Rebel Girl

by Ann Clancy

A turbulent past places Bonnie's longed-for freedom in jeopardy. Crushed at Culloden, driven from their Highland crofts and transported to Australia… the Douglas family is no stranger to injustice. The Encounter Bay Whaling Station, on the wild, windswept southern coast of Australia, is at the very edge of civilisation. But at least Bonnie Douglas and her father have their freedom – until Sergeant Rowan Elliott arrives. Bonnie's father is accused of murder and she is driven to bushranging, fighting injustice and taunting the troopers with her rebel song. She is pursued relentlessly by Sergeant Elliott, across trackless lands, to places where no white woman has been before. But beneath the fury and the hurt, alongside her determination to right injustice, and as an undercurrent to every vengeful thought she has had about Rowan Elliott, there lies an attraction that can no longer be denied.

770 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 1999

Reviews

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book that I read in a long long time.
It tells the story of Bonnie and her father who live in the south of Australia on a whaling station. Her father is wrongly accused of murder and Bonnie is driven to bushranging as a way of fighting injustice and freeing her fathers name.
Along the way is Sergeant Rowan Elliott, a seemingly uncompassionate man, who is very blinkered, but they may be about to change ?
You can tell that this author has really researched fully the surroundings, people, the era, and all that this book has to offer.
I was gripped from the beginning about the turn of events and what and if would happen to Bonnie along the way.
Fully recommend to anyone x

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find any book written by Ann Clancy is great. This story is part fact and part fiction and hard to put down. The Aboriginal people are depicted as a friendly and caring race with a culture unique and successful within their race. The involvement of the Aboriginal people with Bonnie Douglas was amazing. I really loved this book and the strong story line for Bonnie Douglas who lived a dangerous life in her early years as a bushranger Robin Hood style. Bonnie was full of conviction and empathy for the underdog in our early settlers and our Aboriginal community. I can fully recommend you read this book.

[slizzard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually, I'm not one to read books that incorporate realistic settings, excessive emotional description, and outright struggles of self.

Fortunately or otherwise, this book changed that ignorant opinion of mine. Apparently, you can write a book with too much emotion and make it as fascinating as a fantasy novel.

Incredible storyline.

I could not put it down.

Jeez, I really need to rethink my judgemental approach of first impressions.

[Christine Yunn-Yu Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oldie but wonderful read - set in colonial Australia, about women's self-empowering. Portrayal of whaler's life is realistic, shows author has done deep and serious research. Transition from young girl to woman, from ordinary village girl to wild bushranger is detailed and amazing. A good balance between romance and action - great writing. Highly recommended if you are interested in Australian literature, but anybody in love with a good romance story should give this book a try.

[Alisha Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Rebel Girl
Series: -
Author: Ann Clancy
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3.5 stars

This is such a LONG story. I think it can be condensed a bit as the beginning was quite dull - but overall the storyline was interesting as well as the characters.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was hard to get into but once got past the 2nd chapter it was interesting and a book wroth persisting with
I would recommend to read this but just push on over the 1st few chapters and then it settles down

[Samantha W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think i first read this book when i was 14 years old. Nearly 14 years later and i still love it. I was drawn to the book because it mentioned the local suburb i lived in at the time. I loved the headstrong, independent female character reminds myself of me a little.

[Chris Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It was set at Encounter Bay Whaling station and across South Australia. Even though it was fictional it was set in the 1800's and gave a good insight into life in those times especially if wanted by the law.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic tale of early Australia, , bringing history to life.