River, is about Flinty McAlpine in 1919 till 1926; her brothers appear in Gundagai, as does Matilda from the first book. The next book will be set in 1942, during World War II, and the fifth in 1969.
But this is Blue's story, and I have to say right here, right now, that it's an excellent, wonderful, exciting, perfectly-written story that's easily one of the best teen novels I've ever read, and one of the best books I've ever read, too. I can't recommend this book highly enough, I am utterly in love with it and I know I would have loved it as a teenager as well.
Jackie French was previously known to me as a picture book author - her Diary of a Wombat is a modern-day Australian classic. But I had no idea until recently that she also wrote fiction, primarily for Young Adults and older children. I sought out her books one day and found a whole section in Petrarch's in Launceston, a bit tucked away sadly but completely devoted to Jackie French novels. They didn't have A Waltz for Matilda or The Girl From Snowy River, but I had already planned on reading this and was thrilled to find they had a few copies. I mean, who doesn't love circus stories? Stories about orphan girls being poisoned by wicked aunts? Stories about elephants who love to steal jewellery and have their own teddy bear? Stories about adventure and young love, mystery and treachery and family secrets? The Road to Gundagai has it all, and what's even better is that the writing is so ... flawless.
It's extremely rare for me - in my jaded, too-often-cynical 30s - to find a book, especially a YA novel, that doesn't annoy me in some small way, or feel a bit simplistic or unpolished or with weak world-building or characterisation or plotting. There's almost always something that stops me from really, truly loving a YA novel. One of the reasons why French's writing reads with such confidence and vitality and realism, is that she's practiced and experienced enough to know her own writing style and be comfortable in it: there's no pretensions here, no awkward turns-of-phrase in an attempt to be original, and no present tense! French is skilled at bringing her characters to life with just the right amount of detail, and the pacing is swift and sure so that you never get bored nor feel rushed. Like many of the characters, the story itself is full of charisma. It's completely absorbing and engaging, and just beautiful to read.
The story is also rich in period details, and setting. There is a handy appendix at the back for younger readers that gives concise and interesting explanations and insight into many of the things in the book, but if you already have the context and a general understanding of the Depression you can really revel in the fine details of life in a circus in Australia during the 1930s. Throughout the story, there's the running theme of what a circus - or any kind of theatrical performance - can bring people living in poverty, who spend what they can for a bit of glitter, a gasp and a laugh.
'And tomorrow, Gertrude will ride Sheba with Belle through the shanties before Ebenezer takes her down to the sea for her swim.'
Gertrude's face appeared at the caravan door. She gave them all a swift angry look. 'I practise in the mornings.'
'One practice cut short will do no harm. You will be Gloria and Belle will be a dancer.' Madame shook her head. 'The mermaid would please them more, but a mermaid on an elephant is not believable. Best they keep the image from tonight. But wear the jewels. They deserve another sight of jewels. The children will tell their children.' Madame stared into the darkness. Her voice was soft. 'When they talk about these years they will not say, "We shivered in the wind with sacking walls, we ate stale bread and drank buttermilk," but, "One night I saw a fairy fly across a tent. I saw a mermaid swim, and wave her tail at me."' [p.158]
Balancing the dark tones is light and laughter, warmth and friendship. Blue finds love, too, and so does the reader: if you don't fall in love with Sheba the elephant, I shall be very much surprised. It should come as no surprise, of course, that French can write an elephant character so damn well.
Enriched with themes of economics and politics, class divides and gender imbalance, the story of Blue growing, maturing and really coming into her own is an absolute delight. She becomes a confident young woman with skills only the circus could have taught her - along with the nurturing of her circus family. There are moments of sadness and tears, and moments of bravery and resilience. Through it all, Blue is a strong heroine and protagonist you will come to love, along with all the other characters, so diverse and full of surprises. If I haven't won you over yet and made you eager to pick up this wonderful, wonderful book and read it today, then that's a lack in me and not in Jackie French's skill as a storyteller. For myself, I plan to read her entire backlist of novels and discover more gems.
December 22, 2021
never get tired of this
March 21, 2025
4.5 stars. I continue to love this series. I enjoy French’s writing and find myself thinking about the novel and its characters throughout the day. I love the themes of community, survival, saving, loving, and second chances.
Also, how can I find an elephant friend now?!
My biggest complaint about this series? It’s hard to find in the US. None of my libraries have the series so I have to buy them. That said, I don’t mind owning them.
Also, how can I find an elephant friend now?!
My biggest complaint about this series? It’s hard to find in the US. None of my libraries have the series so I have to buy them. That said, I don’t mind owning them.
March 5, 2014
Wow what an awesome book. I'll admit this is my first Jackie French book other than her famous picture books like Diary of a Wombat. But when I saw this released and the 3rd in the series I thought my 11yr old would enjoy it. After a stressful few days for our family, my daughter was having trouble sleeping so I offered to read to her. We haven't read to her for a few years, she is an able reader, but in our stressful time we started again. And I was so glad I did it has been an awesome experience and we picked the best but to do it. Kind of an Aussie Water for Elephants suitable for older primary, this book was nothing short of spectacular. The writing incredible, the story gripping (we may have read long past bed time many nights) with so many twists and turns, we had lots of discussions about what we thought might happen next. I highly recommend this for young teen girls the world over and will definitely be reading the first two books in the series next (which can be read as stand alone).
January 18, 2026
4.5 stars
At first, I picked this book up from the library, not knowing that it was a part of a saga. It is the third book in the Matilda saga. However, I found out that the saga is kind of more of interconnected standalone, in a sense. Some of the characters in previous books did pop up in this book, however I didn't need any prior knowledge of them to understand the book.
This was such a good book, I LOVED the found family, the setting of the circus, Sheba the elephant, and of course all the other characters. This was mainly Australian Historical Fiction, however it did have some mystery to it, particularly towards the end.
I did really want to give this five stars, however I feel like a few things could have been more in depth. First of all, the whole relationship with Joseph and Blue definitely could have been longer, and way more in depth, to help the reader understand their later actions a bit more. Also, this was probably just me and my preferences, but I would have loved more of the circus life, because I just loved it so much. Then ending was a bit tough for me, and pretty sad.
Now, a paragraph about Jackie French. She is AMAZING! To be able to have written as many books as she has, and to have them all (the ones I have read, at least) At such good quality is amazing. At the end of this book, she put an Author's note, explaining more in depth about some of the themes in this book, and at the end she even added a recipe for Sqaushed Flies!!! If you haven't read the book that would sound horrible, but they were delicious. Many thanks!!!
At first, I picked this book up from the library, not knowing that it was a part of a saga. It is the third book in the Matilda saga. However, I found out that the saga is kind of more of interconnected standalone, in a sense. Some of the characters in previous books did pop up in this book, however I didn't need any prior knowledge of them to understand the book.
This was such a good book, I LOVED the found family, the setting of the circus, Sheba the elephant, and of course all the other characters. This was mainly Australian Historical Fiction, however it did have some mystery to it, particularly towards the end.
I did really want to give this five stars, however I feel like a few things could have been more in depth. First of all, the whole relationship with Joseph and Blue definitely could have been longer, and way more in depth, to help the reader understand their later actions a bit more. Also, this was probably just me and my preferences, but I would have loved more of the circus life, because I just loved it so much. Then ending was a bit tough for me, and pretty sad.
Now, a paragraph about Jackie French. She is AMAZING! To be able to have written as many books as she has, and to have them all (the ones I have read, at least) At such good quality is amazing. At the end of this book, she put an Author's note, explaining more in depth about some of the themes in this book, and at the end she even added a recipe for Sqaushed Flies!!! If you haven't read the book that would sound horrible, but they were delicious. Many thanks!!!
July 6, 2019
Trigger warnings: death of a parent, death of a sibling (don't @ me about spoilers, I swear to God. It happens before the book starts and it's revealed like three pages in), fire, blood,
4.5 stars.
This is my least favourite of the three so far but it's more that the first two blew me out of the water and this one didn't quite live up to my love for those two. I loved Blue as a protagonist, but it felt like the plot took about half of the story to actually get properly started and then the second half felt eeeeeever so slightly rushed.
Once the circus hit Gillies Creek and we were back with the old familiar characters, I absolutely ADORED this and I had a lot of feelings. The way that Blue's story played out was fantastic. I also really enjoyed the friendship between Blue and Mah, and I loved Sheba from start to finish. So basically, the last third of the book was 5 stars, the rest was 4+ stars, so it balances out to 4.5 stars.
4.5 stars.
This is my least favourite of the three so far but it's more that the first two blew me out of the water and this one didn't quite live up to my love for those two. I loved Blue as a protagonist, but it felt like the plot took about half of the story to actually get properly started and then the second half felt eeeeeever so slightly rushed.
Once the circus hit Gillies Creek and we were back with the old familiar characters, I absolutely ADORED this and I had a lot of feelings. The way that Blue's story played out was fantastic. I also really enjoyed the friendship between Blue and Mah, and I loved Sheba from start to finish. So basically, the last third of the book was 5 stars, the rest was 4+ stars, so it balances out to 4.5 stars.
June 11, 2024
Love the ties from other Matilda saga and the circus theme
August 31, 2018
Another brilliant book in the Matilda saga and one that I enjoyed as much as the first book. The Road to Gundagai is about a girl who was crippled in the same fire that killed her family, and her mission to find a new family and live life at it's fullest. She lives with her aunts and when a circus comes to town she goes to watch it. She then runs away with the circus and finds love, friends and family. A gorgeous book!!
April 21, 2017
I love Jackie French's works, but I really didn't enjoy this story. I liked it up until Miss Matilda was introduced, who seemed completely irrelevant. Then all the circus people took off leaving only Blue and some other characters and I got really bored because nothing was going on. Also, the grammatical errors such as 'if I was' and 'what?!' really bothered me. Not a winner for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2019
Jackie French never fails to amaze me with the way she writes. The only way I can describe it is magic, because it is vivid, exciting and nostalgic, seemingly without even trying.
Characters
Blue: As someone who is reading the Matilda Saga in order, Blue felt a little different to the protagonists from French's other stories. She wasn't brave like Flinty, or tough and determined like Matilda. Especially in the beginning of the novel, she did as she was told and went where she was instructed to. Even her escape from the aunt's house felt underwhelming, with people sneaking into her room, telling her what to do and Blue following their instructions with only half as many questions as I would have asked. Especially in the flashbacks I became frustrated with Blue because she was so oblivious to the sort of life people like her so-called friend Mah lead. However, as the story progressed Blue became more analytical of both her past life and current surroundings. She realised how she had treated Mah and the other servants, and we finally see some of her keen intellect that was nurtured by her father. Blue's development throughout the story, although frustrating at times, made her lovable and fun to read about.
Mah: Mah was for sure my favourite character! Sassy, smart and loyal to Blue, she doesn't let her ethnicity hold her back in a time where that seems to be all people see. She is mature beyond her years and still herself through it all.
Madame: At first I didn't think much of Madame, or any of the circus people to be honest. I saw them as deceivers, taking people's money and throwing fake things back at them, with Madame the controlling old lady behind it all. But the impact the circus had on the people of Australia throughout the Depression, bringing smiles, no matter how they did it, was honourable and I could see why the circus folks certainly thought so.
Gertrude: Speaking of the Olsens, Gertrude was one character I truly couldn't stand throughout The Road to Gundagai . She was selfish, rude and stuck-up all the way to the end. Something I didn't enjoy about this book or about The Girl From Snowy River was the hate that the female protagonists threw the way of other girls their age (Amy I think her name was in book 2). From the moment Blue entered the circus the first time Gertrude was unwelcoming and cold, which I thought was entirely necessary. For someone who has been on her own all her life, a girl her age should be a friend, or a least a curiosity to be civil too for a while.
Plot
Overall, the story line was interesting with a few twists and turns along the way. The attempted murder aspect really kicks things off with a bang, especially after we find out that the fire in Blue's home was likely set on purpose. But the middle of the story dragged a bit, and though I loved reading it because I am a sucker for well written, well developed characters, I felt that the plot didn't move very much at all. This is definitely a character-driven story like many of French's other works. I would not recommend it to those into fast-paced books with loads of action, but for those like me, who love a slow-paced, character focused story, I would for sure recommend the Matilda Saga.
Characters
Blue: As someone who is reading the Matilda Saga in order, Blue felt a little different to the protagonists from French's other stories. She wasn't brave like Flinty, or tough and determined like Matilda. Especially in the beginning of the novel, she did as she was told and went where she was instructed to. Even her escape from the aunt's house felt underwhelming, with people sneaking into her room, telling her what to do and Blue following their instructions with only half as many questions as I would have asked. Especially in the flashbacks I became frustrated with Blue because she was so oblivious to the sort of life people like her so-called friend Mah lead. However, as the story progressed Blue became more analytical of both her past life and current surroundings. She realised how she had treated Mah and the other servants, and we finally see some of her keen intellect that was nurtured by her father. Blue's development throughout the story, although frustrating at times, made her lovable and fun to read about.
Mah: Mah was for sure my favourite character! Sassy, smart and loyal to Blue, she doesn't let her ethnicity hold her back in a time where that seems to be all people see. She is mature beyond her years and still herself through it all.
Madame: At first I didn't think much of Madame, or any of the circus people to be honest. I saw them as deceivers, taking people's money and throwing fake things back at them, with Madame the controlling old lady behind it all. But the impact the circus had on the people of Australia throughout the Depression, bringing smiles, no matter how they did it, was honourable and I could see why the circus folks certainly thought so.
Gertrude: Speaking of the Olsens, Gertrude was one character I truly couldn't stand throughout The Road to Gundagai . She was selfish, rude and stuck-up all the way to the end. Something I didn't enjoy about this book or about The Girl From Snowy River was the hate that the female protagonists threw the way of other girls their age (Amy I think her name was in book 2). From the moment Blue entered the circus the first time Gertrude was unwelcoming and cold, which I thought was entirely necessary. For someone who has been on her own all her life, a girl her age should be a friend, or a least a curiosity to be civil too for a while.
Plot
Overall, the story line was interesting with a few twists and turns along the way. The attempted murder aspect really kicks things off with a bang, especially after we find out that the fire in Blue's home was likely set on purpose. But the middle of the story dragged a bit, and though I loved reading it because I am a sucker for well written, well developed characters, I felt that the plot didn't move very much at all. This is definitely a character-driven story like many of French's other works. I would not recommend it to those into fast-paced books with loads of action, but for those like me, who love a slow-paced, character focused story, I would for sure recommend the Matilda Saga.
February 3, 2024
Each book seems to be better the second time round.
Loved the circus setting so much more this time, and of course, with Matilda coming back, everything is so much more fun. She remains my favourite character.
Loved the circus setting so much more this time, and of course, with Matilda coming back, everything is so much more fun. She remains my favourite character.
September 3, 2025
When trying to find a book to listen to recently, I remembered this series that I’ve been meaning to finish reading for years. I’m so glad I returned to this series, because Jackie French outdoes herself in these books, in my opinion!
It’s hard to know where even to start when I think of this story. There’s the historical context, with the depression and how that affected many Australians. Then there are the characters—dynamic, living-and-breathing people that I wish I could wrap up in cotton wool or something, because boy, do they ever have a hard time of it! I easily connected with the Blue and her plight, and even though French didn’t give her an easy time of it, the story was just perfect. Then there’s the circus part of the story; I’ve never read a book quite like this one, and I did not see some of the plot twists coming! Wow.
I didn’t appreciate the feminist slant in the book so much. That’s something I’ve come to expect in French’s books, though, and to be honest, the way she does it doesn’t bother me nearly as much as from other authors. Most of the time, I forget that that’s even an element of the story, because the story-world and the characters have swept me away.
Overall, this book had very vivid, relatable imagery, characters I adored, and a great setting. It made me cry, and laugh a little, and I came away from the book with a deeper appreciation for good storytelling and an even stronger determination to finish listening to the series. If you enjoy historical novels that are realistic and hard to put down, I’d highly recommend you check out this book and the rest of the series.
It’s hard to know where even to start when I think of this story. There’s the historical context, with the depression and how that affected many Australians. Then there are the characters—dynamic, living-and-breathing people that I wish I could wrap up in cotton wool or something, because boy, do they ever have a hard time of it! I easily connected with the Blue and her plight, and even though French didn’t give her an easy time of it, the story was just perfect. Then there’s the circus part of the story; I’ve never read a book quite like this one, and I did not see some of the plot twists coming! Wow.
I didn’t appreciate the feminist slant in the book so much. That’s something I’ve come to expect in French’s books, though, and to be honest, the way she does it doesn’t bother me nearly as much as from other authors. Most of the time, I forget that that’s even an element of the story, because the story-world and the characters have swept me away.
Overall, this book had very vivid, relatable imagery, characters I adored, and a great setting. It made me cry, and laugh a little, and I came away from the book with a deeper appreciation for good storytelling and an even stronger determination to finish listening to the series. If you enjoy historical novels that are realistic and hard to put down, I’d highly recommend you check out this book and the rest of the series.
July 5, 2019
Incredible. This is the third instalment of one of my most favourite series/saga's that I have ever read. It follows the story of an orphaned Blue (Bluebell) Laurence who suffers in a suspicious fire and is left crippled. She is hidden beneath her two Aunts conservative modesty and lacks medical help. Her life seems to be dwindling before her very eyes when suddenly she is rescued by the Magnifico family circus where she finds her own true family.
This was the second time I have read this book and I loved It just as much if not more than the first time I have read it. It is set against the devastating and dejected depression of the post-war 1930's. One of the many seductive things about this series is that Jackie French (author) is able to so masterfully weave fact with fiction leaving a a most incredible piece of literature in the wake of her labours. I also really enjoy the intergenerational linking between the series. Each old story becomes a part of the new one in a beautiful way. The nice thing about this series is that it allows room for new main characters with each story allowing also for new periods of fascinating Australian history, yet It still stays true to the stories and characters that have come in the novels before.
I hope you will consider reading this book, It is a true world of enchantment and delight
This was the second time I have read this book and I loved It just as much if not more than the first time I have read it. It is set against the devastating and dejected depression of the post-war 1930's. One of the many seductive things about this series is that Jackie French (author) is able to so masterfully weave fact with fiction leaving a a most incredible piece of literature in the wake of her labours. I also really enjoy the intergenerational linking between the series. Each old story becomes a part of the new one in a beautiful way. The nice thing about this series is that it allows room for new main characters with each story allowing also for new periods of fascinating Australian history, yet It still stays true to the stories and characters that have come in the novels before.
I hope you will consider reading this book, It is a true world of enchantment and delight
November 28, 2025
A wonderfully refreshing read and a distinctive addition to the Matilda series. In this third instalment, French introduces a fresh direction that initially had me wondering how it would all connect back to the familiar world of Gibbers Creek. Yet, true to her craft, she expertly weaves the threads together, revealing a seamless and satisfying link that feels both clever and inevitable.
What stands out most is her ability to immortalize bush life with such authenticity. For those of us who have experienced the Australian outback firsthand, her writing offers a sense of homecoming. She captures not only the rugged beauty of the landscape but also its scents, textures, and moods—allowing readers to genuinely immerse themselves in the story’s world. Few writers manage to evoke the Australian environment with such raw honesty and affection.
In addition, the novel unfolds with the suspense of a murder mystery, blending the intrigue of a “whodunit” right up to the final pages. Just when you think you’ve solved it, French turns the narrative on its head, revealing an unexpected culprit. It’s a masterclass in pacing and plot craftsmanship.
A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read from start to finish—and I’m genuinely excited to dive into the fourth book of the series.
What stands out most is her ability to immortalize bush life with such authenticity. For those of us who have experienced the Australian outback firsthand, her writing offers a sense of homecoming. She captures not only the rugged beauty of the landscape but also its scents, textures, and moods—allowing readers to genuinely immerse themselves in the story’s world. Few writers manage to evoke the Australian environment with such raw honesty and affection.
In addition, the novel unfolds with the suspense of a murder mystery, blending the intrigue of a “whodunit” right up to the final pages. Just when you think you’ve solved it, French turns the narrative on its head, revealing an unexpected culprit. It’s a masterclass in pacing and plot craftsmanship.
A thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read from start to finish—and I’m genuinely excited to dive into the fourth book of the series.
April 19, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put it down.
Interesting story of a rich girl who is nearly killed in a criminal fire, and then nearly dies through poisoning. She is rescued by a circus with interesting characters who turns out to all have their own secret stories.
The story takes place in the 1930 in Australia during depression times and gives a clear picture of this era. The heroin is also a strong woman who wants to have her own career and life and not only be 'a wife'...
The circus has an elephant and the background is New South Wales...
The end of the book has a very informative section on what life was like in these days: really drab with many very poor people, women treated like they were not even human in a way. I felt that part a little too crammed and full as if the author had suddenly remembered she wanted to put that information in the book. But over all I found the book really well written, gripping and interesting. I want to read more books by Jackie French.
Interesting story of a rich girl who is nearly killed in a criminal fire, and then nearly dies through poisoning. She is rescued by a circus with interesting characters who turns out to all have their own secret stories.
The story takes place in the 1930 in Australia during depression times and gives a clear picture of this era. The heroin is also a strong woman who wants to have her own career and life and not only be 'a wife'...
The circus has an elephant and the background is New South Wales...
The end of the book has a very informative section on what life was like in these days: really drab with many very poor people, women treated like they were not even human in a way. I felt that part a little too crammed and full as if the author had suddenly remembered she wanted to put that information in the book. But over all I found the book really well written, gripping and interesting. I want to read more books by Jackie French.
January 23, 2020
I’m a little on the fence with this book. I haven’t read anything else in the Matilda saga, so I think that may have given a little context and love for some of the characters that I didn’t experience, as I think Joseph is mentioned, Matilda etc I’m not sure. I did like the story, the excitement of the circus, running away from home, arsenic poisoning, the atmosphere and initial world building was rlly great.
It just fell short with the pacing, making all the aspects I liked a bit tedious and a drag. I was waiting for the murder to occur to re-spark my interest, as it’s listed as a main plot point but this only happens towards the END! and I’m expected to care. Nah.
I really liked Matilda and drink water station, it was refreshing, but again just got a bit tiring.
I respect this book for what it is, I’m not really a historical fiction reader, I love fast paced trash with angsty, spicy romance, murder, fantasy, so I just didn’t vibe with it. Not sorry about it... if you like his sorta thang then you will like it, duh.
IM SORRY ALANA
It just fell short with the pacing, making all the aspects I liked a bit tedious and a drag. I was waiting for the murder to occur to re-spark my interest, as it’s listed as a main plot point but this only happens towards the END! and I’m expected to care. Nah.
I really liked Matilda and drink water station, it was refreshing, but again just got a bit tiring.
I respect this book for what it is, I’m not really a historical fiction reader, I love fast paced trash with angsty, spicy romance, murder, fantasy, so I just didn’t vibe with it. Not sorry about it... if you like his sorta thang then you will like it, duh.
IM SORRY ALANA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2022
Book Three of the Matilda Saga, and despite the fact that my age is probably almost double 'Young Adult' I am really enjoying the series. Each book highlights a period in Australian history but within a local context so you can appreciate the effects it had on an individual.
This book focussed on the Great Depression, while the heroine is actually a heiress, although she doesn't know by how much, she learns about life on the road, the the plight of those in extreme poverty. Discrimination is also a theme within the book.
While the series start with Matilda's story, each book adds a major characters which make an appearance in subsequent books. I shall be interested to see how she incorporates Blue into the next book.
This book focussed on the Great Depression, while the heroine is actually a heiress, although she doesn't know by how much, she learns about life on the road, the the plight of those in extreme poverty. Discrimination is also a theme within the book.
While the series start with Matilda's story, each book adds a major characters which make an appearance in subsequent books. I shall be interested to see how she incorporates Blue into the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2020
'The Road to Gundagai' is set in the years of the Great Depression and is correspondingly bleak. Along with themes of girls and women, and the great Australian outback country; this book is focused on (unlikely) family and community, both full of heart, and how both are needed to survive the bleakness of the Depression.
What stood out to me in 'The Road to Gundagai', similar in 'A Waltz for Matilda', is how I could not predict the many turns within the story - it is a wonderful 'circus' trip throughout the novel, from start to finish. I practically stayed up into the early hours of the morning to read this book!
What stood out to me in 'The Road to Gundagai', similar in 'A Waltz for Matilda', is how I could not predict the many turns within the story - it is a wonderful 'circus' trip throughout the novel, from start to finish. I practically stayed up into the early hours of the morning to read this book!
March 20, 2023
Audiobook- my third in the Series (Book 3) absolutely loving the series, the narrator and an insight into Australian history. Well put together, well worth a listen. Books can be read or listened to individually but it is great to keep the flow and listen in order as they pick up in some way with snippets into the past and future from the previous book.
I didn’t know Jackie French was dyslexic so a great effort to write and to the editors for helping such a great talent as an author.
I didn’t know Jackie French was dyslexic so a great effort to write and to the editors for helping such a great talent as an author.
February 4, 2019
Is one of my favourite and most cherrished books I have ever read. Has everything you could possibly want in a story!! Is full of adventure, secrets and friendships that will last forever.
If you’re looking for a real page turner then give it go!!!
I’ve read it so many times and I still find surprises xx
If you’re looking for a real page turner then give it go!!!
I’ve read it so many times and I still find surprises xx
August 13, 2020
Jackie French is adept at writing an engrossing story and setting it in an historical period of Australia’s history. Us older Australians remember the circuses that travelled around the country towns - little girls going home dreaming of flying on the trapeze. I listened to this as an audio book and loved hearing the story.
September 25, 2020
This book was great as I start to read some of this saga back books. I read book 2, then book 1 and then book 5. It now is more eye opening as I finally get to learn more of the characters that I read in book 5. Funny that most of my reading is around the time of the depression given the covid-19 and the recession issues we have now. Character development is just spot on.
April 20, 2021
It was a pleasant surprise to oblivious me that it was part of the Matilda Saga, and I found out that Matilda from Waltzing Matilda was "Miss Matilda". And she was apparently still running the Drinkwater station and had married Tommy ("Thomas O'Halloran" in the Road to Gundagai) which was such a beautiful discovery I smiled so horribly I'm glad no one saw me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2021
Another modern classic
How many authors let you experience a piece of history through the eyes of a young woman? Parts are exciting, even scary, or mysterious, but mainly these books are about finding out who we are. Thank you Ms French
How many authors let you experience a piece of history through the eyes of a young woman? Parts are exciting, even scary, or mysterious, but mainly these books are about finding out who we are. Thank you Ms French
January 31, 2021
The 'Matilda Saga' is fast becoming one of my favourite book series OF ALL TIME. This is the third in the series and it is just as wonderful as 'A Waltz for Matilda' and 'The Girl from Snowy River'. I loved it. Full review to come...
November 20, 2023
SO GOOD!!! blue was such a great mc and she was so brave like i COULD NEVER!!! the whole circus idea was so interesting. top ten book of all time!!! The fact that the elephant lived made me so so so happy :)
January 8, 2026
My thoughts are it is wonderful. Aged 8 years to 108 years. Aussie's will relate so well any age.
The Matilda Saga is each individual book starting back in 1894; stand alone books. However, so much more enjoyable to read in Order.
The Matilda Saga is each individual book starting back in 1894; stand alone books. However, so much more enjoyable to read in Order.
June 22, 2018
i love the excitement of the circus and the cover. This book has a very interesting start and it drew me in and i want to know what happens afterwards.
February 6, 2019
Such an incredible book
March 17, 2019
This book is very gripping. The way it was written was very clever, and the information was really accurate. I loved this book and recommend it to any teenager.
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