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The Matilda Saga #2
The Girl from Snowy River
In the tradition of The Man from Snowy River comes a gripping and courageous sequel to A Waltz for Matilda
The year is 1919. Thirty years have passed since the man from Snowy River made his famous ride. But World War I still casts its shadow across a valley in the heart of Australia, particularly for orphaned sixteen-year-old Flinty McAlpine, who lost a brother when the Snowy River men marched away to war.
Why has the man Flinty loves returned from the war so changed and distant? Why has her brother Andy 'gone with cattle', leaving Flinty in charge of their younger brother and sister and with the threat of eviction from the farm she loves so dearly? A brumby muster held under the watchful eye of the legendary Clancy of the Overflow offers hope. Now Flinty must ride to save her farm, her family and the valley she loves.
Set among the landscapes of the great poems of Australia, this book is a love song to the Snowy Mountains and a tribute to Australia's poets who immortalised so much of our land. The Girl from Snowy River combines passion, heartbreak, history and an enduring love and rich understanding of our land.
The year is 1919. Thirty years have passed since the man from Snowy River made his famous ride. But World War I still casts its shadow across a valley in the heart of Australia, particularly for orphaned sixteen-year-old Flinty McAlpine, who lost a brother when the Snowy River men marched away to war.
Why has the man Flinty loves returned from the war so changed and distant? Why has her brother Andy 'gone with cattle', leaving Flinty in charge of their younger brother and sister and with the threat of eviction from the farm she loves so dearly? A brumby muster held under the watchful eye of the legendary Clancy of the Overflow offers hope. Now Flinty must ride to save her farm, her family and the valley she loves.
Set among the landscapes of the great poems of Australia, this book is a love song to the Snowy Mountains and a tribute to Australia's poets who immortalised so much of our land. The Girl from Snowy River combines passion, heartbreak, history and an enduring love and rich understanding of our land.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2012
80 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Jackie French
320 books864 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 14, 2022
rereads > facing my humongous tbr list
February 3, 2021
I just remember really enjoying this book when I read it in grade 6.
March 30, 2013
French's books help to put heart into history. Her characters are so real and warm you can just about feel their pulse; they are people you get to know, and after reading their story a part of them lives on in you.
This third instalment of her Matilda Saga narrates an experience of World War I for those left behind. Told through the eyes of seventeen year old Flinty McAlpine, the novel starts with her frustration at not being able to find out what the war was really like.
Then, as we get to know her and her siblings and neighbours, a new and initially surprising element is introduced in the figure of a young man from the future with whom Flinty is able to converse. While a little disconcerting at first, his presence allows some apt comparisons between the attitudes and experiences of the early and later 20th century, and somehow his appearance doesn't feel inconsistent with mountain folk lore.
Other staples of French's stories feature here as well: a strong female character whose strength is not merely bestowed by the author but earned through a life of struggle; a wonderful, holistic romance that has its ups and downs but ultimately works everything for the good; and it poses the kind of questions about history that one has always wanted to ask, dealing with it as something real and lived through rather than mere text-book facts.
French has now announced the series will contain six books, spanning from 1894 - 1972. I'm very much looking forward to reading the next three. Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com
This third instalment of her Matilda Saga narrates an experience of World War I for those left behind. Told through the eyes of seventeen year old Flinty McAlpine, the novel starts with her frustration at not being able to find out what the war was really like.
Then, as we get to know her and her siblings and neighbours, a new and initially surprising element is introduced in the figure of a young man from the future with whom Flinty is able to converse. While a little disconcerting at first, his presence allows some apt comparisons between the attitudes and experiences of the early and later 20th century, and somehow his appearance doesn't feel inconsistent with mountain folk lore.
Other staples of French's stories feature here as well: a strong female character whose strength is not merely bestowed by the author but earned through a life of struggle; a wonderful, holistic romance that has its ups and downs but ultimately works everything for the good; and it poses the kind of questions about history that one has always wanted to ask, dealing with it as something real and lived through rather than mere text-book facts.
French has now announced the series will contain six books, spanning from 1894 - 1972. I'm very much looking forward to reading the next three. Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com
June 22, 2019
Trigger warnings: death of a parent (in the past), PTSD, discussions of war, serious physical injury, racism, attempted rape.
4.5 stars.
I was hesitant going into this one despite LOVING A Waltz for Matilda. Why? Because it's very obviously a horsey book and I have horse fear. Fortunately, despite a slightly rocky beginning, I ended up absolutely loving it. It does a fantastic job of dealing with the aftermath of the First World War, with how the world wasn't adequately prepared to deal with a generation of broken men, with how a generation of girls and women had to suddenly find a way to survive without the support of fathers and brothers and husbands who came home changed or not at all.
There's a little bit of a timeslip element here and while I was initially very hesitant about it, I ended up loving that part of the story. Basically? This was wonderful and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next book in the series.
(Also I just want to note that the first book in this series is often classed as middle grade, but it isn't. And this DEFINITELY isn't middle grade. Please do not give it to primary school aged children okay cool bye)
4.5 stars.
I was hesitant going into this one despite LOVING A Waltz for Matilda. Why? Because it's very obviously a horsey book and I have horse fear. Fortunately, despite a slightly rocky beginning, I ended up absolutely loving it. It does a fantastic job of dealing with the aftermath of the First World War, with how the world wasn't adequately prepared to deal with a generation of broken men, with how a generation of girls and women had to suddenly find a way to survive without the support of fathers and brothers and husbands who came home changed or not at all.
There's a little bit of a timeslip element here and while I was initially very hesitant about it, I ended up loving that part of the story. Basically? This was wonderful and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next book in the series.
(Also I just want to note that the first book in this series is often classed as middle grade, but it isn't. And this DEFINITELY isn't middle grade. Please do not give it to primary school aged children okay cool bye)
October 10, 2022
This is the second book I’ve read by Jackie French, and I must say, I’m impressed. I don’t agree with all of the opinions presented in her stories—this one had quite a feminist slant, and almost a worshipful attitude toward the land of Australia—but she does an excellent job crafting engaging, well-rounded characters and intriguing plots. The way she brings you into the setting is something else altogether, and matched with the historical post-World War I aspect, I greatly enjoyed this read. This is the kind of book that is just fun to read. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series whenever I have a chance.
(Note: This book does contain a few gruesome stories from war, and a ghost from the future also appears frequently.)
(Note: This book does contain a few gruesome stories from war, and a ghost from the future also appears frequently.)
March 16, 2017
What a fabulous novel by Jackie French. A thrilling story of the Australian Snowy Mountains, the great brumby musters, the legend of the Man from Snowy River and a girl who made her way through all of lifes challenges. This is a story that can't be missed.
December 15, 2021
i can't wait for jed to appear
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2025
loved the ending, the beginning was obviously trying to build up the end so it got a little boring
January 6, 2021
Absolutely love this book as it incorporates history into a thrilling novel.
September 7, 2016
See this review and more on my blog: https://readwritetravel.wordpress.com...
I’ve started to fall in love with historical fiction, and Jackie French’s books set in past Australia are particularly appealing at the moment.
This is the story of Flinty McAlpine, a girl living in the mountains post-World War I Australia. When the boys came back from the war, nothing was the same–Sandy, her sweetheart, wouldn’t talk to her. Andy, her brother, left the farm to go droving in Queensland, leaving her to look after her younger brother and sister. Then there are the boys who didn’t come back, like her brother Jeff. No one will talk about the war until Flinty meets a soldier ghost from the future, who gives her an idea of what her friends went through. He also bears a warning: that for Flinty, the worst is yet to come–but the best is, too.
Chock full of Australianisms, this book might require an Australian dictionary close at hand (if you don’t have an Australian in the room to ask.) But that’s what makes this book so engrossing. With brumbies and chooks and billies and whatever else, it couldn’t be set anywhere but Australia. I think that makes it fresh, too–Australia is often overlooked by most, and it’s not often you come across a book set here, even when you’re living in the country.
The characters were lovable and well-written, Flinty standing out as strong and curious; Mrs. Mack the quintessential caring housewife; Kirsty, a girl who’s had to take on too much too soon but remains upbeat nonetheless. Flinty is surrounded by strong women who help and encourage her–like Miss Matilda, previously seen in A Waltz for Matilda, who owns the largest farm in the district. Flinty draws strength from all of them in her time of need, and it’s that which gets her through.
I did think that this was a book begging to be written in first-person. Each chapter started with a diary entry from Flinty, in first person of course. It then transitioned to third person, and I admit I stumbled sometimes over the “she”s meant to be Flinty, as I constantly thought of her as “I.” Not to say it didn’t work this way, too, but it would be interesting to see it all in first person and see what difference it made.
This book was well worth the read, especially if you’re interested in Australian history, or if you just like historical fiction and are looking for a new setting. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into A Rose for the Anzac Boys next!
I’ve started to fall in love with historical fiction, and Jackie French’s books set in past Australia are particularly appealing at the moment.
This is the story of Flinty McAlpine, a girl living in the mountains post-World War I Australia. When the boys came back from the war, nothing was the same–Sandy, her sweetheart, wouldn’t talk to her. Andy, her brother, left the farm to go droving in Queensland, leaving her to look after her younger brother and sister. Then there are the boys who didn’t come back, like her brother Jeff. No one will talk about the war until Flinty meets a soldier ghost from the future, who gives her an idea of what her friends went through. He also bears a warning: that for Flinty, the worst is yet to come–but the best is, too.
Chock full of Australianisms, this book might require an Australian dictionary close at hand (if you don’t have an Australian in the room to ask.) But that’s what makes this book so engrossing. With brumbies and chooks and billies and whatever else, it couldn’t be set anywhere but Australia. I think that makes it fresh, too–Australia is often overlooked by most, and it’s not often you come across a book set here, even when you’re living in the country.
The characters were lovable and well-written, Flinty standing out as strong and curious; Mrs. Mack the quintessential caring housewife; Kirsty, a girl who’s had to take on too much too soon but remains upbeat nonetheless. Flinty is surrounded by strong women who help and encourage her–like Miss Matilda, previously seen in A Waltz for Matilda, who owns the largest farm in the district. Flinty draws strength from all of them in her time of need, and it’s that which gets her through.
I did think that this was a book begging to be written in first-person. Each chapter started with a diary entry from Flinty, in first person of course. It then transitioned to third person, and I admit I stumbled sometimes over the “she”s meant to be Flinty, as I constantly thought of her as “I.” Not to say it didn’t work this way, too, but it would be interesting to see it all in first person and see what difference it made.
This book was well worth the read, especially if you’re interested in Australian history, or if you just like historical fiction and are looking for a new setting. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into A Rose for the Anzac Boys next!
January 5, 2019
Jackie French has this incredible way of writing that blows me away every singe time. The Girl From Snowy River was no exception. Flinty is a determined young woman, desperate to prove she is capable, but is still believably constrained by thought patterns and expectations of her time. Some of the things that happen to her are devastating, but her reactions are what makes her such a joy to read about.
The way French writes about war and the impact it had on the men, women and children of the early twentieth century is fascinating and rings true.
"The men who'd marched away wren't the only ones who'd suffered. She'd lost a brother at Bullecourt, Mum to heartbreak, Dad to the influenza brought back by the soliders. Her older brother was off with cattle, fleeing his memories. The boy she loved had come back a man she hardly knew."
"Even the war had been impossible. A whole generation of men couldn't just march away with bagpipes playing and children laughing, and a third of them never come home."
Sandy and Andy face their own struggles, and while we don't see them firsthand, they are addressed and we see how they affect the returned soldiers and their loved ones. Not only are the problems of returned soldiers addressed, the difficulties faced by women left alone during war are shown and spoken about, and the aftermath is something Flinty's whole valley struggle with.
Speaking of Flinty's valley; Jackie French created such a beautiful atmosphere. Flinty's neighbours are a tight-knit community who all look out for each other because that what neighbours do. As well as her community, Flinty's love of her mountain and horses shine via French's descriptions of the Australian bush. It clearly comes from a place of knowledge and love on French's behalf, and gives the book an almost nostalgic feeling, even from someone who has never truly been out bush.
The Girl From Snowy River is an atmospheric, character focused book that I would recommend to everyone.
The way French writes about war and the impact it had on the men, women and children of the early twentieth century is fascinating and rings true.
"The men who'd marched away wren't the only ones who'd suffered. She'd lost a brother at Bullecourt, Mum to heartbreak, Dad to the influenza brought back by the soliders. Her older brother was off with cattle, fleeing his memories. The boy she loved had come back a man she hardly knew."
"Even the war had been impossible. A whole generation of men couldn't just march away with bagpipes playing and children laughing, and a third of them never come home."
Sandy and Andy face their own struggles, and while we don't see them firsthand, they are addressed and we see how they affect the returned soldiers and their loved ones. Not only are the problems of returned soldiers addressed, the difficulties faced by women left alone during war are shown and spoken about, and the aftermath is something Flinty's whole valley struggle with.
Speaking of Flinty's valley; Jackie French created such a beautiful atmosphere. Flinty's neighbours are a tight-knit community who all look out for each other because that what neighbours do. As well as her community, Flinty's love of her mountain and horses shine via French's descriptions of the Australian bush. It clearly comes from a place of knowledge and love on French's behalf, and gives the book an almost nostalgic feeling, even from someone who has never truly been out bush.
The Girl From Snowy River is an atmospheric, character focused book that I would recommend to everyone.
August 16, 2020
This is a wonderful book, and I was excited to find that it was part of a series, so my TBR pile is once again going to be massive...
It tells the story of Felicity ("Flinty") McAlpine, the "girl" from the title. Set just after the First World War, in 1919, 17-year-old Flinty is raising her younger brother and sister on the family farm after the death of her parents. Her two older brothers, Jeff and Andy, both fought in the war, but only Andy returns. Although Andy appears physically sound, he has been scarred, mentally and emotionally, by his experiences in the war, and so he leaves Flinty to run the farm while he rides north to go cattle droving.
It's a lot for Flinty to deal with, particularly since her sweetheart, Sandy, has also returned a changed man, and she no longer knows if he still cares for her as he once did.
Flinty is frustrated that nobody will talk to her about what happened in the war as she wants to understand what happened to the men she loves. So, when she comes across a wheelchair-bound soldier at the Rock near her farm, she decides to ask him what the war was like. But there is something strange about him - and it soon becomes apparent that they are talking about two different wars...
The soldier, Nicholas, and Flinty become friends, and she soon begins to rely on him for companionship and advice. And when she needs money to save the farm, Nicholas gives her the courage to do what she needs to do.
Flinty faces her many challenges throughout the course of the book with courage and strength. But she's not perfect, which just makes her all the more real. All the characters are beautifully drawn, the story is gripping, and the author's love for the Snowy Mountains and the surrounding country shines through with every sentence.
I loved it.
It tells the story of Felicity ("Flinty") McAlpine, the "girl" from the title. Set just after the First World War, in 1919, 17-year-old Flinty is raising her younger brother and sister on the family farm after the death of her parents. Her two older brothers, Jeff and Andy, both fought in the war, but only Andy returns. Although Andy appears physically sound, he has been scarred, mentally and emotionally, by his experiences in the war, and so he leaves Flinty to run the farm while he rides north to go cattle droving.
It's a lot for Flinty to deal with, particularly since her sweetheart, Sandy, has also returned a changed man, and she no longer knows if he still cares for her as he once did.
Flinty is frustrated that nobody will talk to her about what happened in the war as she wants to understand what happened to the men she loves. So, when she comes across a wheelchair-bound soldier at the Rock near her farm, she decides to ask him what the war was like. But there is something strange about him - and it soon becomes apparent that they are talking about two different wars...
The soldier, Nicholas, and Flinty become friends, and she soon begins to rely on him for companionship and advice. And when she needs money to save the farm, Nicholas gives her the courage to do what she needs to do.
Flinty faces her many challenges throughout the course of the book with courage and strength. But she's not perfect, which just makes her all the more real. All the characters are beautifully drawn, the story is gripping, and the author's love for the Snowy Mountains and the surrounding country shines through with every sentence.
I loved it.
November 18, 2020
It’s 1919, seventeen year old Flinty McAlpine lives on her farm as an orphan looking after her younger siblings. With an eviction notice to leave her beloved farm, only the upcoming brumby muster could save her home, family and valley she loves.
Flinty McAlpine is the main character in the book and has the opportunity to save everything she loves in the upcoming brumby muster, just like the one thirty years ago with the Man from Snowy River’s famous ride. She has to deal with seeing her loved ones come back from World War 1 and she has to find a way to survive without the help of them.
A highlight for me was the ride for Flinty. Of course, like the title suggests, it is very much like the Man from Snowy River but she does it with style like a girl.
I really liked how it had a female as the main character and her doing amazing things like joining a brumby muster and taking care of her family all by herself. She is really inspiring with what she does and shows that girls can do what they want.
I didn’t really like all the ‘triggers’ like death of a parent (in the past), PTSD, discussions of war, serious physical injury, racism and attempted rape. It definitely is a book for teens.
I would definitely recommend this book to older kids, mostly teens and girls. The strong female main character and the message that comes with it is really nice. Jackie French did a really good job with making a memorable character like Flinty.
Flinty McAlpine is the main character in the book and has the opportunity to save everything she loves in the upcoming brumby muster, just like the one thirty years ago with the Man from Snowy River’s famous ride. She has to deal with seeing her loved ones come back from World War 1 and she has to find a way to survive without the help of them.
A highlight for me was the ride for Flinty. Of course, like the title suggests, it is very much like the Man from Snowy River but she does it with style like a girl.
I really liked how it had a female as the main character and her doing amazing things like joining a brumby muster and taking care of her family all by herself. She is really inspiring with what she does and shows that girls can do what they want.
I didn’t really like all the ‘triggers’ like death of a parent (in the past), PTSD, discussions of war, serious physical injury, racism and attempted rape. It definitely is a book for teens.
I would definitely recommend this book to older kids, mostly teens and girls. The strong female main character and the message that comes with it is really nice. Jackie French did a really good job with making a memorable character like Flinty.
October 28, 2018
The Girl from Snowy River is a heart‐warming story about a seventeen-year-old girl called Flinty living in the Australian bush, recovering from the losses of her mum, dad, and elder brother, all who were lost in the presence of the war.
With both parents dead, Flinty is bringing up her younger siblings, as her brother Andy has 'gone with cattle' to Queensland. Money is tight, but as the best rider in the family, Flinty seizes the opportunity to make a quick 100 quid. Disguised as a boy, she talks her way into a brumby muster headed up by the legendary Clancy of the Overflow. Among the herd there is an unbroken colt that Flinty buys as she can see his enormous potential. But for a young girl, there is still so much of life to be lived and while she has hints of her future, she never imagines what life can really hold for her.
As Flinty gets on with her life, the story unfolds, bringing you closer to the characters in the book, making you feel for them as if they were your own family which is why I really loved it. I don’t read much however, I really loved every part of this book. There are many cliff hangers making you want to keep reading forever! I would recommend this book to people between the ages of 10 and 16. However it is an easy read and very enjoyable for all ages.
With both parents dead, Flinty is bringing up her younger siblings, as her brother Andy has 'gone with cattle' to Queensland. Money is tight, but as the best rider in the family, Flinty seizes the opportunity to make a quick 100 quid. Disguised as a boy, she talks her way into a brumby muster headed up by the legendary Clancy of the Overflow. Among the herd there is an unbroken colt that Flinty buys as she can see his enormous potential. But for a young girl, there is still so much of life to be lived and while she has hints of her future, she never imagines what life can really hold for her.
As Flinty gets on with her life, the story unfolds, bringing you closer to the characters in the book, making you feel for them as if they were your own family which is why I really loved it. I don’t read much however, I really loved every part of this book. There are many cliff hangers making you want to keep reading forever! I would recommend this book to people between the ages of 10 and 16. However it is an easy read and very enjoyable for all ages.
March 4, 2021
I have been in a slump with my reading and can't really settle to much so these epic tales of strong, independent women from early settlement of Australia are a balm to me. I really like how French builds the characters in these stories and the sense of place is strong too. I find myself swept back into an era that I can only begin to imagine how hard it was for everyone concerned.
I listened to this on Audio and the narrator is one of my favourites so the combination of a great story and superb narration fulfil the gap I have with hard copy reading for now.
I listened to this on Audio and the narrator is one of my favourites so the combination of a great story and superb narration fulfil the gap I have with hard copy reading for now.
May 22, 2015
It was a bit hard to rate this one, cos I read it at work in my break, and not every day, so it was a bit of a disrupted read over what seemed like a long time. I did enjoy it, though I wish I had read the series in order. I still like the final book in the series the best.
Read
June 1, 2024
Trigger & Content Warnings
Racism
Attempted rape
Death of a parent recounted
War World I (aftermath)
Racism
Attempted rape
Death of a parent recounted
War World I (aftermath)
March 9, 2023
so basically it’s about a horse girl who breaks her back and then writes a book or smth
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
The Girl from Snowy River by Jackie French is an engaging and accessible read that beautifully captures the raw, unvarnished spirit of outback Australia during the First World War. While it may not carry the same emotional intensity as some of the earlier titles in the Matilda Saga, French brings a fresh and intriguing twist to this instalment by introducing a “ghost of the future,” a shift from her usual reflections on the past. It’s an inventive approach that adds depth without overwhelming the story, showing her ability to stretch the boundaries of imagination in a way that remains both gentle and effective.
The narrative unfolds with several unexpected turns that keep the pages turning, and French’s talent for blending history, character, and landscape is once again on full display. If there is one area that felt slightly underdeveloped, it would be the ending, which arrives a touch abruptly. The final segment held enough promise and emotional weight that it could easily have been explored over a few more chapters.
Even so, the novel remains a warm, enjoyable, and thoughtfully crafted piece of historical fiction. It is a worthy addition to the Matilda series, and it certainly leaves me eager to continue the journey with the next book.
The narrative unfolds with several unexpected turns that keep the pages turning, and French’s talent for blending history, character, and landscape is once again on full display. If there is one area that felt slightly underdeveloped, it would be the ending, which arrives a touch abruptly. The final segment held enough promise and emotional weight that it could easily have been explored over a few more chapters.
Even so, the novel remains a warm, enjoyable, and thoughtfully crafted piece of historical fiction. It is a worthy addition to the Matilda series, and it certainly leaves me eager to continue the journey with the next book.
February 21, 2022
Having read #1 in the series, as well as the last book. I'm sufficiently curious to continue the stories woven by Jackie French using the poems by our bush poets for inspiration. While A Waltz for Matilda put the lead character with the story of Banjo's famous poem, this one set later, bares no direct relationship with that poem instead taking inspiration from the story of the ride.
Once again the author has created strong female characters who challenge the societal expectations of women at the time. One of the overwhelming themes running through the story line was the question of whether knowing some of what is in your future will make the challenge easier or harder. What are the choices you make, knowing that something bad is coming but something good will follow.
I appreciated the explainer in the end pages, highlighting some of the themes addressed in the book - the effects on people after war, the treatment of Aboriginals with the necessary introduction of the 'drovers boy', as well as the differences in medical care between the early and later parts of the 20th Century.
Bring on #3.
Once again the author has created strong female characters who challenge the societal expectations of women at the time. One of the overwhelming themes running through the story line was the question of whether knowing some of what is in your future will make the challenge easier or harder. What are the choices you make, knowing that something bad is coming but something good will follow.
I appreciated the explainer in the end pages, highlighting some of the themes addressed in the book - the effects on people after war, the treatment of Aboriginals with the necessary introduction of the 'drovers boy', as well as the differences in medical care between the early and later parts of the 20th Century.
Bring on #3.
September 24, 2023
Flint was born high in the Snowy Mountains during a snowstorm. It’s where she grew up and dreams of living all her life. The First World War changed her life forever. She found herself abandoned by a brother haunted by his nightmares, another brother killed, her mother dead from a broken heart, and her father from the Spanish Flu. Her sweetheart was changed, too. The war was over, but it lives on in Flinty’s day-to-day life.
Life is harsh. There’s no more school and endless drudgery keeping the house and farm going and looking after her younger brother and sister. Sitting on The Rock in the mist, trying to reconcile her life, a ghost appears. Nicholas, the ghost, becomes her escape from boredom and isolation, but he foretells both bad and excellent events in Flinty’s life.
The three children are so short of money that Flinty joins the ride to capture the wild brumbies. What does the ride bring for Flinty and her siblings? What terrible event changed her world?
I enjoyed the rich characters and the Snowy Mountain world of the story.
Recommended for readers ten years and older.
November 22, 2017
Genuine Australian historical fiction at its best. I love Jackie French for the warmth and generosity of her characters - and for her attempts as a writer to understand the complexities of history and human behaviour and to explore these complexities with such grace in her work. There are no cardboard villains or two dimensional heroines here! Flinty (Felicity) McAlpine faces the tribulations of World War 1 at home in Australia with courage equal to that of the boys in the trenches of Europe. When Flinty loses her older brother and parents, she struggles with the burden of caring for her siblings, but finds help from a strange man who appears in the mist around the Rock that sits on the edge of her farm. One of the gifts of great art is its capacity to be a school room for the soul. This book helped me to face and process my own experiences of loss and grief by providing a model of dignity in the face of enormous hardship.
January 7, 2020
This book is about war (specifically World War, with a touch of the Vietnam War) and the emotional and physical toll wars leave behind onto those who survive. I think it is because of Jackie French's unwavering and delicate touch on this topic that made me enjoy and appreciate this book.
Like 'A Waltz for Matilda', this series is about the strength of young girls and women to rise to the occasion. This book empowers our souls, and reminds us that the women were as heroic and gritty as the men; and they deeply loved the Australian country, too. There are many worthy quotes; I think this one encapsulates the issue well: "Maybe the world is full of women who do things, she thought, but they're women men don't see, don't write about." But, now, we have writers like Jackie French bringing to us (albeit fictionalized) stories of the women and I am grateful for it.
Highly recommend this book and looking forward to the rest of this series!
Like 'A Waltz for Matilda', this series is about the strength of young girls and women to rise to the occasion. This book empowers our souls, and reminds us that the women were as heroic and gritty as the men; and they deeply loved the Australian country, too. There are many worthy quotes; I think this one encapsulates the issue well: "Maybe the world is full of women who do things, she thought, but they're women men don't see, don't write about." But, now, we have writers like Jackie French bringing to us (albeit fictionalized) stories of the women and I am grateful for it.
Highly recommend this book and looking forward to the rest of this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
This is the first of Jackie French's books I have read.
Whilst I enjoyed most of the read, the beginning had me thinking I was in for a long winded read but a surprise twist soon had me wanting to know more.
There was a little bit too much waffle for me, and I found myself skipping some of the descriptions of the locale, the book is set in. I also felt it moved a little slowly for my reading tastes and found the final chapters too neat and tidy, a bit predictable and lightweight.
None the less, the story is well written; French has good writing techniques.
I have several more of this author's books on my book shelves to read, and will be interested to see if they are of similar vein.
I would give this book 3 1/2 stars if able to on here.
Whilst I enjoyed most of the read, the beginning had me thinking I was in for a long winded read but a surprise twist soon had me wanting to know more.
There was a little bit too much waffle for me, and I found myself skipping some of the descriptions of the locale, the book is set in. I also felt it moved a little slowly for my reading tastes and found the final chapters too neat and tidy, a bit predictable and lightweight.
None the less, the story is well written; French has good writing techniques.
I have several more of this author's books on my book shelves to read, and will be interested to see if they are of similar vein.
I would give this book 3 1/2 stars if able to on here.
January 20, 2019
This is the second time that I have read this book and the experience was as phenomenal as I remember it to be. With a mixture of love, loss, heartbreak, horses and hope intertwined with beautiful descriptions of mountainous Snowy River scenery makes for a magical story. I like Jackie French's writing as she mixes in bits of real history (in this case WWI) with a fictional story keeping the reader both educated and interested. Jackie French tells the untold story of women in war and the hardship they went through during and after the war as well. This story had it's share of tragedy but in the end was uplifting and is bound to put a smile on your face!
December 6, 2023
I fell in love with Flinty, The Girl from Snowy River. In a man's world, she was thrown into looking after her family because her brothers had signed up to fight (World War 1).
She was a tomboy at heart, loving living in the mountains, with horses and chooks whilst growing vegetables and cooking. Flinty losess a lot through the death of family and an awful accident.
The man she loves comes back from the war as a changed man. Flinty loses two brothers to this terrible war, one in battle and the other not wanting to face life at home.
This story built around the poem by Banjo Paterson was a wonderful read.
She was a tomboy at heart, loving living in the mountains, with horses and chooks whilst growing vegetables and cooking. Flinty losess a lot through the death of family and an awful accident.
The man she loves comes back from the war as a changed man. Flinty loses two brothers to this terrible war, one in battle and the other not wanting to face life at home.
This story built around the poem by Banjo Paterson was a wonderful read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2018
Another great book by Jackie French.
Set after at the end of WWI.
A young woman is struggling to make sense of the war: all the young men who died in it, those who died as a result of the war and those who come back from it but can't talk about it or even can't settle back into life.
A young but strong woman who fights for life.
A woman passionate of horses.
Other themes in the book are insight into the Future and how that can give us faith and courage, how aboriginals were treated, their knowledge of plants medicine. How women were treated at the time...
Set after at the end of WWI.
A young woman is struggling to make sense of the war: all the young men who died in it, those who died as a result of the war and those who come back from it but can't talk about it or even can't settle back into life.
A young but strong woman who fights for life.
A woman passionate of horses.
Other themes in the book are insight into the Future and how that can give us faith and courage, how aboriginals were treated, their knowledge of plants medicine. How women were treated at the time...
July 21, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed my first read by Jackie French! Due to the quality of writing, it was easy to slip into post World War 1 Australia and experience the joys and hardships on the land in that era.
'Flinty' McAlpine is a positive role model for the ages - strong, interesting, independent and smart.
There's quite a lot going on in this story - war, loss, love, challenges, history, and a tantalising element of the supernatural. The conclusion thankfully resists being fairy tale perfect yet still manages to be satisfying, addressing all of the issues raised.
Recommended!
'Flinty' McAlpine is a positive role model for the ages - strong, interesting, independent and smart.
There's quite a lot going on in this story - war, loss, love, challenges, history, and a tantalising element of the supernatural. The conclusion thankfully resists being fairy tale perfect yet still manages to be satisfying, addressing all of the issues raised.
Recommended!
October 24, 2021
French is an exceptionally good story teller. The Girl from Snowy River shone a light on the sad reality of young men leaving for war and what it did to them and the loved ones they left behind. Ultimately it is a story of resilience and determination to overcome the heart ache of losing the ones we love and dealing with the bumpy road that is life. French again nailed the characters, who show depth and heart in what continues to be the harsh reality of living out of our cities. Book 2 of the Matilda series gets a highly recommend from me.
May 29, 2018
I really enjoy how Jackie French incorporates the history of Australia into her stories. The difficulties for the women coping as their men go to war and the aftermath as they return, or don’t, is gently pointed out. This is no way diminishes what the men suffer and how they come out of it afterwards. The love of the mountains shines through as does the way of life in those times with neighbours helping neighbours. A great history lesson for kids.
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