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The Matilda Saga #4
To Love a Sunburnt Country
The year is 1942 and the world is at war. Nancy Clancy is 16 and left school to spend a year droving, just like her grandfather Clancy of the Overflow was famed for. Now Nancy's family has sent her to Malaya to bring home her sister-in-law Moira and baby Gavin. Moira is British and married to Nancy's brother Ben, who is now a soldier. Malaya is under threat from the Japanese, but despite the warnings Moira has resisted leaving as she wants to stay near her husband.
When Malaya is invaded, Nancy, Moira and Gavin are fortunate to get out before Singapore falls. When their ship is bombed they end up stranded on an island where they, and some other colonial women, are captured. There begins the nightmare and horror of internment in a Japanese camp. Back home at Gibber's Creek families are doing their bit for the war. They worry constantly about their men who are fighting - and now those who are missing after Singapore falls. Powerful, compelling and confronting, this is a book that pulls no punches.
Filled with emotional truth and heartfelt agony, this unforgettable fourth book in The Matilda Saga continues the journey that started with A Waltz for Matilda.
When Malaya is invaded, Nancy, Moira and Gavin are fortunate to get out before Singapore falls. When their ship is bombed they end up stranded on an island where they, and some other colonial women, are captured. There begins the nightmare and horror of internment in a Japanese camp. Back home at Gibber's Creek families are doing their bit for the war. They worry constantly about their men who are fighting - and now those who are missing after Singapore falls. Powerful, compelling and confronting, this is a book that pulls no punches.
Filled with emotional truth and heartfelt agony, this unforgettable fourth book in The Matilda Saga continues the journey that started with A Waltz for Matilda.
464 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
36 people are currently reading
508 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 26, 2014
Best book I've read this year. My heart is broken but wow.
July 22, 2019
Trigger warnings: death, war, medical emergency, torture, shipwreck, racial slurs, gun violence,
I definitely didn't expect to love this series as much as I have. And this one is a spectacular addition. We get to see so many of the characters from previous books at various points through the story and we get to see how the community at Gibber's Creek handles the Second World War. But for all the extra perspectives we get, this is essentially the story of Nancy and Michael being in love and being separated by the war.
But what's different about this to a typical "couple are separated by WWII" story is that Nancy is the one experiencing the war and Michael is the one stuck at home wondering where she is and if she's okay. Nancy is the one who's a POW while Michael is sitting at school. Nancy is the one witnessing atrocities while Michael makes sandwiches. Don't get me wrong, Michael feels every second that he wants to get out there and make a difference, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a very different WWII narrative to the usual.
And Jackie French definitely doesn't gloss over the horrors of war. People are beaten, people are executed, women are forced into situations they don't want to be in. She makes sure to note at the end that it's fictional but heavily influenced by actual events. I cried like 10 times reading this book and I think it's probably tied as my favourite in the series so far. I can't wait to pick up the next book and find out what happens next for this community and these characters.
I definitely didn't expect to love this series as much as I have. And this one is a spectacular addition. We get to see so many of the characters from previous books at various points through the story and we get to see how the community at Gibber's Creek handles the Second World War. But for all the extra perspectives we get, this is essentially the story of Nancy and Michael being in love and being separated by the war.
But what's different about this to a typical "couple are separated by WWII" story is that Nancy is the one experiencing the war and Michael is the one stuck at home wondering where she is and if she's okay. Nancy is the one who's a POW while Michael is sitting at school. Nancy is the one witnessing atrocities while Michael makes sandwiches. Don't get me wrong, Michael feels every second that he wants to get out there and make a difference, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a very different WWII narrative to the usual.
And Jackie French definitely doesn't gloss over the horrors of war. People are beaten, people are executed, women are forced into situations they don't want to be in. She makes sure to note at the end that it's fictional but heavily influenced by actual events. I cried like 10 times reading this book and I think it's probably tied as my favourite in the series so far. I can't wait to pick up the next book and find out what happens next for this community and these characters.
September 20, 2021
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL. I love this book and re-read is constantly, over and over again.
This wonder is about a girl (Nancy), her nephew (Gavin) and her sister-in-law (Moira) who are sent to a POW camp in World War 2. This book showcases the horrors of the POW camp from Nancy's POV, as well as Nancy's brother's POV in his own camp. It also has the POV's of people in Nancy's hometown including her boyfriend (kinda) and people at the town awaiting answers about their loved ones.
This book breaks your heart and then sews it back up. Everytime I read this book, I cry, especially at the end - both happy and sad tears. This book doesn't romanticise anything, while similarly making this book something that young teenagers can read without being utterly traumatised, which is really good and a definite necessity for educating kids.
A must read, and a story I'll never forget!
This wonder is about a girl (Nancy), her nephew (Gavin) and her sister-in-law (Moira) who are sent to a POW camp in World War 2. This book showcases the horrors of the POW camp from Nancy's POV, as well as Nancy's brother's POV in his own camp. It also has the POV's of people in Nancy's hometown including her boyfriend (kinda) and people at the town awaiting answers about their loved ones.
This book breaks your heart and then sews it back up. Everytime I read this book, I cry, especially at the end - both happy and sad tears. This book doesn't romanticise anything, while similarly making this book something that young teenagers can read without being utterly traumatised, which is really good and a definite necessity for educating kids.
A must read, and a story I'll never forget!
January 7, 2015
*This review also appears on my blog Genie In A Book*
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
It seems that my appreciation for Jackie French's novels knows no bounds. With each and every story she writes, I find myself even more captivated by her insight into the essence of human nature in some of the most trying times in Australia's history. Though To Love A Sunburnt Country is ultimately a work of fiction, the characters within it may as well be real - because that's what they seem when you read this book. This is a captivating, emotional and heartfelt story which offers us readers a glimpse into how Australia's people were affected by WWII.
Although this book could potentially be read as a stand-alone because it does provide a lot of background into the previous three novels of the Matilda saga, I loved seeing all of the past characters make an appearance. Seeing where Matilda is now, with a family of her own, along with Flinty McAlpine from The Girl from Snowy River and Blue from The Road to Gundagaionce again showcased Jackie French's talent in weaving together so many different characters from times gone by into one cohesive piece. Of course, the new addition of Nancy as the main character in this novel was the focal point - and what she goes through is nothing short of heart-wrenching. Yet, as always, what I found in this book were strong women who despite facing the impossible, are ready to beat the odds. Their men may be fighting in a war, but 'keeping up the side' is what those who are left behind must do, and that they do well.
Indeed, every character in this novel is admirable, for their bravery and courage manifested in many different ways. There was a real sense of camaraderie which I picked up on, and resilience which can be nurtured when people stick together even when morale hits rock bottom. Nancy's experience in Pulau Ayu Prison Camp, along with the other women there, including her sister-in-law Moira and her nephew Gavin, was an eye-opener. The way that everybody banded together there and how complex their situation with their Japanese captors were was fascinating. On a wider scale, there is a myriad of perspectives offered by other characters as well, giving the novel a multifaceted perspective into the 1940's in Australian society. From the Drinkwater estate to even the Kokoda Track - the author has captured almost every aspect of what life must have been like for the individuals she has created.
As usual, the historical detail is excellent and you can just tell how much research must have gone into creating a masterpiece like this. The excerpts from the 'Gibber's Creek Gazette', though fictional - offered a unique method of reflecting the attitudes of the time, whereas the letters which the characters wrote to each other were able to convey the events as they unfolded with an emotive clarity. Still, don't be fooled and think that this book is simply going to offer you a history lesson. No - this book is more than that. It is the most emotional of the series, and yes - I cried. In times of war there is bound to be sadness, and some of the tragedies which occurred in the story were shattering. So many innocent lives were touched by things that happened in far-away lands, and this is the reality of war which Jackie managed to so artfully capture.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In reading this book, I have wept at the tragedies and suffering that war brings, yet been in awe at the gleaming hope many were still willing to grasp onto. Jackie French is a renowned Australian author for a reason. She is able to write amazing stories of our country and the tribulations that those before us have faced - maintaining the delicate equilibrium of fact and fiction. It's without a doubt that I can't wait to see what she writes next, because To Love A Sunburnt Country is definitely her best novel yet.
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
It seems that my appreciation for Jackie French's novels knows no bounds. With each and every story she writes, I find myself even more captivated by her insight into the essence of human nature in some of the most trying times in Australia's history. Though To Love A Sunburnt Country is ultimately a work of fiction, the characters within it may as well be real - because that's what they seem when you read this book. This is a captivating, emotional and heartfelt story which offers us readers a glimpse into how Australia's people were affected by WWII.
The Nancy who returned home now - and she would return, she must return, and Gavin and Moira too - would not be the urchin who wagged school to go adventuring in tatty moleskins. I know how to dress and behave for the Melbourne Cup or a drover's camp, she thought. I am Nancy of the Overflow and I can do anything...
Including survive.
Although this book could potentially be read as a stand-alone because it does provide a lot of background into the previous three novels of the Matilda saga, I loved seeing all of the past characters make an appearance. Seeing where Matilda is now, with a family of her own, along with Flinty McAlpine from The Girl from Snowy River and Blue from The Road to Gundagaionce again showcased Jackie French's talent in weaving together so many different characters from times gone by into one cohesive piece. Of course, the new addition of Nancy as the main character in this novel was the focal point - and what she goes through is nothing short of heart-wrenching. Yet, as always, what I found in this book were strong women who despite facing the impossible, are ready to beat the odds. Their men may be fighting in a war, but 'keeping up the side' is what those who are left behind must do, and that they do well.
He wondered if this was the real reason women gathered in their precious 'free' hours at night to roll bandages, wrap comfort packages, or organise fundraisers. There was comfort in being together.
Indeed, every character in this novel is admirable, for their bravery and courage manifested in many different ways. There was a real sense of camaraderie which I picked up on, and resilience which can be nurtured when people stick together even when morale hits rock bottom. Nancy's experience in Pulau Ayu Prison Camp, along with the other women there, including her sister-in-law Moira and her nephew Gavin, was an eye-opener. The way that everybody banded together there and how complex their situation with their Japanese captors were was fascinating. On a wider scale, there is a myriad of perspectives offered by other characters as well, giving the novel a multifaceted perspective into the 1940's in Australian society. From the Drinkwater estate to even the Kokoda Track - the author has captured almost every aspect of what life must have been like for the individuals she has created.
Tommy smiled at her, his beautiful wife. His handsome son. People of integrity. People who cared about a man they hadn't met, and his family, not to condemn him out of hand. Good people. I have been blessed, he thought. So blessed, a family and a job and a land to love.
As usual, the historical detail is excellent and you can just tell how much research must have gone into creating a masterpiece like this. The excerpts from the 'Gibber's Creek Gazette', though fictional - offered a unique method of reflecting the attitudes of the time, whereas the letters which the characters wrote to each other were able to convey the events as they unfolded with an emotive clarity. Still, don't be fooled and think that this book is simply going to offer you a history lesson. No - this book is more than that. It is the most emotional of the series, and yes - I cried. In times of war there is bound to be sadness, and some of the tragedies which occurred in the story were shattering. So many innocent lives were touched by things that happened in far-away lands, and this is the reality of war which Jackie managed to so artfully capture.
Five years ago her life had changed its course, as if in flood, uncontrolled, impossible to stop. Now, suddenly, it was in its banks again. She knew where she was headed, just like the river.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In reading this book, I have wept at the tragedies and suffering that war brings, yet been in awe at the gleaming hope many were still willing to grasp onto. Jackie French is a renowned Australian author for a reason. She is able to write amazing stories of our country and the tribulations that those before us have faced - maintaining the delicate equilibrium of fact and fiction. It's without a doubt that I can't wait to see what she writes next, because To Love A Sunburnt Country is definitely her best novel yet.
December 22, 2014
I love Jackie French's work, particularly the Matilda Saga, which this book is a part of, and so I was very excited to read it. From the very first page, I was hooked and I could not put this book down! I finished it in less than two days and now I have to wait until Jackie French writes the next book...
The premise of the story is as follows: The year is 1941 and WWII is only just beginning. Nancy of the Overflow is a capable sixteen year old girl with a deep attachment to her land. She is forced to leave her country in order to insure that her British sister in law Moira and her baby Gavin leave their bungalow in Malaya and return to the safety of The Overflow in Australia. However, convincing her brother Ben's wife to leave Malaya is harder than it would seem. Will all those delays prove to have drastic consequences for Nancy and the people and country she loves?
This novel has everything: a clever plot, historical accuracy, resilient and relatable characters, excitement and emotion and romance, combined with the inspiring message that hope and love for others and your country can keep you alive and help you to survive the hard times.
In short, I would highly recommend this novel. Definitely the best book I have read all year!
The premise of the story is as follows: The year is 1941 and WWII is only just beginning. Nancy of the Overflow is a capable sixteen year old girl with a deep attachment to her land. She is forced to leave her country in order to insure that her British sister in law Moira and her baby Gavin leave their bungalow in Malaya and return to the safety of The Overflow in Australia. However, convincing her brother Ben's wife to leave Malaya is harder than it would seem. Will all those delays prove to have drastic consequences for Nancy and the people and country she loves?
This novel has everything: a clever plot, historical accuracy, resilient and relatable characters, excitement and emotion and romance, combined with the inspiring message that hope and love for others and your country can keep you alive and help you to survive the hard times.
In short, I would highly recommend this novel. Definitely the best book I have read all year!
June 11, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. It is a cracking war story with all the twists and turns and tragedies and heartbreak you would expect.
However, it is like a story sold in a souvenir shop to tourists - the Australiana is extreme. Slang and turn of phrase makes sense. But every simile is “as surely as she knew the colour of the paddocks after rain” or “still as a lizard on a rock” or “just like a rider went ahead when you were droving”. I felt saturated in it. Once the story got going and the main characters stopped focussing on how Aussie they were, the story was easier to tolerate.
I will just put to one side the fact that some characters seem to have famous bush ballads written about them. I don’t know what to do with that.
On the recommendation of one of our book group members I read this without reading the earlier books. The story is standalone, but they do spend a fair bit of time referring to previous stories that are probably covered in the prior books.
However, it is like a story sold in a souvenir shop to tourists - the Australiana is extreme. Slang and turn of phrase makes sense. But every simile is “as surely as she knew the colour of the paddocks after rain” or “still as a lizard on a rock” or “just like a rider went ahead when you were droving”. I felt saturated in it. Once the story got going and the main characters stopped focussing on how Aussie they were, the story was easier to tolerate.
I will just put to one side the fact that some characters seem to have famous bush ballads written about them. I don’t know what to do with that.
On the recommendation of one of our book group members I read this without reading the earlier books. The story is standalone, but they do spend a fair bit of time referring to previous stories that are probably covered in the prior books.
February 16, 2015
Reading this has made me choose a favourite book, something I've always refused to do. Jackie French, you've done it again. Broken my heart with such an incredible novel.
December 22, 2021
i can never forgive jackie french for killing gavin when
he
was
going
to
live
he
was
going
to
live
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2024
That took me so long to read idk why. I think I was just busy and I didn’t get into it straight away. I def could have read this a little earlier but I think mother was right to stop me when I was like 10 or 11 bc it’s war and prisoner camps and stuff so it’s not nice. But I did like it and am excited for the next one.
July 29, 2019
Fantastic book exploring Malaysia and Japan in WWII. Personally think that it is the best book of the Matilda Saga. From war-torn Singapore, to her ship being blown up and being shot at, and becoming a POW, Nancy of the Overflow is a true hero.
April 14, 2025
a sad and moving book every time
December 19, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. The authors feeling for both countries & description of the people & the lay of the land fantastic. Looking forward to reading another Jackie French book soon. Recommend.
February 17, 2015
A compelling and well written story - I feel enriched to have read it - the way Jackie French weaves historical events and details into the lives of fictional characters is masterful.
This is the first book I have read in this series following the lives of fictional iconic Australians (Matilda from 'Walzing Matilda'and 'The Man From Snowy River' legend) and I did find it hard to follow the complex inter relationship of the characters - but I'm sure that was because I had not read their history in the prior books. I must admit that I found the use of the folk tale - linked characters added a layer of sentimentality to the story that I found distracting.
This book follows the characters through the trials of WW2, focusing on the Australian home front and the Pacific - most closely the women Japanese prisoners of war. I didn't fall in love with the characters, but I was engaged with the story-telling, interested in their plight and I cared what happened to them - complete with teary eyes towards the end. I am very thankful for the way Jackie French portrayed the inevitable horrors of war in an unflinching but not harrowing way - that is to say that I wasn't put off reading it due to overdone brutality - it's a very fine line and one well drawn in this book.
This is the first book I have read in this series following the lives of fictional iconic Australians (Matilda from 'Walzing Matilda'and 'The Man From Snowy River' legend) and I did find it hard to follow the complex inter relationship of the characters - but I'm sure that was because I had not read their history in the prior books. I must admit that I found the use of the folk tale - linked characters added a layer of sentimentality to the story that I found distracting.
This book follows the characters through the trials of WW2, focusing on the Australian home front and the Pacific - most closely the women Japanese prisoners of war. I didn't fall in love with the characters, but I was engaged with the story-telling, interested in their plight and I cared what happened to them - complete with teary eyes towards the end. I am very thankful for the way Jackie French portrayed the inevitable horrors of war in an unflinching but not harrowing way - that is to say that I wasn't put off reading it due to overdone brutality - it's a very fine line and one well drawn in this book.
December 23, 2018
Jackie French does a great job telling this war-time tale where the setting moves between a tiny country town to war zones and a Japanese prison camp. It is a story of love and love of home told as if through the eyes of the main characters as well as some minor characters. The story is well crafted, showing the tension of war both in Australia and in the thick of it. It is brutally realistic and tells of the terrible life the POWs had to live in the prison camps, in this case in Malaya.
Nancy's character is strong and believable and the long-distance love between her and Michael is sweet and moving, especially when they can't communicate. The story of ordinary Australians doing whatever they can to support the war effort is also moving and real.
This story has the ring of truth and Jackie French seems to have done her research well. The only thing I found annoying was the extra, hardly-known characters that were given a chapter and voice. This detracted from the wonderful story that the book told. But, overall, this was a gripping story well worth the reading.
Nancy's character is strong and believable and the long-distance love between her and Michael is sweet and moving, especially when they can't communicate. The story of ordinary Australians doing whatever they can to support the war effort is also moving and real.
This story has the ring of truth and Jackie French seems to have done her research well. The only thing I found annoying was the extra, hardly-known characters that were given a chapter and voice. This detracted from the wonderful story that the book told. But, overall, this was a gripping story well worth the reading.
April 1, 2019
My Jackie French reviews are just getting repetitive but here goes. I loved this book, all the characters, the portrayal of the Australian outback. There was intelligent, of-the-time discussion about race, and the war was well researched and realistic. I loved the multiple perspectives so we could see what was happening all over the country (and outside of it), and reading once again from the perspective of Blue, Flinty and of course Matilda was exciting and sweet. (Sidenote: it is not vital to read Jackie Frenchs other books in the Matilda Saga, but I highly highly recommend it for an enhanced reading experience.) The book was heartbreaking enough to seem a realistic war story, though there were so many different characters and storylines diverging into one book, of course there was some happiness as well. One star docked because I would have liked to see a little more elaboration on the ending, but I'm hoping I get that in the rest of the Matilda Saga books!!
January 9, 2017
I love Jackie French's work in general, and this one did not fail to disappoint. It's a story of War and pain and waiting, of death and loss and joy in hardship. And yet, it's done so beautifully with her subtle prose that the book feels a little dreamlike. I came away feeling that I was in a dream, that our world is spinning down the same hole that it was eighty years ago - perhaps why this review doesn't make sense.
The only problem I had with the book was the heavy reliance on characters from the previous books. There were times when I forgot who the sheer multitude of them were, but apart from that, this was a well crafted tale of WWII that made me question humanity's sanity and humanity.
The only problem I had with the book was the heavy reliance on characters from the previous books. There were times when I forgot who the sheer multitude of them were, but apart from that, this was a well crafted tale of WWII that made me question humanity's sanity and humanity.
March 28, 2018
I have read a lot of books, over 300 and I have about 100 favourites but now I can say that 'To Love A Sunburnt Country' by Jackie French is the best book I have ever read. I have read all of the Matilda Saga and loved every single one, but this book was the best one yet. This book was a whirlwind of emotions the entire way through, I could not put it down. Nancy's story along with the other women and service men was absolutely touching and so inspiring to read and made me love my country even more. This story was heartbreaking, wonderful and heartfelt, lots of tears were shed!
I recommend this book for everyone to read as it is such a beautiful story with wonderful characters and a story line that needs to be told!
I recommend this book for everyone to read as it is such a beautiful story with wonderful characters and a story line that needs to be told!
May 4, 2025
I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did! My grandparents bought me the first book of this series ( A Waltz For Matilda ) as a present, and I enjoyed it so much they gave me the rest of the series. The book is so heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time!❤️💔 It gives you all different aspects to what living during the war was like. It’s the story of Nancy of the Overflow, Michael Thompson, Blue Mac’Alpine, and all of the other characters in the previous books. I highly recommend this book even if you aren’t Australian. It’s just an amazing book that so many people would enjoy. xoxo
February 17, 2019
This book is listed as Juvenile fiction for 14+ and was given to my daughter (13 yrs) as a gift and I decided to read it first. I'm glad I did as some of the themes I don't think she would have handled very well (POW camps, torture, war crimes). I would possibly put the reading age at 16+, or maybe I'm just overprotective. There's a spoiler in the Acknowledgements section, but I'm glad I knew what it was, I think I would have been totally devastated otherwise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2020
The best (and my most favourite) book in the series thus far - though I haven't read the last book yet! I've now read this book five or six times and it still hits me in the gut and makes me cry! Despite the numerous readings, I still found new bits in the book that I missed all those other times. I will NEVER get tired of reading this beautiful, heartbreaking story.
February 16, 2024
And this was just as beautiful and heartbreaking as the last time I read it
February 5, 2015
Loved this book, must read the ( prequel?) -Matilda.
February 10, 2024
Still one of the best instalments of the Matilda Saga - 4.5 stars. Harrowing, heartbreaking and hopeful all at once.
January 3, 2026
To Love a Sunburnt Country is not Jackie French’s strongest novel, particularly when measured against the high standard set by the earlier books in the Matilda Saga. This is disappointing to say, especially as the series holds a special place in my heart. I have long admired French’s ability to evoke the Australian bush with authenticity, warmth, and respect—something that resonates deeply with me, having spent most of my adult life living in rural Australia and loving every minute of it.
My primary disappointment with this instalment lies in the significant focus on Malia and the Second World War. While historically important, the extended attention given to wartime Britain and Europe detracts from what I believe should have remained the novel’s emotional and narrative core: Australia itself. As someone who has read more than my fair share of Australian war and history books, this shift was not only frustrating but also emotionally distancing.
The portrayal of wartime power dynamics serves as an uncomfortable reminder of Britain’s historical contempt for Australians—viewed merely as “colonials”—and the abuses of authority that accompanied that mindset. Australia’s history is marked by profound injustice, including the mass killing of Aboriginal peoples and other Australians under colonial rule. That this past is so often glossed over, even idolised by political leaders, remains deeply troubling. Reading sections of this novel brought those realities sharply to mind, pulling me out of the story rather than drawing me further in.
That said, returning to the book itself, there is still much to admire. Jackie French remains a gifted storyteller, and her love for Australia is evident, even if it feels muted here. When the narrative does return to the Australian landscape, it briefly recaptures the magic that made the earlier books so compelling. Unfortunately, these moments are too few, and the title itself feels somewhat misleading given how little time is actually spent immersed in the “sunburnt country” it promises.
Despite these criticisms, this is still a well-written and engaging work of historical fiction. Readers with limited knowledge of World War II may find the wartime sections informative and absorbing, and fans of Jackie French will recognise her trademark compassion and research throughout.
In the end, while To Love a Sunburnt Country did not fully meet my expectations, my respect for Jackie French and my affection for the Matilda Saga remain strong. For that reason, I would still rate the novel 4 out of 5 stars. It is a worthwhile read—just not the bush-centred, Australia-first story I had hoped it would be.
My primary disappointment with this instalment lies in the significant focus on Malia and the Second World War. While historically important, the extended attention given to wartime Britain and Europe detracts from what I believe should have remained the novel’s emotional and narrative core: Australia itself. As someone who has read more than my fair share of Australian war and history books, this shift was not only frustrating but also emotionally distancing.
The portrayal of wartime power dynamics serves as an uncomfortable reminder of Britain’s historical contempt for Australians—viewed merely as “colonials”—and the abuses of authority that accompanied that mindset. Australia’s history is marked by profound injustice, including the mass killing of Aboriginal peoples and other Australians under colonial rule. That this past is so often glossed over, even idolised by political leaders, remains deeply troubling. Reading sections of this novel brought those realities sharply to mind, pulling me out of the story rather than drawing me further in.
That said, returning to the book itself, there is still much to admire. Jackie French remains a gifted storyteller, and her love for Australia is evident, even if it feels muted here. When the narrative does return to the Australian landscape, it briefly recaptures the magic that made the earlier books so compelling. Unfortunately, these moments are too few, and the title itself feels somewhat misleading given how little time is actually spent immersed in the “sunburnt country” it promises.
Despite these criticisms, this is still a well-written and engaging work of historical fiction. Readers with limited knowledge of World War II may find the wartime sections informative and absorbing, and fans of Jackie French will recognise her trademark compassion and research throughout.
In the end, while To Love a Sunburnt Country did not fully meet my expectations, my respect for Jackie French and my affection for the Matilda Saga remain strong. For that reason, I would still rate the novel 4 out of 5 stars. It is a worthwhile read—just not the bush-centred, Australia-first story I had hoped it would be.
December 26, 2025
To Love a Sunburnt Country is not, in my opinion, the strongest installment in Jacquie French’s Matilda series. While French retains the Australian outback as part of the broader narrative—the defining “flavor” of the Matilda saga—the novel devotes a substantial portion of its storyline to the Second World War, particularly events involving the Japanese advance in Malaya. This shift in focus was disappointing for me and detracted from what I most enjoy about the series: its strong grounding in Australian bush life, resilience, and landscape.
I have read widely in both fictional and non-fictional accounts of this period, and as with many war narratives of the time, this book stirred strong feelings. Much of that frustration stems from portrayals of British military leadership, which often come across as arrogant, ineffective, and dismissive of Australian forces. Equally troubling is the depiction of Australian political leaders who appear overly deferential—almost reverential—toward British authority, despite the clear disregard shown toward Australian lives and contributions. Although I was not present during these events, my views are informed by a broad cross-section of authors who, across genres, echo similar themes and criticisms.
Returning to the novel itself, I would have found the story far more satisfying had the ship the characters were attempting to escape on successfully returned to Australia. A narrative that refocused on the Australian bush and home-front experiences would have felt more consistent with the spirit of the Matilda series. In this respect, even the title, To Love a Sunburnt Country, feels somewhat misleading, as it suggests a deeper and more sustained engagement with Australia itself than the book ultimately delivers.
That said, this is by no means a poor novel. Jacquie French remains a skilled storyteller, and her commitment to historical context, character development, and emotional depth is evident throughout. Despite my reservations about the direction of the story, I still enjoyed the book overall and appreciate its ambition.
In conclusion, while To Love a Sunburnt Country may not be the standout of the Matilda series for me, it is still a solid and worthwhile read. Fans of Jacquie French and historical fiction will likely find much to admire. I would comfortably rate this book four out of five stars.
I have read widely in both fictional and non-fictional accounts of this period, and as with many war narratives of the time, this book stirred strong feelings. Much of that frustration stems from portrayals of British military leadership, which often come across as arrogant, ineffective, and dismissive of Australian forces. Equally troubling is the depiction of Australian political leaders who appear overly deferential—almost reverential—toward British authority, despite the clear disregard shown toward Australian lives and contributions. Although I was not present during these events, my views are informed by a broad cross-section of authors who, across genres, echo similar themes and criticisms.
Returning to the novel itself, I would have found the story far more satisfying had the ship the characters were attempting to escape on successfully returned to Australia. A narrative that refocused on the Australian bush and home-front experiences would have felt more consistent with the spirit of the Matilda series. In this respect, even the title, To Love a Sunburnt Country, feels somewhat misleading, as it suggests a deeper and more sustained engagement with Australia itself than the book ultimately delivers.
That said, this is by no means a poor novel. Jacquie French remains a skilled storyteller, and her commitment to historical context, character development, and emotional depth is evident throughout. Despite my reservations about the direction of the story, I still enjoyed the book overall and appreciate its ambition.
In conclusion, while To Love a Sunburnt Country may not be the standout of the Matilda series for me, it is still a solid and worthwhile read. Fans of Jacquie French and historical fiction will likely find much to admire. I would comfortably rate this book four out of five stars.
October 7, 2025
I’ve been enjoying Jackie French’s Matilda Saga for several years now, and I finally decided this year is the year to finish the series. I enjoyed the first three books; they all touched my heart in different ways, and I even listened to the first one twice!
But this book…this book blew all the others out of the water for me, and quite possibly has set an impossibly high standard for any other book written about the war in the Pacific during World War II. It was that good.
I don’t typically like to read about war; fighting isn’t my thing. I also don’t like to read about people being taken advantage of, or of people suffering in terrible circumstances, and this book had both. And even with the way the ending happened! I don’t typically like books finishing quite the way this one did…but I still loved it (and yes, I may have cried a little, but it did finish with some hope, so that’s something).
I read this book four months ago, and while I intended to review it a lot earlier (and even mentally wrote many reviews), it just hasn’t happened. And I still really don’t have any words to describe my reactions to this book.
Except I’ll say this: If I thought the first books in the series had great characters and were hard-hitting, they don’t hold a candle to this one. Jackie French didn’t let up on her characters for one second, and I love her for it, because it felt so realistic. It was horrible, yes, but it was also wonderful. Heartbreaking, but unexpectedly hopeful.
This book had more of a feminist slant than I typically like to read about in books, but just as with the first three in the series, I couldn’t end up caring about that, because the story and the characters and the setting all swept me away and made me feel like I was there.
If you enjoy hard-hitting stories with strong characters and a solid dash of realistic history, I’d highly recommend you check out this book. If I could give it more than five stars, I would, in a heartbeat.
But this book…this book blew all the others out of the water for me, and quite possibly has set an impossibly high standard for any other book written about the war in the Pacific during World War II. It was that good.
I don’t typically like to read about war; fighting isn’t my thing. I also don’t like to read about people being taken advantage of, or of people suffering in terrible circumstances, and this book had both. And even with the way the ending happened! I don’t typically like books finishing quite the way this one did…but I still loved it (and yes, I may have cried a little, but it did finish with some hope, so that’s something).
I read this book four months ago, and while I intended to review it a lot earlier (and even mentally wrote many reviews), it just hasn’t happened. And I still really don’t have any words to describe my reactions to this book.
Except I’ll say this: If I thought the first books in the series had great characters and were hard-hitting, they don’t hold a candle to this one. Jackie French didn’t let up on her characters for one second, and I love her for it, because it felt so realistic. It was horrible, yes, but it was also wonderful. Heartbreaking, but unexpectedly hopeful.
This book had more of a feminist slant than I typically like to read about in books, but just as with the first three in the series, I couldn’t end up caring about that, because the story and the characters and the setting all swept me away and made me feel like I was there.
If you enjoy hard-hitting stories with strong characters and a solid dash of realistic history, I’d highly recommend you check out this book. If I could give it more than five stars, I would, in a heartbeat.
March 11, 2022
For me, one of the signs of a good book is to get to the last full stop in the author's narrative and feeling the overwhelming desire to know what happens next. . Such was my feelings about this book, although since this is book 4 in the Matilda saga, while I won't get the details of the lives of the two principal characters, I expect they will make an appearance as minor characters in a subsequent book in this series and their resultant history will become known.
I felt this was a powerful book. While I was familiar with the general events featured thanks to previous reading of books such as King Rat, and a Town Like Alice, I wondered how a teenager would react to some of those scenes since this book is classified as Young Adult. Thankfully Jackie French has written an excellent explainer at the back. So I hope that the YA reader does continue to read beyond the last full stop of the narrative.
When I 'got into' the book, I had an expectation of how it would end or perhaps its better to say, what would happen to whom, perhaps largely due to my previous reading of Neville Shute's book. I was not expecting the result of the event at Pulau Ayu camp at the climax of the book to occur. Sensitive YA readers might need some support after reading that chapter.
I loved the extracts from the Gibber's Creek Gazette which lead each chapter. The Matilda Series has had a sub-theme of Australian history, so it was good to get an idea of what was happening at 'home' at the same time as the events actually in the narrative at that time.
Can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
I felt this was a powerful book. While I was familiar with the general events featured thanks to previous reading of books such as King Rat, and a Town Like Alice, I wondered how a teenager would react to some of those scenes since this book is classified as Young Adult. Thankfully Jackie French has written an excellent explainer at the back. So I hope that the YA reader does continue to read beyond the last full stop of the narrative.
When I 'got into' the book, I had an expectation of how it would end or perhaps its better to say, what would happen to whom, perhaps largely due to my previous reading of Neville Shute's book. I was not expecting the result of the event at Pulau Ayu camp at the climax of the book to occur. Sensitive YA readers might need some support after reading that chapter.
I loved the extracts from the Gibber's Creek Gazette which lead each chapter. The Matilda Series has had a sub-theme of Australian history, so it was good to get an idea of what was happening at 'home' at the same time as the events actually in the narrative at that time.
Can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
February 13, 2021
Australia in a different era. The harsh realities of world war 2 effected all Australians whether serving overseas & caught in the machine of war & loyalty to the a British Empire or being farmers & women left to provide for the war effort. Nancy Clancy ( granddaughter of Clancy of the Overflow ) is a caught in Singapore when it falls to the Japanese. The harsh treatment of prison camp over a number of years just about wipes out her spirit & body. It is only home & the love of her country & Michael her childhood sweet heart that keeps her fighting for survival.
Based on true events this brutal story highlights the evil of mankind & war. It paints small glimmers of hope & kindness in situations that would test human endurance to its limits. Most interesting was the lack of news information that was presented to the Australian public & the censorship by the Australian government to curtail panic on out shores despite the bombing of Darwin, northern Western Australian & Sydney by the Japanese.
Based on true events this brutal story highlights the evil of mankind & war. It paints small glimmers of hope & kindness in situations that would test human endurance to its limits. Most interesting was the lack of news information that was presented to the Australian public & the censorship by the Australian government to curtail panic on out shores despite the bombing of Darwin, northern Western Australian & Sydney by the Japanese.
June 2, 2023
The book To Love a Sunburnt Country, by Jackie French is an enjoyable book for all ages, and I highly recommend it. The book takes place in Australia’s well-loved sunburnt country in the year 1941 when the Japanese are conquering Singapore and Australia. The story follows the adventure of 16-year-old Nancy of the Overflow on her journey to Singapore to retrieve her sister-in-law and her nephew and come back home. The war is quickly approaching with the entrapment of Singapore close by, with many loved ones fighting the war. The comfort of home, torment, joy, romance and pain are intertwined through the loss and victories of war.
When you read the book, you are put on a rollercoaster of emotions, perspectives and stories created by the genius mind of Jackie French. I promise, you will not regret or waste your time reading this book.
When you read the book, you are put on a rollercoaster of emotions, perspectives and stories created by the genius mind of Jackie French. I promise, you will not regret or waste your time reading this book.
September 30, 2019
Powerful narrative and heroic characters. The drive, visual details and style in which this novel has been composed makes an incredible emotional impact. Although the novels in this series have been written so they can be read independently I feel the impact of this particular novel was heightened by having read the series in order, creating a strong attachment and deep understanding of the characters and their journeys.
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