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Flinders Ranges Series #1
Heart Of The Country
Heart of the Country is the first book in an epic historical saga of three Australian families. Spanning several generations, this epic tells the story of the Baker, Smith and Wiltshire families forging their paths in a land both beautiful and unforgiving.
Lives are intertwined by love and community then ripped apart by hate and greed but remain always bound to the land they love…
1846. Newly arrived from England, Thomas Baker is young, penniless and alone. Eager to make his mark on this strange new place called South Australia, he accepts work as an overseer on a distant sheep property, believing this will be the opportunity he seeks. But when Thomas’s path crosses that of ex-convict, Septimus Wiltshire — a grasping con man hell bent on making a new life for himself and his family at any price —trouble is on the horizon.
But Thomas is made of stern stuff and his fortunes take a turn for the better when he meets spirited farmer’s daughter Lizzie Smith, and soon he envisages their future together.
But this land is like no other he has encountered: both harsh and lovely, it breaks all but the strongest. When his nemesis intervenes once more and drought comes, Thomas finds himself tested almost beyond endurance with the risk of losing everything he and Lizzie have worked for… even their lives.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2015
63 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Stringer
27 books415 followersTricia Stringer is a bestselling and award-winning author. Among others, her books include commercial fiction titles Table For Eight, The Model Wife and The Family Inheritance, the rural romances A Chance of Stormy Weather and Come Rain or Shine and historical sagas Heart of the Country, Dust on the Horizon and Jewel in the North, set in the 19th Century Flinders Ranges. Tricia lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region of South Australia, often exploring Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through her authentic stories and their vivid characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 7, 2025
Fantastic opener to a three book series based on the pioneering days in South Australia. I am currently enjoying the final chapter of this trio of novels.
January 18, 2022
Finally got around to reading this series by Tricia Stringer. I have read her more contemporary books and loved them.
I am not sure why, but for some reason I thought this was a romance novel BUT was delighted to discover that this is in fact a great piece of Australian historical fiction. Set in the mid-1800's the story focuses on Thomas Baker who is newly arrived in Adelaide from England. After his mother dies, he and his father decide to start a new life in the colonies and make the arduous journey, during which his father takes ill and dies. Thomas, now in his early twenties and barely a penny to his name now has a daunting task.
Then Thomas meets AJ Browne and is offered a position as overseer on a remote sheep station Thomas bluffs about his past experience and finds himself setting off. Will this be an opportunity or a dismal failure?
Something of a saga, this follows the ups and downs of Thomas as he tries to build his new life in his new country. Looking forward to the next book Dust On The Horizon!
I am not sure why, but for some reason I thought this was a romance novel BUT was delighted to discover that this is in fact a great piece of Australian historical fiction. Set in the mid-1800's the story focuses on Thomas Baker who is newly arrived in Adelaide from England. After his mother dies, he and his father decide to start a new life in the colonies and make the arduous journey, during which his father takes ill and dies. Thomas, now in his early twenties and barely a penny to his name now has a daunting task.
Then Thomas meets AJ Browne and is offered a position as overseer on a remote sheep station Thomas bluffs about his past experience and finds himself setting off. Will this be an opportunity or a dismal failure?
Something of a saga, this follows the ups and downs of Thomas as he tries to build his new life in his new country. Looking forward to the next book Dust On The Horizon!
May 29, 2015
It was 1846 when Thomas Baker arrived in the new colony of South Australia, grieving and alone. Fresh from England he had lost his mother before their departure then his father had succumbed during the journey. But with the original plan for a better life in Australia only thwarted slightly, Thomas was determined to make a go of things. Shovelling the roadways was not a job he wanted to continue so when the opportunity arose to work for AJ Browne as an overseer on one of his sheep properties in the north, he accepted, knowing he would learn as he worked.
But Thomas was not used to the ways of the con men that lived on the streets and when he was purchasing a horse and met up with Septimus Wiltshire, an ex-convict who had originally lived in New South Wales, he had no idea that this person would cause trouble for him then and there, as well as into the future…
Working the isolated property called ‘Penakie’ which contained three thousand sheep, Thomas found the ruggedness of the country and the sparseness of the water a challenge. With the wild dogs and the natives to contend with as well, he was busy from dawn until dusk – his exhaustion was a part of his being. But Thomas was a hard worker and determined to prove to AJ that he had made the right choice for his overseer. He hadn’t had time to feel the loneliness of the vast countryside, but when he received a visit from the Smith family who were distant neighbours, it was to prove most fortuitous – their future would be entwined with delightful daughter Lizzie taking Thomas’ eye almost immediately.
As the years moved forward and fortunes changed, times were sometimes harsh, sometimes fruitful. And when drought struck, the country was brought to its knees – gradually businesses around the ports closed; the sheep died from lack of food and water; people struggled. Would Thomas and Lizzie manage to save their property? Would they endure in this heart of the country?
I absolutely loved Heart of the Country which is Aussie author Tricia Springer’s first foray into the genre of historical fiction. An absolutely brilliant story of the early settlers of Australia, the harsh conditions they faced; the confusion of the Aboriginals in the face of the white settlers; the trouble makers who were the escaped and ex-convicts – a beautifully written novel which is the beginning of a series. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Heart of the Country (which has immediately gone onto my Favourites list), and can’t wait to read book two.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
But Thomas was not used to the ways of the con men that lived on the streets and when he was purchasing a horse and met up with Septimus Wiltshire, an ex-convict who had originally lived in New South Wales, he had no idea that this person would cause trouble for him then and there, as well as into the future…
Working the isolated property called ‘Penakie’ which contained three thousand sheep, Thomas found the ruggedness of the country and the sparseness of the water a challenge. With the wild dogs and the natives to contend with as well, he was busy from dawn until dusk – his exhaustion was a part of his being. But Thomas was a hard worker and determined to prove to AJ that he had made the right choice for his overseer. He hadn’t had time to feel the loneliness of the vast countryside, but when he received a visit from the Smith family who were distant neighbours, it was to prove most fortuitous – their future would be entwined with delightful daughter Lizzie taking Thomas’ eye almost immediately.
As the years moved forward and fortunes changed, times were sometimes harsh, sometimes fruitful. And when drought struck, the country was brought to its knees – gradually businesses around the ports closed; the sheep died from lack of food and water; people struggled. Would Thomas and Lizzie manage to save their property? Would they endure in this heart of the country?
I absolutely loved Heart of the Country which is Aussie author Tricia Springer’s first foray into the genre of historical fiction. An absolutely brilliant story of the early settlers of Australia, the harsh conditions they faced; the confusion of the Aboriginals in the face of the white settlers; the trouble makers who were the escaped and ex-convicts – a beautifully written novel which is the beginning of a series. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Heart of the Country (which has immediately gone onto my Favourites list), and can’t wait to read book two.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
July 7, 2017
Has been a while since I’ve read a historical Australian book and these school holidays I decided to start at the bottom of my TBR and work my way up. So Heart of the Country has been sitting there for at least a year and I’m glad I decided to start this series. The hardships, heartbreaks and early pioneer travels had me out in the Australian outback in the drought and the cold exploring new country along with the wonderful characters I went on this journey with. So excited I have the next two books waiting in my TBR also so I can delve straight in as I expect the next two books to be as gripping and compelling as the first. For lovers of early Australian books, I highly recommend Heart of the Country.
September 21, 2019
An excellent read.
Masterfully crafted, beautifully written, with well-drawn 'real' characters I could like (and dislike!). I've already sourced the next book in this series, and am very much looking forward to another great read from this talented author.
Masterfully crafted, beautifully written, with well-drawn 'real' characters I could like (and dislike!). I've already sourced the next book in this series, and am very much looking forward to another great read from this talented author.
May 11, 2019
Heart Of The Country is book one in the Flinders Ranges series by Tricia Stringer. On arrival in South Australia Thomas Baker took on a job of looking after a rural sheep property with no money or experience. Thomas was eager to achieve great things in his adopted country and met a beautiful lady Lizzie Smith one of his neighbours ploughed head to make living for them in the wellness of South Australia. However, it was not play sailing for Thomas and Lizzie. The readers of Heart Of The Country will continue to follow Thomas and Lizzie to find out what happens to them.
Heart Of The Country was well written and researched by Tricia Stringer, and I loved reading this book. I like Tricia Stringer portrayal of her characters and the way they come alive for me that ensure I engage with them from the beginning. Tricia Stringer did a fantastic job in describing her settings and intertwine them within the plot of Heart Of The Country.
The readers of Heart Of The Country will learn about the history of Flinders Rangers in South Australia. Also, the readers of Heart Of The Country will understand the hardship of early settlers and about their way of life in South Australia.
I recommend this book.
Heart Of The Country was well written and researched by Tricia Stringer, and I loved reading this book. I like Tricia Stringer portrayal of her characters and the way they come alive for me that ensure I engage with them from the beginning. Tricia Stringer did a fantastic job in describing her settings and intertwine them within the plot of Heart Of The Country.
The readers of Heart Of The Country will learn about the history of Flinders Rangers in South Australia. Also, the readers of Heart Of The Country will understand the hardship of early settlers and about their way of life in South Australia.
I recommend this book.
May 19, 2015
book #25 for #aww2015.
the best sign of a brilliant book is one that stays with you.... And these characters have been with me at all times this week
I have been thinking about this review and Stringer's venture into a new genre ever since I finished the book, except I'm not sure I can say that. Heart of the Country is a story of families in rural south Australia and their struggles, their strength and their resilience - a lot like Stringer's other titles. The difference is that Heart of the Country spans a much longer time frame, and is set in the 1800's with early settlers.
An authentic touching tale with all the things I have grown to love about Stringer's work, but in an historical setting which made it stay with me even more. I live in the Adelaide Hills, which is not near where this is set but it is far enough from Adelaide to be able to imagine how the countryside may have been in the early days. It has certainly had me thinking about land ownership in a way I have never considered in established townships before.
The sign of a good book is characters that stay with you, and these characters were camped out in my head from the moment I started reading. Beginning in 1846 we have a cast of characters from very different backgrounds in a country that bears little resemblance to the one of today. Parts of the book were set in well known areas and it really did place the story to read of characters riding down Hindley St when it was still little more than a rutted dirt track.
Thomas Baker has just landed in South Australia, he left England with his father for a fresh start but the crossing wasn't kind and Thomas has arrived on his own. He is enthusiastic, determined and just a little naive. He is looking for a job at the moment but his long term plan is to own a property of his own. At his first auction to buy a horse to take him to his new position he crosses paths with an ex-convict who may have earned his pardon but is far from rehabilitated. Thomas is loyal, hard working and determined. Luckily for him his prospective employer sees something in him and takes a chance by employing him as overseer on his property.
The remainder of the review is live at: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
the best sign of a brilliant book is one that stays with you.... And these characters have been with me at all times this week
I have been thinking about this review and Stringer's venture into a new genre ever since I finished the book, except I'm not sure I can say that. Heart of the Country is a story of families in rural south Australia and their struggles, their strength and their resilience - a lot like Stringer's other titles. The difference is that Heart of the Country spans a much longer time frame, and is set in the 1800's with early settlers.
An authentic touching tale with all the things I have grown to love about Stringer's work, but in an historical setting which made it stay with me even more. I live in the Adelaide Hills, which is not near where this is set but it is far enough from Adelaide to be able to imagine how the countryside may have been in the early days. It has certainly had me thinking about land ownership in a way I have never considered in established townships before.
The sign of a good book is characters that stay with you, and these characters were camped out in my head from the moment I started reading. Beginning in 1846 we have a cast of characters from very different backgrounds in a country that bears little resemblance to the one of today. Parts of the book were set in well known areas and it really did place the story to read of characters riding down Hindley St when it was still little more than a rutted dirt track.
Thomas Baker has just landed in South Australia, he left England with his father for a fresh start but the crossing wasn't kind and Thomas has arrived on his own. He is enthusiastic, determined and just a little naive. He is looking for a job at the moment but his long term plan is to own a property of his own. At his first auction to buy a horse to take him to his new position he crosses paths with an ex-convict who may have earned his pardon but is far from rehabilitated. Thomas is loyal, hard working and determined. Luckily for him his prospective employer sees something in him and takes a chance by employing him as overseer on his property.
The remainder of the review is live at: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
August 3, 2015
4.5 stars
My first time reading Australian author Tricia Stringer and Heart of the Country appears to be her first foray into adult historical fiction. Historical fiction being one of my favourite genres to read and me being a self-confessed-fussy-cow I gotta say, Tricia Stringer nails it!
Heart of the Country is set in the mid 1800's during pastoral settlement of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. We follow young Thomas Baker as he strikes out for 'Penakie' and a new life.
There's a wide cast of characters to love and loathe but I particularly adored Thomas and Lizzie, Gulda and Daisy and Lizzie's brothers Zac and Jacob. I laughed and cried along with them as life and the land dished out joys and hardships. I giggled at Thomas's embarrassment getting a boil lanced on his backside, sighed at the sheer vastness and beauty of our country and wished a 'bad' end on a few vile characters HA.
Stringer captures the wild beauty and ruggedness of our country, the harsh conditions and isolation, the scorching heat, drought that brings the country to its knees, the loss of livestock, the very human toll but also the camaraderie between (most) properties despite the distance. I loved the respect shown to the culture of original land owners but I also appreciated that Stringer didn't gloss over the often negative and shameful encounters between white settlers and indigenous Australians.
Heart of the Country is authentic, vibrant and colourful, full of tension, and tender moments. 500 pages flew by. No hardship reading this one ... I loved it!
I loved that Heart of the Country had a satisfying ending, no cliffhanger to torture me for a year and I can't wait to see what awaits the next generation.
Maybe a little Tricia Stringer rural romance while I wait for the 2nd installment?
My first time reading Australian author Tricia Stringer and Heart of the Country appears to be her first foray into adult historical fiction. Historical fiction being one of my favourite genres to read and me being a self-confessed-fussy-cow I gotta say, Tricia Stringer nails it!
Heart of the Country is set in the mid 1800's during pastoral settlement of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. We follow young Thomas Baker as he strikes out for 'Penakie' and a new life.
There's a wide cast of characters to love and loathe but I particularly adored Thomas and Lizzie, Gulda and Daisy and Lizzie's brothers Zac and Jacob. I laughed and cried along with them as life and the land dished out joys and hardships. I giggled at Thomas's embarrassment getting a boil lanced on his backside, sighed at the sheer vastness and beauty of our country and wished a 'bad' end on a few vile characters HA.
Stringer captures the wild beauty and ruggedness of our country, the harsh conditions and isolation, the scorching heat, drought that brings the country to its knees, the loss of livestock, the very human toll but also the camaraderie between (most) properties despite the distance. I loved the respect shown to the culture of original land owners but I also appreciated that Stringer didn't gloss over the often negative and shameful encounters between white settlers and indigenous Australians.
Heart of the Country is authentic, vibrant and colourful, full of tension, and tender moments. 500 pages flew by. No hardship reading this one ... I loved it!
I loved that Heart of the Country had a satisfying ending, no cliffhanger to torture me for a year and I can't wait to see what awaits the next generation.
Maybe a little Tricia Stringer rural romance while I wait for the 2nd installment?
August 31, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
1846. Newly arrived from England, Thomas Baker is young, penniless and alone. Eager to make his mark on this strange new place called South Australia, he accepts work as an overseer on a distant sheep property, believing this will be the opportunity he seeks. But when Thomas’s path crosses that of ex-convict, Septimus Wiltshire — a grasping con man hell bent on making a new life for himself and his family at any price —trouble is on the horizon.
But Thomas is made of stern stuff and his fortunes take a turn for the better when he meets spirited farmer’s daughter Lizzie Smith, and soon he envisages their future together.
But this land is like no other he has encountered: both harsh and lovely, it breaks all but the strongest. When his nemesis intervenes once more and drought comes, Thomas finds himself tested almost beyond endurance with the risk of losing everything he and Lizzie have worked for… even their lives.
Essentially, we could just wrap this review by just saying that this book is an historical novel of the early pioneer days of South Australia and leave it at that...
But that would do this novel a certain injustice.
While that narrow description is true, it doesn't give credit to either the excellent writing style employed by the author (the description of the land, the harsh living conditions, the interactions with First Nations people, the effects of the drought...) nor does it value the characters that have been created to populate this novel. Good characters stick with you - and the story of Thomas and Lizzie has been in my head ever since putting it down. But it is also the supporting cast that makes this novel rich - characters to love (and loath), characters that you recognise immediately in your own communities make the ones you are reading more real. And that happens here a lot...
Would have been a 5-star book if it hadn't been for the fact that it wasn't more than 500 pages long. There were a few times where the story dragged a little and I think losing 50-75 pages wouldn't have hurt the story at all. Just my opinion, obviously!
Recommended reading for those who love historical fiction set in Australia. A great read!
Paul
ARH
1846. Newly arrived from England, Thomas Baker is young, penniless and alone. Eager to make his mark on this strange new place called South Australia, he accepts work as an overseer on a distant sheep property, believing this will be the opportunity he seeks. But when Thomas’s path crosses that of ex-convict, Septimus Wiltshire — a grasping con man hell bent on making a new life for himself and his family at any price —trouble is on the horizon.
But Thomas is made of stern stuff and his fortunes take a turn for the better when he meets spirited farmer’s daughter Lizzie Smith, and soon he envisages their future together.
But this land is like no other he has encountered: both harsh and lovely, it breaks all but the strongest. When his nemesis intervenes once more and drought comes, Thomas finds himself tested almost beyond endurance with the risk of losing everything he and Lizzie have worked for… even their lives.
Essentially, we could just wrap this review by just saying that this book is an historical novel of the early pioneer days of South Australia and leave it at that...
But that would do this novel a certain injustice.
While that narrow description is true, it doesn't give credit to either the excellent writing style employed by the author (the description of the land, the harsh living conditions, the interactions with First Nations people, the effects of the drought...) nor does it value the characters that have been created to populate this novel. Good characters stick with you - and the story of Thomas and Lizzie has been in my head ever since putting it down. But it is also the supporting cast that makes this novel rich - characters to love (and loath), characters that you recognise immediately in your own communities make the ones you are reading more real. And that happens here a lot...
Would have been a 5-star book if it hadn't been for the fact that it wasn't more than 500 pages long. There were a few times where the story dragged a little and I think losing 50-75 pages wouldn't have hurt the story at all. Just my opinion, obviously!
Recommended reading for those who love historical fiction set in Australia. A great read!
Paul
ARH
April 24, 2017
Ever been to the Flinders Ranges in country South Australia? I've only visited once before and because I was but a squalling babe with my parents, don't remember a thing about it. But, having read Heart of the Country I feel as if I've dwelt in the rugged countryside for months along side Thomas and Lizzie.
With a hint of 'Australia' the Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman movie from 2008, particularly the foreigner getting to know the harsh reality of farming on Australian land, Heart of the Country paints a vivid picture. One that is uniquely Australian.
The three pronged story weaves together in the most unusual ways, Tricia bringing different aspects of each story to light in ingenious ways that really work well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trying, yet sweet story of Thomas', add to that the often gut-wrenching sorrow of Harriette and the wicked ways of Septimus you almost have the complete trifecta, so happily, Tricia wove in another thread, that of Gulda, an aboriginal man who can speak some English.
The story was rich in detail, strong on emotional investment and quality on the writing front. A fantastic read for those who enjoy their historical fiction with a strong Australian flavor.
One thing to note: There are a few instances of assault and violation, particularly of women. While these were tactfully handled and speak to the time the story was set, they may cause distress for readers who have triggers in those topics.
**Note: I received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
With a hint of 'Australia' the Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman movie from 2008, particularly the foreigner getting to know the harsh reality of farming on Australian land, Heart of the Country paints a vivid picture. One that is uniquely Australian.
The three pronged story weaves together in the most unusual ways, Tricia bringing different aspects of each story to light in ingenious ways that really work well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trying, yet sweet story of Thomas', add to that the often gut-wrenching sorrow of Harriette and the wicked ways of Septimus you almost have the complete trifecta, so happily, Tricia wove in another thread, that of Gulda, an aboriginal man who can speak some English.
The story was rich in detail, strong on emotional investment and quality on the writing front. A fantastic read for those who enjoy their historical fiction with a strong Australian flavor.
One thing to note: There are a few instances of assault and violation, particularly of women. While these were tactfully handled and speak to the time the story was set, they may cause distress for readers who have triggers in those topics.
**Note: I received a paperback copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
May 23, 2023
Soo enjoyed the descriptive writing of Australia’s early days . Looking forward to next book in series
February 26, 2022
Long Australian saga in the 1800’s but it kept me interested all the way through the 400 odd pages
September 11, 2020
This is my first Tricia Stringer novel and I really enjoyed reading this! Historical Fiction is my most favourite a Genre and I felt like I was in the mid 1800’s along with the Characters. The bush, the drays heading off to sell their wool, the farming of sheep in drought and the tenacity of the farmers and their wives and family make this a thoroughly enjoyable read along with encounters with the Aboriginal people. Highly recommended and now I have started Dust on the Horizon the 2nd book in this trio!
June 29, 2015
The bull is tame, so fear him not, so long as you can pay your shot. When money's gone and credit's bad, that's what makes the bull go mad.
^^This poem was posted outside the pub Thomas Baker walked into right at the start of the story, it stuck with me, so I wanted to share it with you. It's just so Australian! I could picture the sign in my head as soon as I read it.
In 1846 Thomas Baker had just arrived from England to start a new life in South Australia, he knew he was destined for a better life and would find it in this Beautiful Country. Landing himself a new job as overseer to a huge property in the bush, he needed a few things before heading off. Being new here he wasn't used to or expected to cross paths with an ex convict from New South Wales, Seth Whitby aka Septimus Whiltshire. Who sold Thomas a stolen horse and also had taken a chest full of his mother's possessions. Not the best start to his new life, but he never let any of that get in the way. Penakie awaits!
While I was reading the book, I had a funny thing happen. I was sitting outside in the sun and as I read Thomas's first encounter with a black and white bird that warbled, I had a magpie fly into my yard and warble, it made the whole thing feel so real.
We follow along with three different families whose lives intertwine together to create such a riveting story.
Tricia has produced such a beautifully written novel, with such wonderfully unique characters. She delves deep into Australian history and gives strong detailed descriptions of the land, you can envision it all like you're actually standing there in the grassy mountains, or the little cave seeing for yourself the beautiful Aboriginal drawings. You'll be drawn in and left purely enchanted.
I finished this book in a day and with 3 children nagging every 5 minutes, that's pretty good. ^_^
Love reading Historical Fiction? Than I highly recommend Heart of the Country.
^^This poem was posted outside the pub Thomas Baker walked into right at the start of the story, it stuck with me, so I wanted to share it with you. It's just so Australian! I could picture the sign in my head as soon as I read it.
In 1846 Thomas Baker had just arrived from England to start a new life in South Australia, he knew he was destined for a better life and would find it in this Beautiful Country. Landing himself a new job as overseer to a huge property in the bush, he needed a few things before heading off. Being new here he wasn't used to or expected to cross paths with an ex convict from New South Wales, Seth Whitby aka Septimus Whiltshire. Who sold Thomas a stolen horse and also had taken a chest full of his mother's possessions. Not the best start to his new life, but he never let any of that get in the way. Penakie awaits!
While I was reading the book, I had a funny thing happen. I was sitting outside in the sun and as I read Thomas's first encounter with a black and white bird that warbled, I had a magpie fly into my yard and warble, it made the whole thing feel so real.
We follow along with three different families whose lives intertwine together to create such a riveting story.
Tricia has produced such a beautifully written novel, with such wonderfully unique characters. She delves deep into Australian history and gives strong detailed descriptions of the land, you can envision it all like you're actually standing there in the grassy mountains, or the little cave seeing for yourself the beautiful Aboriginal drawings. You'll be drawn in and left purely enchanted.
I finished this book in a day and with 3 children nagging every 5 minutes, that's pretty good. ^_^
Love reading Historical Fiction? Than I highly recommend Heart of the Country.
September 26, 2016
Set in 1846 first book of a series. Set in the early pioneer era of Australia and following Thomas Baker arriving from England to set up a sheep farm in Australia. Other main character Septimus Wilshire an ex-convict turned con-man setting up his future.
May 19, 2015
Great read. Plenty of farming and country stuff to keep a bloke interested.
March 31, 2023
This novel is about the early years of settlement in the colony of south Australia. it begins in 1846 when Thomas Baker, newly arrived from England, takes up a position of overseer of a distant sheep property. This property is on the dry side of the Goyder Line that joined places with an average rainfall of 250mm. Here much of the vegetation is saltbush, a small, hardy spreading shrub with leaves that sheep eat.
The storyline is developed around three families. However, the key figures are either unbelievably bad or good. Thomas treats people, including Aboriginals, well. He is loyal, trustworthy and truthful. His wife, Lizzie, is compassionate, forgiving and cheerful. On the other hand, their nemesis, Septimus with several surnames of convenience, is a liar cheat and treats women badly. Being an Australian noel, the weather and climate are also central.
The story of the Bakers is a simple one that will keep many readers turning the pages to follow their fortunes. However, there is a lack of real surprises and readers will be in doubt as to how the story will end as they wade through accounts of how Thomas continues to pit himself against adversities and adversaries.
This novel could have been much better if it gave a richer picture of the relevant settings and processes. This especially applies to aspects of sheep husbandry and the wool industry for readers who are unfamiliar with the context in which the story takes place. For example, it does not provide an appropriate account shearing and the associated processes such as gathering, skirting, sorting, pressing of fleeces and branding of the pressed bales of wool. This would help readers appreciate the work of Wick, a down-trodden rouseabout rescued by Thomas and understand the associated scams.
For a historical novel, there seem to be some shortcomings. First, the treatment of Aboriginals is highlighted in a way that seems to reflect contemporary concerns. Second, the author repeats the saying in two shakes of a lamb’s tail in many places which seems out of place for the period in which the story is set. The saying in two shakes of a dead lamb’s tail, meaning that something will not be done at all, was in vogue in Australia at that time. It suited the Australian sense of humour, variously described as dry, irreverent, dark and ironic. The earliest known publication containing this expression appeared in Ingoldsby Legends in England in 1840. Around 1900, people began to drop the word dead and the meaning changed to indicate something would be done almost immediately as young lambs shake their tails rapidly. Since the 1970s this expression has begun to shortened to in two shakes. Third, the language spoken by all seems to be in current well-spoken English and not reflect the times. There are almost none of the expletives I would expect in the conversations of shearers.
The storyline is developed around three families. However, the key figures are either unbelievably bad or good. Thomas treats people, including Aboriginals, well. He is loyal, trustworthy and truthful. His wife, Lizzie, is compassionate, forgiving and cheerful. On the other hand, their nemesis, Septimus with several surnames of convenience, is a liar cheat and treats women badly. Being an Australian noel, the weather and climate are also central.
The story of the Bakers is a simple one that will keep many readers turning the pages to follow their fortunes. However, there is a lack of real surprises and readers will be in doubt as to how the story will end as they wade through accounts of how Thomas continues to pit himself against adversities and adversaries.
This novel could have been much better if it gave a richer picture of the relevant settings and processes. This especially applies to aspects of sheep husbandry and the wool industry for readers who are unfamiliar with the context in which the story takes place. For example, it does not provide an appropriate account shearing and the associated processes such as gathering, skirting, sorting, pressing of fleeces and branding of the pressed bales of wool. This would help readers appreciate the work of Wick, a down-trodden rouseabout rescued by Thomas and understand the associated scams.
For a historical novel, there seem to be some shortcomings. First, the treatment of Aboriginals is highlighted in a way that seems to reflect contemporary concerns. Second, the author repeats the saying in two shakes of a lamb’s tail in many places which seems out of place for the period in which the story is set. The saying in two shakes of a dead lamb’s tail, meaning that something will not be done at all, was in vogue in Australia at that time. It suited the Australian sense of humour, variously described as dry, irreverent, dark and ironic. The earliest known publication containing this expression appeared in Ingoldsby Legends in England in 1840. Around 1900, people began to drop the word dead and the meaning changed to indicate something would be done almost immediately as young lambs shake their tails rapidly. Since the 1970s this expression has begun to shortened to in two shakes. Third, the language spoken by all seems to be in current well-spoken English and not reflect the times. There are almost none of the expletives I would expect in the conversations of shearers.
July 8, 2024
Heart of the Country is the first book in an epic historical saga of three Australian families. Spanning several generations, this epic tells the story of the Baker, Smith and Wiltshire families forging their paths in a land both beautiful and unforgiving.
Lives are intertwined by love and community then ripped apart by hate and greed but remain always bound to the land they love…
1846. Newly arrived from England, Thomas Baker is young, penniless and alone. Eager to make his mark on this strange new place called South Australia, he accepts work as an overseer on a distant sheep property, believing this will be the opportunity he seeks. But when Thomas’s path crosses that of ex-convict, Septimus Wiltshire — a grasping con man hell bent on making a new life for himself and his family at any price — trouble is on the horizon.
But Thomas is made of stern stuff and his fortunes take a turn for the better when he meets spirited farmer’s daughter Lizzie Smith, and soon he envisages their future together.
But this land is like no other he has encountered: both harsh and lovely, it breaks all but the strongest. When his nemesis intervenes once more and drought comes, Thomas finds himself tested almost beyond endurance with the risk of losing everything he and Lizzie have worked for… even their lives.
Lives are intertwined by love and community then ripped apart by hate and greed but remain always bound to the land they love…
1846. Newly arrived from England, Thomas Baker is young, penniless and alone. Eager to make his mark on this strange new place called South Australia, he accepts work as an overseer on a distant sheep property, believing this will be the opportunity he seeks. But when Thomas’s path crosses that of ex-convict, Septimus Wiltshire — a grasping con man hell bent on making a new life for himself and his family at any price — trouble is on the horizon.
But Thomas is made of stern stuff and his fortunes take a turn for the better when he meets spirited farmer’s daughter Lizzie Smith, and soon he envisages their future together.
But this land is like no other he has encountered: both harsh and lovely, it breaks all but the strongest. When his nemesis intervenes once more and drought comes, Thomas finds himself tested almost beyond endurance with the risk of losing everything he and Lizzie have worked for… even their lives.
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November 1, 2018I enjoyed this story, I like reading about some of the history of this land of ours. I hate the way our indigenous people were treated, it is unbelievable that people were and still are treated badly because of their skin colour. It is terrible how their land was stolen, and I found it interesting to see how the white settlers thought they were justified to take over the land and how they thought the indigenous people would come to understand and deal with it. I did find at times the story was a familiar one to one I read last year, but saying that it still had it's own story. A few times I felt things were going to go really badly for the Bakers and the Smiths and didn't want to read further, as if this would change the outcome. I look forward to reading book 2 in the saga.
April 5, 2023
Tricia Stringer's "Heart of the Country" is
the first in a trilogy set in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia following the fortunes of Thomas Baker, a recent arrival to the colony.
It's 1846 & new chum Baker has just landed a job as overseer of Penakie in South Australia.
After a few years hard graft, gaining knowledge and a loving wife along the way, Baker sets up his own run further north in the Ranges, a place he calls Wildu Creek.
Sadly I wasn't as taken with this book as I thought I would be. It's OK & there was some great information about the colonial days of SA but for me, it just never took off.
the first in a trilogy set in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia following the fortunes of Thomas Baker, a recent arrival to the colony.
It's 1846 & new chum Baker has just landed a job as overseer of Penakie in South Australia.
After a few years hard graft, gaining knowledge and a loving wife along the way, Baker sets up his own run further north in the Ranges, a place he calls Wildu Creek.
Sadly I wasn't as taken with this book as I thought I would be. It's OK & there was some great information about the colonial days of SA but for me, it just never took off.
October 16, 2017
I enjoyed this book, however I think the author probably glossed over the relationships between the Aboriginal people and the first settlers.
All the same it was very descriptive of the Flinders ranges and having been there and seeing the abandoned farm houses where the settlers simply walked away from the land during periods of drought, it reads very true. The climate and the effect on farmers in South Australia remains intrinsic to this day, and I can not imagine the hardships that the pioneers went through in the early years.
All the same it was very descriptive of the Flinders ranges and having been there and seeing the abandoned farm houses where the settlers simply walked away from the land during periods of drought, it reads very true. The climate and the effect on farmers in South Australia remains intrinsic to this day, and I can not imagine the hardships that the pioneers went through in the early years.
January 28, 2018
A brilliant novel. I’m not one for historical fiction normally but this was sublime. Evocative descriptions of the Australian landscape and way of life in the early years. Characters that had me so engrossed within the novel that I actually cried three times within the pages much to my children’s amusement. Very much looking forward to part two in the trilogy. Reminiscent of Bryce Courtney’s Jessica. Five star.
December 22, 2021
I loved this book which was set back in the mid 1800's when a broke and young Thomas Baker arrived in South Australia from England. Thomas meets two people when he arrives, one who gives him a job as an overseer, the other a con man who sells him a stolen horse.
Throughout the book these two men stay intertwined in Thomas' life even after he marries. The harsh conditions also make life difficult pushing Thomas to breaking point. What will become of him and his family?
Throughout the book these two men stay intertwined in Thomas' life even after he marries. The harsh conditions also make life difficult pushing Thomas to breaking point. What will become of him and his family?
March 7, 2023
Really enjoyed it. This book shows the hard realities of early settlers in South Australia. It pulls no punches and made me admire the resilience, tenacity - and grief involved. The relationship with Aboriginal people was sensitively portrayed in both the positive and negative dimensions. The innocent child’s question “Does that mean this was really their land first?” Is one all colonisers should ask.
January 11, 2018
Finally finished this book that seemed to go on forever. It is a great insight into early Australian life however I just found the plot a little tiring. There were some great characters in this book that I felt could have been written into the plot with more zing but seemed to take a backstage. Overall I did enjoy this book and will read the next one in the series to see how the story carries on.
January 28, 2018
An easy read about early English settlers in the unforgiving South Aussie outback. Not a must read book, but enjoyable. That the woman in the book is so cheerful through the hardships of outback life would be unbelievable except that i know a woman who is exactly like that with her hardships living in the South Australian bush.
June 29, 2020
Great read
Another Australian author that captures the true meaning of the bush and it lively characters. This story sucks you in and won’t let go... you just want to keep reading now on to book two of this series a must read for every book lover
Another Australian author that captures the true meaning of the bush and it lively characters. This story sucks you in and won’t let go... you just want to keep reading now on to book two of this series a must read for every book lover
September 9, 2022
Great book. I have just returned from the Flinders Rangers Port Augusta and Adelaide so made the book even more interesting. It was certainly a tough life for our first sheep farmers. Well worth the read.
May 26, 2017
What a lovely story loved the characters ,such hard times and they got along just fine hard to imagine life like that
June 21, 2017
I enjoyed this book a lot. Very hard to put down.
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