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Gifted: The Legend of Jackson Manifold The Bendigo Bullet
The Creative Intent.
Gifted is a sweeping, evocative tale that traverses the metropolises of Melbourne and Buenos Aires, and the vast landscapes of Australia and South America, drawing readers into a narrative that is as powerful as it is deeply human. At its heart, it is a story of betrayal. It is a story of recovery. The journey to recovery challenges the seductive allure of wealth and beauty, engages with the tumultuous life of a rock star, shines a light on the intoxicating influence of the cosmetic industry and social media, and the often overlooked yet profound significance of belonging-particularly for those most vulnerable. With a rich, authentic Australian voice and universal themes, Gifted unearths the hidden truths beneath society's glossy surface, provoking readers to reflect on their own views in a rapidly changing world." The Inspiration.
For many years, working in the realm of Sports Management, and working closely with elite athletes, their dedication to winning was undeniable. But no one wins all the time. The real test of their elitism came when they faced losing streaks. Many athletes exposed vulnerabilities in those
moments-some bounced back, others didn't. It was in witnessing these challenges that I began to believe there was a broader story worth that of the gifted, who, after falling upon hard times, rebuild their lives. And, more importantly, the untold stories of their families, the wives and children whose own lives unravel behind the spotlight.
The main character, Jackson Barton Manifold, a decedent of Jack Ridley, better known as The Man from Snowy River, is a humble man, but his legend follows him, making him a national identity. As well as his storied victories, he is forced to share his most intimate failures with the nation along with his five gifted children, producing a family saga of epic proportions.
'Gifted' is the perfect word to describe both this novel and its author, Christopher Herbert. In his debut novel, he masterfully weaves an epic family saga led by the compelling and utterly believable Jackson Manifold. This story is a rollercoaster of human emotions-gripping, heartfelt, and impossible to put down." Gerard Svendsen. Broadcaster, Journalist, Thespian and Gem Stone Explorer, Perth, Australia.
Gifted is a sweeping, evocative tale that traverses the metropolises of Melbourne and Buenos Aires, and the vast landscapes of Australia and South America, drawing readers into a narrative that is as powerful as it is deeply human. At its heart, it is a story of betrayal. It is a story of recovery. The journey to recovery challenges the seductive allure of wealth and beauty, engages with the tumultuous life of a rock star, shines a light on the intoxicating influence of the cosmetic industry and social media, and the often overlooked yet profound significance of belonging-particularly for those most vulnerable. With a rich, authentic Australian voice and universal themes, Gifted unearths the hidden truths beneath society's glossy surface, provoking readers to reflect on their own views in a rapidly changing world." The Inspiration.
For many years, working in the realm of Sports Management, and working closely with elite athletes, their dedication to winning was undeniable. But no one wins all the time. The real test of their elitism came when they faced losing streaks. Many athletes exposed vulnerabilities in those
moments-some bounced back, others didn't. It was in witnessing these challenges that I began to believe there was a broader story worth that of the gifted, who, after falling upon hard times, rebuild their lives. And, more importantly, the untold stories of their families, the wives and children whose own lives unravel behind the spotlight.
The main character, Jackson Barton Manifold, a decedent of Jack Ridley, better known as The Man from Snowy River, is a humble man, but his legend follows him, making him a national identity. As well as his storied victories, he is forced to share his most intimate failures with the nation along with his five gifted children, producing a family saga of epic proportions.
'Gifted' is the perfect word to describe both this novel and its author, Christopher Herbert. In his debut novel, he masterfully weaves an epic family saga led by the compelling and utterly believable Jackson Manifold. This story is a rollercoaster of human emotions-gripping, heartfelt, and impossible to put down." Gerard Svendsen. Broadcaster, Journalist, Thespian and Gem Stone Explorer, Perth, Australia.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
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