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Pilbara
A stunning tale of loyalty and survival from a master storyteller ...
In this ancient, harsh place, faint hearts will not last.
The Pilbara, late 1800s: Frontier country, the wild west of Australia – a lawless, violent place where treachery is a way of life.
Widower Charles Burton arrives in this forbidding corner of the world with his three young children. They've travelled half the globe, from the lush, rolling hills and dales of Yorkshire, on a mission to save their family's sheep and cattle property. Rebuilding the fortunes of Burton Station will ask everything of Charles and his children, particularly his daughter, Victoria, who will at times threaten to bring about their downfall.
Here in the oldest landscape on earth, survival has always proved a battle. And when greed takes over, the battle only intensifies. Aboriginal people are robbed of their lands and their very way of life as every new arrival fights for the riches on offer – the grazing territory, the pearls and the gold. Amid all this brutality, the Burtons and their allies must fight to conquer the savagery that surrounds them.
From Yorkshire to Cossack in Western Australia, and London to Tahiti in French Polynesia, Pilbara is the tale of a family on a mission to restore the honour of its name.
In this ancient, harsh place, faint hearts will not last.
The Pilbara, late 1800s: Frontier country, the wild west of Australia – a lawless, violent place where treachery is a way of life.
Widower Charles Burton arrives in this forbidding corner of the world with his three young children. They've travelled half the globe, from the lush, rolling hills and dales of Yorkshire, on a mission to save their family's sheep and cattle property. Rebuilding the fortunes of Burton Station will ask everything of Charles and his children, particularly his daughter, Victoria, who will at times threaten to bring about their downfall.
Here in the oldest landscape on earth, survival has always proved a battle. And when greed takes over, the battle only intensifies. Aboriginal people are robbed of their lands and their very way of life as every new arrival fights for the riches on offer – the grazing territory, the pearls and the gold. Amid all this brutality, the Burtons and their allies must fight to conquer the savagery that surrounds them.
From Yorkshire to Cossack in Western Australia, and London to Tahiti in French Polynesia, Pilbara is the tale of a family on a mission to restore the honour of its name.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2025
131 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Judy Nunn
48 books336 followersJudy Nunn (born 13 April 1945) is an Australian actress and author.
Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, THE GLITTER GAME, CENTRE STAGE and ARALUEN, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, KAL, BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS, TERRITORY, PACIFIC, HERITAGE and FLOODTIDE confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.
Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, THE GLITTER GAME, CENTRE STAGE and ARALUEN, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, KAL, BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS, TERRITORY, PACIFIC, HERITAGE and FLOODTIDE confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 29, 2025
EXCERPT: It had come from the north-west as cyclones invariably did, striking the coast and thundering across the countryside, until finally blowing itself out inland. Charles and his children would never forget the experience. For the first eight hours or so the wind had increased steadily to an unbelievable level, in excess of one hundred miles an hour. Then, all of a sudden, it had ceased altogether for thirty minutes or more as the eye passed over them. The wind then came from the south-east with the same terrifying speed until, once again and all of a sudden, it ceased. The nightmare was finally over. The storm had disappeared on its way inland, leaving them physically and mentally shattered.
The family had huddled throughout the ordeal, a whole day and night, among the piles of boulders set up specifically for cyclone protection. Terrified, they'd witnessed the devastation being wreaked all about them. Trees and the roofs of outbuildings flew through the air like giant kites, the playthings of gods gone crazy. The noise was deafening. Thunder and lightning screamed overhead and a constant heavy downpour all but drowned them as they crouched there together. The boys openly screamed out their fear, but Charles couldn't help noting that Victoria, although equally terrified, watched and observed every occurrence. He knew his daughter was analysing every moment, creating precise memories for her own future use. This was always Victoria's way.
They had survived, but Burton Station had not.
ABOUT 'PILBARA': A stunning tale of loyalty and survival. In this ancient, harsh place, faint hearts will not last.
The Pilbara, late 1800s: Frontier country, the wild west of Australia – a lawless, violent place where treachery is a way of life.
Widower Charles Burton arrives in this forbidding corner of the world with his three young children. They've travelled half the globe, from the lush, rolling hills and dales of Yorkshire, on a mission to save their family's sheep and cattle property. Rebuilding the fortunes of Burton Station will ask everything of Charles and his children, particularly his daughter, Victoria, who will at times threaten to bring about their downfall.
Here in the oldest landscape on earth, survival has always proved a battle. And when greed takes over, the battle only intensifies. Aboriginal people are robbed of their lands and their very way of life as every new arrival fights for the riches on offer – the grazing territory, the pearls and the gold. Amid all this brutality, the Burtons and their allies must fight to conquer the savagery that surrounds them.
MY THOUGHTS: Pilbara is the first novel I have read by Judy Nunn. Stunning!
I was immediately swept into the lives of the Burtons. There's a surprise or two in store for the reader, a twist I enjoyed despite the implausibility. I can't imagine how foreign the family, used to the green rolling fields of England, found the hot and dusty Pilbara; how different they found life in general and society. I don't think they had any real idea of what they were letting themselves in for. Burton Station and the family's Yorkshire estate, Pendleton, are worlds apart.
This is a page turning family saga that held me captivated to the end, and I do hope there might be a sequel coming up because I would love to know about Victoria's life on the station and in the community after the rest of the family returned to England.
As much as I loved this adventurous read, it doesn't earn the full five stars from me because of the implausibility of one particular ruse used by the family. I loved the idea of it but had to firmly put the lid on my disbelief.
Will I be reading more from Judy Nunn? - You bet.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#Pilbara #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: JUDY NUNN's childhood prepared her well for life as a storyteller.
Whether it was fishing with big brother Rob in the Swan River close to their home in Perth or skimming the ocean at giddy speeds in a skiff built by her father, it was a childhood brimming with adventure and discovery.
“I was a tomboy,” Judy says. “Mine was an idyllic childhood. Our home was on the banks of the beautiful Swan River. Rob and I grew up swimming and boating and crabbing and prawning and diving for the mussels.”
Judy’s father Bob, an agriculturist, liked to introduce his children to new experiences and sometimes took them with him on work trips to remote parts of Western Australia. Judy was a natural born explorer, curious, brave, up for any challenge.
If Judy’s father was her hero, then mother Nancy was her greatest influence. At a time when it was unusual for married women to have careers, Nancy Nunn worked as a schoolteacher and was also heavily involved in Perth’s acting and theatre scene.
Judy began taking acting classes as a teenager and travelled first to Sydney then London to further her career. Upon returning, Judy became a familiar face on Australian TV, with roles in iconic shows. She says: “Acting of course taught me everything about character and dialogue. Actors are continually required to explore characters and relationships. In my books, I very much enjoy writing dialogue, I find it comes naturally, and no matter how important my story may be, I concentrate on making it character driven.” (Source: judynunn.com.au/about - abridged)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers Australia via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Pilbara by Judy Nunn for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
The family had huddled throughout the ordeal, a whole day and night, among the piles of boulders set up specifically for cyclone protection. Terrified, they'd witnessed the devastation being wreaked all about them. Trees and the roofs of outbuildings flew through the air like giant kites, the playthings of gods gone crazy. The noise was deafening. Thunder and lightning screamed overhead and a constant heavy downpour all but drowned them as they crouched there together. The boys openly screamed out their fear, but Charles couldn't help noting that Victoria, although equally terrified, watched and observed every occurrence. He knew his daughter was analysing every moment, creating precise memories for her own future use. This was always Victoria's way.
They had survived, but Burton Station had not.
ABOUT 'PILBARA': A stunning tale of loyalty and survival. In this ancient, harsh place, faint hearts will not last.
The Pilbara, late 1800s: Frontier country, the wild west of Australia – a lawless, violent place where treachery is a way of life.
Widower Charles Burton arrives in this forbidding corner of the world with his three young children. They've travelled half the globe, from the lush, rolling hills and dales of Yorkshire, on a mission to save their family's sheep and cattle property. Rebuilding the fortunes of Burton Station will ask everything of Charles and his children, particularly his daughter, Victoria, who will at times threaten to bring about their downfall.
Here in the oldest landscape on earth, survival has always proved a battle. And when greed takes over, the battle only intensifies. Aboriginal people are robbed of their lands and their very way of life as every new arrival fights for the riches on offer – the grazing territory, the pearls and the gold. Amid all this brutality, the Burtons and their allies must fight to conquer the savagery that surrounds them.
MY THOUGHTS: Pilbara is the first novel I have read by Judy Nunn. Stunning!
I was immediately swept into the lives of the Burtons. There's a surprise or two in store for the reader, a twist I enjoyed despite the implausibility. I can't imagine how foreign the family, used to the green rolling fields of England, found the hot and dusty Pilbara; how different they found life in general and society. I don't think they had any real idea of what they were letting themselves in for. Burton Station and the family's Yorkshire estate, Pendleton, are worlds apart.
This is a page turning family saga that held me captivated to the end, and I do hope there might be a sequel coming up because I would love to know about Victoria's life on the station and in the community after the rest of the family returned to England.
As much as I loved this adventurous read, it doesn't earn the full five stars from me because of the implausibility of one particular ruse used by the family. I loved the idea of it but had to firmly put the lid on my disbelief.
Will I be reading more from Judy Nunn? - You bet.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#Pilbara #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: JUDY NUNN's childhood prepared her well for life as a storyteller.
Whether it was fishing with big brother Rob in the Swan River close to their home in Perth or skimming the ocean at giddy speeds in a skiff built by her father, it was a childhood brimming with adventure and discovery.
“I was a tomboy,” Judy says. “Mine was an idyllic childhood. Our home was on the banks of the beautiful Swan River. Rob and I grew up swimming and boating and crabbing and prawning and diving for the mussels.”
Judy’s father Bob, an agriculturist, liked to introduce his children to new experiences and sometimes took them with him on work trips to remote parts of Western Australia. Judy was a natural born explorer, curious, brave, up for any challenge.
If Judy’s father was her hero, then mother Nancy was her greatest influence. At a time when it was unusual for married women to have careers, Nancy Nunn worked as a schoolteacher and was also heavily involved in Perth’s acting and theatre scene.
Judy began taking acting classes as a teenager and travelled first to Sydney then London to further her career. Upon returning, Judy became a familiar face on Australian TV, with roles in iconic shows. She says: “Acting of course taught me everything about character and dialogue. Actors are continually required to explore characters and relationships. In my books, I very much enjoy writing dialogue, I find it comes naturally, and no matter how important my story may be, I concentrate on making it character driven.” (Source: judynunn.com.au/about - abridged)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers Australia via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Pilbara by Judy Nunn for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
December 19, 2025
A memorable and engaging story set in the late 1800's.
I loved the Pilbara setting, including all the realities of the time and landscape.
I loved the Pilbara setting, including all the realities of the time and landscape.
November 7, 2025
Another page turning novel from the wonderful Judy Nunn. This takes us from England to WA with the Burton family who travel to save their fortunes by taking over their uncles property and building it up to repay debt back home in Yorkshire where Charles's father has lost a lot of money by supporting a new lady in his life.
Its a far cry from life and Charles and his three children are determined to make it work. The author did a great job of describing the harsh environment as well as the industries that were part of the area - gold and pearl diving. It was a hard time and it was difficult for the local constabulary to maintain peace and harmony within the town.
Charles's daughter Victoria plays a big part in this novel and we see her grow from a girl into a woman which brings complications in itself.
This is a true historical family saga and at almost 500 pages, I had this finished in a few days because of the compelling story which made me keep turning those pages. Highly recommended for readers of Australian fiction.
Thanks go to Harper Collins Australia for the complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Its a far cry from life and Charles and his three children are determined to make it work. The author did a great job of describing the harsh environment as well as the industries that were part of the area - gold and pearl diving. It was a hard time and it was difficult for the local constabulary to maintain peace and harmony within the town.
Charles's daughter Victoria plays a big part in this novel and we see her grow from a girl into a woman which brings complications in itself.
This is a true historical family saga and at almost 500 pages, I had this finished in a few days because of the compelling story which made me keep turning those pages. Highly recommended for readers of Australian fiction.
Thanks go to Harper Collins Australia for the complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2025
Set in the late 1800’s moving from the rolling hills of Yorkshire, England to the desert of Western Australia, Pilbara is a sweeping historical novel from Judy Nunn.
Charlotte Burton enjoys a near idyllic life as the mistress of her father’s expansive Yorkshire estate. Indulged but never spoiled by William, the 34th Squire of Pendleton, she is bright, kind, and hard working. When her father announces he has fallen in love Charlotte is eager to welcome Eleanor to Pendleton, but the relationship sours when Charlotte realises her father has been selling off large parcels of the estate to satisfy Eleanor’s lavish lifestyle. It is William’s younger brother, Geoffrey, the owner of a large station in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, who clears the debt, and when word reaches them that Geoffrey is ill, Charlotte insists that they provide him some help.
Much of the action in the novel takes place when Charles arrives at the fifteen thousand acre Burton Station and, having learned Geoffrey has died, is unexpectedly required to take over management of the property, facing the challenges of fierce weather, lawlessness, and sacrifice head on. There are moments of danger, triumph, and tragedy as Charles works hard to grow the Station’s fortunes, all while raising three children who must adjust to their new circumstances. The eldest, Victoria, thrives in her new home, and proves to be as headstrong and resilient as her mother.
Nunn deftly conjures the rugged environment of the Pilbara at the end of the 19th century. It takes determination and courage to tame the desert plains, luckily Charles is in possession of both traits. There are references to the gold prospectors and pearl fishermen in the region, attracting a variety of characters hoping to make, or take, their fortune. The author also acknowledges the fate of the local Aboriginal population, forcibly displaced and often treated inhumanly.
There’s a surprise in this tale (that I hope I haven’t given away) which I particularly enjoyed. With its blend of history, drama, and a strong sense of place, Pilbara is an engaging novel.
Charlotte Burton enjoys a near idyllic life as the mistress of her father’s expansive Yorkshire estate. Indulged but never spoiled by William, the 34th Squire of Pendleton, she is bright, kind, and hard working. When her father announces he has fallen in love Charlotte is eager to welcome Eleanor to Pendleton, but the relationship sours when Charlotte realises her father has been selling off large parcels of the estate to satisfy Eleanor’s lavish lifestyle. It is William’s younger brother, Geoffrey, the owner of a large station in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, who clears the debt, and when word reaches them that Geoffrey is ill, Charlotte insists that they provide him some help.
Much of the action in the novel takes place when Charles arrives at the fifteen thousand acre Burton Station and, having learned Geoffrey has died, is unexpectedly required to take over management of the property, facing the challenges of fierce weather, lawlessness, and sacrifice head on. There are moments of danger, triumph, and tragedy as Charles works hard to grow the Station’s fortunes, all while raising three children who must adjust to their new circumstances. The eldest, Victoria, thrives in her new home, and proves to be as headstrong and resilient as her mother.
Nunn deftly conjures the rugged environment of the Pilbara at the end of the 19th century. It takes determination and courage to tame the desert plains, luckily Charles is in possession of both traits. There are references to the gold prospectors and pearl fishermen in the region, attracting a variety of characters hoping to make, or take, their fortune. The author also acknowledges the fate of the local Aboriginal population, forcibly displaced and often treated inhumanly.
There’s a surprise in this tale (that I hope I haven’t given away) which I particularly enjoyed. With its blend of history, drama, and a strong sense of place, Pilbara is an engaging novel.
November 12, 2025
Big thanks to Karen and Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
Pilbara is a sweeping historical family saga from Australia’s own Judy Nunn.
A magnificent read and portrait of strong women who will do anything to achieve success, love, contain history and abide by the law.
I’ve been a dedicated fan of her work since the beginning and this is up there with one of her best.
The late 1800s, on the harsh land in The Pilbara, Widower Charles Burton and his three young children arrive ready to take on the family property.
The Burton Station was once thriving and Charles is here to bring it back to its former glory.
But life doesn’t always go to plan.
The region is grim and dangerous and greed is rampant.
Survival must rule and family is everything…..
The sense of place is amazing and so important in this story and the vivid descriptions make it come alive in the era for the reader.
What was an added bonus was that we got to see Judy in conversation while reading this book.
And it was a delight to hear the behind the scenes about the making, writing and creating this absolute treasure.
This would make a brilliant series for the small screen.
The landscape, the characters and the divine plot.
Are you listening streaming services……
It’s an epic masterpiece that will capture your heart and soul.
Pilbara is a sweeping historical family saga from Australia’s own Judy Nunn.
A magnificent read and portrait of strong women who will do anything to achieve success, love, contain history and abide by the law.
I’ve been a dedicated fan of her work since the beginning and this is up there with one of her best.
The late 1800s, on the harsh land in The Pilbara, Widower Charles Burton and his three young children arrive ready to take on the family property.
The Burton Station was once thriving and Charles is here to bring it back to its former glory.
But life doesn’t always go to plan.
The region is grim and dangerous and greed is rampant.
Survival must rule and family is everything…..
The sense of place is amazing and so important in this story and the vivid descriptions make it come alive in the era for the reader.
What was an added bonus was that we got to see Judy in conversation while reading this book.
And it was a delight to hear the behind the scenes about the making, writing and creating this absolute treasure.
This would make a brilliant series for the small screen.
The landscape, the characters and the divine plot.
Are you listening streaming services……
It’s an epic masterpiece that will capture your heart and soul.
November 25, 2025
A family arrives in the harsh, lawless frontier of the Pilbara in the late 1800s - a father with his three young children, having come all the way from Yorkshire to rebuild their family’s sheep and cattle property. Life in this ancient landscape is brutal and they fight to survive as greed intensifies. Spanning from Yorkshire to Cossack, Western Australia, Pilbara is the story of a family determined to restore their honour and build a future.
I enjoyed the story’s early chapters set in Yorkshire far more than its later shift to Australia. Once the setting changed, the pacing felt slower, and several plot points struck me as predictable, questionable, or simply unrealistic. Still, the novel ultimately highlights the resilience and sacrifices women make to protect their homes, their families, and their futures.
I enjoyed the story’s early chapters set in Yorkshire far more than its later shift to Australia. Once the setting changed, the pacing felt slower, and several plot points struck me as predictable, questionable, or simply unrealistic. Still, the novel ultimately highlights the resilience and sacrifices women make to protect their homes, their families, and their futures.
November 6, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Pilbara. Having lived in the Pilbara for quite a few years, I found myself nodding along and smiling at many familiar descriptions and situations. While the towns have certainly changed over time, Judy Nunn captures the essence of the region beautifully — that rugged, unforgiving landscape where the heat, cyclones, and seasons shape not just the land, but the lives of everyone who calls it home.
The characters are mostly believable (I do have a few thoughts about Charlotte and Charles!), and the storyline is engaging and well written. Nunn’s ability to weave history, drama, and a strong sense of place together makes Pilbara a compelling read. For anyone who’s lived or travelled through the region, this book brings back the red dust, the vast skies, and that unmistakable Pilbara spirit.
The characters are mostly believable (I do have a few thoughts about Charlotte and Charles!), and the storyline is engaging and well written. Nunn’s ability to weave history, drama, and a strong sense of place together makes Pilbara a compelling read. For anyone who’s lived or travelled through the region, this book brings back the red dust, the vast skies, and that unmistakable Pilbara spirit.
November 27, 2025
Such a wonderful story.
November 22, 2025
Interesting story line, a little bit of a slow burn but I stuck with it and found it to be a nice story about the resilience of a woman and the lengths and the sacrifices women go through to secure their homes, future and families and what extent we will go to do so!
November 21, 2025
Having family connections to the early days of the Pearling industry in Cossack and Broome, Western Australia, Pilbara, Judy Nunn’s latest Australian Historic Fiction was an absolute joy to read, as it follows the story of Charles Burton, a widower who arrives in the Pilbara with his young family to take on the life of the owner of large station.
Charlotte Burton was raised by her father, a widower, a man who was the local Squire as was his family before him. Intelligent and an outdoor child she wore trousers and a jacket as she went about learning everything she could about life on the land.
When the family fortunes begin to slide, Charlotte finds that as she is now a widow and mother of three children, and at the request of her Uncle in Australia, it is up to her to travel to the Pilbara to try and rescue not only Burton Station but her families’ estates in Yorkshire.
Arriving in Perth she discovers her beloved Uncle has died, but she is still expected to travel north. She is now firmly entrenched as Charles, widower and father, a disguise that must remain in place as the early days of the Pilbara were lawless ones, filled with danger, hard work, and no place for a woman on her own.
Following a well thought-out five-year plan, she systematically sets about repaying the debt loaned to her father by her Uncle and becoming a well-respected member of the local community.
As the children grow older, Victoria, a young woman in the same mould as her mother, intelligent and determined, falls in love at a very young age but has fallen foul of two men who are out to seek revenge. They eventually do, almost causing Charles’ carefully structed plans of returning to Yorkshire to collapse.
Judy Nunn has caught the heartbeat of an ancient country the days of hard men, lawless behaviour and the insidious development that saw men think nothing of killing as they chased the illusive gold.
She also draws attention to the plight of the Indigenous people as they too were hunted and chased from their lands in the obsession with land grabbing and wealth.
Pilbara is a gentle, captivating read which draws you into the life and times of Charlotte Burton as she moves from child to mother to station owner, all the while learning that life does not always go to plan and that by accepting and adjusting to events life can be rich and enjoyable.
Charlotte Burton was raised by her father, a widower, a man who was the local Squire as was his family before him. Intelligent and an outdoor child she wore trousers and a jacket as she went about learning everything she could about life on the land.
When the family fortunes begin to slide, Charlotte finds that as she is now a widow and mother of three children, and at the request of her Uncle in Australia, it is up to her to travel to the Pilbara to try and rescue not only Burton Station but her families’ estates in Yorkshire.
Arriving in Perth she discovers her beloved Uncle has died, but she is still expected to travel north. She is now firmly entrenched as Charles, widower and father, a disguise that must remain in place as the early days of the Pilbara were lawless ones, filled with danger, hard work, and no place for a woman on her own.
Following a well thought-out five-year plan, she systematically sets about repaying the debt loaned to her father by her Uncle and becoming a well-respected member of the local community.
As the children grow older, Victoria, a young woman in the same mould as her mother, intelligent and determined, falls in love at a very young age but has fallen foul of two men who are out to seek revenge. They eventually do, almost causing Charles’ carefully structed plans of returning to Yorkshire to collapse.
Judy Nunn has caught the heartbeat of an ancient country the days of hard men, lawless behaviour and the insidious development that saw men think nothing of killing as they chased the illusive gold.
She also draws attention to the plight of the Indigenous people as they too were hunted and chased from their lands in the obsession with land grabbing and wealth.
Pilbara is a gentle, captivating read which draws you into the life and times of Charlotte Burton as she moves from child to mother to station owner, all the while learning that life does not always go to plan and that by accepting and adjusting to events life can be rich and enjoyable.
December 22, 2025
This is one of those big, sweeping historical novels that completely pulls you into its world — dust, heat, danger, and all.
This isn’t a quiet book. It’s dramatic, expansive, and very invested in survival. I loved how immersive it was; once the story moves to Western Australia, the landscape really takes over. The Pilbara itself feels like a character — harsh, unpredictable, and absolutely unforgiving. You can feel the isolation, the fear of the weather, and the sheer effort it takes just to stay standing.
The family saga side of things is strong, especially the women. Victoria in particular really stood out for me — observant, stubborn, resilient, and shaped by the environment rather than softened by it. The women in this book aren’t decorative; they’re necessary, and that was refreshing.
That said, it’s not a perfect read. There’s a central plot twist that stretched my suspension of disbelief a bit. I didn’t hate it, but I did pause and think, “Hmm… really?” Still, it didn’t ruin the experience for me — the emotional momentum kept me turning pages.
I also appreciated that the book doesn’t completely romanticise frontier life. There’s greed, violence, and displacement baked into the story, and while it’s not a deep historical reckoning, it doesn’t pretend everything was noble or fair either.
Overall, if you enjoy long, immersive historical sagas with strong sense of place, family drama, and survival themes, this is well worth the read. Not flawless — but definitely compelling.
This isn’t a quiet book. It’s dramatic, expansive, and very invested in survival. I loved how immersive it was; once the story moves to Western Australia, the landscape really takes over. The Pilbara itself feels like a character — harsh, unpredictable, and absolutely unforgiving. You can feel the isolation, the fear of the weather, and the sheer effort it takes just to stay standing.
The family saga side of things is strong, especially the women. Victoria in particular really stood out for me — observant, stubborn, resilient, and shaped by the environment rather than softened by it. The women in this book aren’t decorative; they’re necessary, and that was refreshing.
That said, it’s not a perfect read. There’s a central plot twist that stretched my suspension of disbelief a bit. I didn’t hate it, but I did pause and think, “Hmm… really?” Still, it didn’t ruin the experience for me — the emotional momentum kept me turning pages.
I also appreciated that the book doesn’t completely romanticise frontier life. There’s greed, violence, and displacement baked into the story, and while it’s not a deep historical reckoning, it doesn’t pretend everything was noble or fair either.
Overall, if you enjoy long, immersive historical sagas with strong sense of place, family drama, and survival themes, this is well worth the read. Not flawless — but definitely compelling.
December 8, 2025
Set against the vast, ancient backdrop of the Pilbara in the late 1800s, Judy Nunn delivers another sweeping tale woven with loyalty, hardship and survival. This was a brutal period in Australia’s history, and Nunn doesn’t shy away from the violence, greed and injustice that shaped the frontier—particularly for the Aboriginal people whose land and way of life were torn apart by new arrivals chasing wealth.
The Burton family’s journey from Yorkshire to Western Australia is gripping. As Charles Burton and his three children arrive determined to rebuild their family’s fortunes, the story quickly becomes one of resilience and the heavy cost of ambition. Victoria, in particular, is a complex and compelling character whose choices at times threaten everything the family is fighting to preserve.
While my reading tastes have shifted in recent years, I still found Pilbara thoroughly engaging. Judy Nunn’s meticulous research shines, as it always does, grounding the narrative in real history while blending fact and fiction into a richly crafted, cinematic story. I finished the book feeling like I had learned something—one of the things I’ve always appreciated about her writing.
A powerful, well-told tale of survival, identity and the fight to hold on to what matters most.
4.5 stars
The Burton family’s journey from Yorkshire to Western Australia is gripping. As Charles Burton and his three children arrive determined to rebuild their family’s fortunes, the story quickly becomes one of resilience and the heavy cost of ambition. Victoria, in particular, is a complex and compelling character whose choices at times threaten everything the family is fighting to preserve.
While my reading tastes have shifted in recent years, I still found Pilbara thoroughly engaging. Judy Nunn’s meticulous research shines, as it always does, grounding the narrative in real history while blending fact and fiction into a richly crafted, cinematic story. I finished the book feeling like I had learned something—one of the things I’ve always appreciated about her writing.
A powerful, well-told tale of survival, identity and the fight to hold on to what matters most.
4.5 stars
December 21, 2025
What a wonderfully immersive and atmospheric historical fiction set in the Pilbara during the 1800's which vividly outlines the hardships, everyday struggles as well as the sheer resilience and inner strength of the women during that time in their everyday lives.
The character of Charles Edward Burton shows him as a mentor as well as an important and strong influence towards his children shaping their lives throughout their individual journeys within the novel.
It is needless to say that this novel had me hooked from the very first page and it made for such an easy and enjoyable reading experience.
Judy Nunn never disappoints and her writing is always top tier with this story being no exception to that fact and I look forward to reading other books by her down the track.
Thankyou to Net galley, the publisher and the lovely Judy Nunn for an arc of this book (and also for signing my physical copy at her Sydney book launch).
The character of Charles Edward Burton shows him as a mentor as well as an important and strong influence towards his children shaping their lives throughout their individual journeys within the novel.
It is needless to say that this novel had me hooked from the very first page and it made for such an easy and enjoyable reading experience.
Judy Nunn never disappoints and her writing is always top tier with this story being no exception to that fact and I look forward to reading other books by her down the track.
Thankyou to Net galley, the publisher and the lovely Judy Nunn for an arc of this book (and also for signing my physical copy at her Sydney book launch).
December 15, 2025
Such wonderful descriptions of the Pilbara. English squire William Burton has bankrupted himself trying to please his mistress Eleanor. His brother Geoffrey who lives in the Pilbara takes out mortgages to repay the debt. William’s daughter Charlotte travels to Australia with her children Victoria, Edward and Howard but she travels as Charles, knowing life will be easier if she is perceived as a man. The aim is to work with her uncle Geoffrey and earn enough to repay the debt but he dies before her arrival and Charles ends up successfully running Burton Station maintains her pretence.
The family establish themselves in the region and after five years, which is the deadline Charlotte had set for herself she plans to return to England. Victoria is determined to stay in the Pilbara and does so, effectively running the station but as a woman.
The family establish themselves in the region and after five years, which is the deadline Charlotte had set for herself she plans to return to England. Victoria is determined to stay in the Pilbara and does so, effectively running the station but as a woman.
November 19, 2025
This is high on my list of the worst novels I've ever read. It is a cliche-riddled penny dreadful. The plot is mostly obvious. The 'twists' if you can call them that can be seen coming from a long way off. Characterisation is often cartoonish. Credibility is close to non-existent.
If there are any saving graces they are the descriptions of the towns of Roebourne and Cossack of the period (late 1800s) and the occasional descriptions of the geology and appearance of the Pilbara.
What a waste of 400 plus pages.
If there are any saving graces they are the descriptions of the towns of Roebourne and Cossack of the period (late 1800s) and the occasional descriptions of the geology and appearance of the Pilbara.
What a waste of 400 plus pages.
November 27, 2025
I enjoyed the first part of the story but found the second part dragged . I just couldn’t reconcile myself to the fact that Charlotte disguised herself as a man to go to Australia becoming Charles who ever after was referred to as him or he and no one guessed or questioned that and her kids kept the secret.! It was a tad unbelievable . I personally think it would have been more interesting if her disguise was gradually exposed.
November 28, 2025
I have read some other Judy Nunn stories that I really enjoyed.
I found this book to be very slow paced and found myself skipping through the pages to get to the end of the book.
The fact that ‘Charles’ was disguised as a man for so long felt very unrealistic, and there were also other parts of the storyline that also felt very unbelievable. I also did not find any of the characters very relatable, or even likeable.
I found this book to be very slow paced and found myself skipping through the pages to get to the end of the book.
The fact that ‘Charles’ was disguised as a man for so long felt very unrealistic, and there were also other parts of the storyline that also felt very unbelievable. I also did not find any of the characters very relatable, or even likeable.
December 9, 2025
Would be fascinated to know of real women who lived as men and outback sheep stationers! Very captivating story following Charles and his family. Both England and Australia vividly portrayed. The early British immigrants faced such inhospitable conditions and yet we have a fine wool industry. The pearling side was interesting too. Daughter Victoria a great secondary character. Mistress Eleanor too.
December 1, 2025
I was attracted to this novel because I love the Pilbara region of Australia. It's a lively story and I enjoyed reading it, despite the temporary transformation of one of the characters being unbelievable.
November 13, 2025
A ripping read! Lots of strong women and interesting Australian themes.
November 20, 2025
Great historical story on the Pilbara region in the late 1800s. Really enjoyed the storyline and the development of the characters.
December 2, 2025
Great read familiar territory the outback enjoyed the read holds interest all through
November 12, 2025
I have been long overdue reading a Judy Nunn novel and when I saw her new novel Pilbara, I couldn’t resist. The cover alone was enticing and the blurb sounded great as well.
It is a family saga which has its roots in England but first one but later more protagonists move to the Pilbarra in Western Australia and explore what live would have been there in the eighteen hundreds but most importantly it is about the challenges for a woman who knows her own mind and has to hide in order to do what she needs & wants to do. I loved the vivid descriptions of the Pilbara and even though I haven’t been in that exact region, I could see it all vividly playing out in my head. I will now have to find a copy of Spirits of the Ghan as I had a great time reading this story.
It is a family saga which has its roots in England but first one but later more protagonists move to the Pilbarra in Western Australia and explore what live would have been there in the eighteen hundreds but most importantly it is about the challenges for a woman who knows her own mind and has to hide in order to do what she needs & wants to do. I loved the vivid descriptions of the Pilbara and even though I haven’t been in that exact region, I could see it all vividly playing out in my head. I will now have to find a copy of Spirits of the Ghan as I had a great time reading this story.
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