The Ghost by the Billabong

The Matilda Saga #5

by Jackie French

The fifth title in the sweeping Matilda Saga



Hippies wear beads, demonstrators march against the Vietnam War, and the world waits to see the first human steps on the moon's surface.

But at Gibbers Creek, Jed Kelly sees ghosts, from the past and future, at the Drinkwater billabong where long ago the swaggie leaped to his defiant death.

But is seventeen-year-old Jed a con artist or a survivor? When she turns up at Drinkwater Station claiming to be the great-granddaughter of Matilda Thompson's dying husband, Jed clearly has secrets. As does a veteran called Nicholas, who was badly wounded in the Vietnam War and now must try to create a life he truly wants to live, despite the ghosts that haunt him too.

Set during the turbulence of the late 1960s, this was a time when brilliant and little-known endeavours saw Australia play a vital role in Neil Armstrong's 'one giant leap for mankind' on that first unforgettable moon walk.

The fifth title in the highly acclaimed Matilda Saga, The Ghost by the Billabong is a story of deep conflicts and enduring passions - for other people, for the land, and for the future of humanity.





PRAISE FOR THE MATILDA SAGA

'An engrossing mystery story, an ode to strong women, and a moving exploration of the private wounds we carry ... The Last Dingo Summer is a must for your summer reading list' - Better Reading

'The perfect read for anyone who loves immersing themselves in Australian fiction. Gripping, emotional and moving, Facing the Flame is a great book to curl up with on a warm spring night' - New Idea

'Highly recommended ... this was a complete binge, read in one night because it was just too good and too gripping to put down ... a cracking story filled with rich characters both old and new and imbued with all that we hold dear about Australian love of country and mateship' - ReadPlus

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Australia, Audiobook, Fiction, Romance

544 pages, Paperback

First published November 23, 2015

About the author

Jackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.

Reviews

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: war (in the past), death of a loved one, theft, rape, death of a child, death of a parent (in the past), murder, blood, childbirth

I didn't love this one quite as much as others in the series but I did still thoroughly enjoy it. It's over 500 pages and I flew through it in 24 hours. I think what I missed in this was the gradual progression through time that we got particularly in the first couple of books. But I also think I wanted more of Nicholas' story and very slightly less of Jed's. Maybe I'll change my mind with the subsequent books which continue Jed's story.

And realistically, there isn't anything WRONG with this book. It's just that I loved books 1,2 and 4 an incredible amount and this didn't QUITE live up to my love of those. So...*shrug*

[n. · Rating 5 out of 5]

no other series makes me feel this way

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this in one day and it was an emotional roller coaster

[Issy · Rating 4 out of 5]

UGH i am so in love with this series it is insane. The world building is so good but I think the best part is being able to revisit the characters as they grow up and accomplish things. It makes me feel like I am also part of their world but also the knowledge that it all works out in the end. This one was sad tho cause Tommy died and its an end of an era. HOWEVER, I will forever be in love with Nancy <3

[Emmeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slow-moving, well written book that (just like all of Jackie's books) made me want to go outside and hug a gum tree and promise Australia that I will never leave. Thankfully I'm going for a bushwalk later today so this will definitely be possible.

Things I liked.
- I don't know, but I really liked Jed? She's so different from other characters that Jackie has written before, and so she was really refreshing.
- A ghost who eats sausages and isn't-really-a-ghost.
- The love of the land, something that's intertwined with all of Jackie's writing and also makes me appreciate this wonderful land so much more.
- We got to see some of my favourite characters from her previous books live and laugh and exist. Which made me happy.

Things I didn't like.
- It was an incredibly slow moving book. Something I generally don't mind - and in this genre it works quite well, I think - but with this one, it was a little too much.
- The love story irritated me - it made Jed extremely pleading, to the point where she was almost Out Of Character. Can we please have a book that DOESN'T have love in it? I have my hopes for the last book of the series, which is definitely my next read.

This is the second time I've read this book, and probably the last (so many books, so little time). That said, I'm really looking forward to the last book in the series. Though not much happens, this book answers previously unanswered questions, has a good ending, and well-developed characters. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Jackie French. (though I would suggest reading the others in the series first!)

[Aishah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am left speechless, though caught in the suspense. What happens to Jed?
I find it amazing how Jackie French put the emotions, happiness, loss and struggle of everyone, from seventeen year old Jed to a ninety year old Tommy.
I cried my heart out listening to Jed's story of courage, to the announcement of Nancy's pregnancy and the unfortunate yet coming death of Tommy. This series will be a part of my life just as Australia us my home.
Now, I JUST HAVE TO READ THE OTHER BOOK!!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING!!!

(the fifth in a series, but can read in any order)

Beautiful, vivid description,a great story line and realistic yet likeable characters.

Anyone into historic fiction filled with everything (adventure, character haunted by their pasts, romance,etc..) should read this book...NOW!!!

[Eugenia (Genie In A Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This review also appears on my blog Genie In A Book*

Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Reading a Jackie French novel always provides so much more than a few hours of contentment between the pages of a book. This novel, like all the others which came before it in the Matilda saga, is really something else, something special. Set against the backdrop of the late 1960's, The Ghost by the Billabong not only provides a snapshot of the major events and ideas prevalent at that time in Australian history, but a sincere narrative that I was immediately drawn into.

Men might step onto the moon today, but mankind had watched the moon and stars from this spot for tens of thousands of years. She felt the wind of time sweep about her.

Not only was this book a phenomenal read; it made me even more interested in delving further into the history of our nation. At a time when excitement surrounding the anticipated moon landing was at an all-time high, French offers a perspective which we may not have properly known of before. Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station which features in the story did actually exist and played a role in that momentous event. In today's age when technological advances are fast exceeding even our wildest expectations, the author has truly conveyed the wonder felt by the people at that time witnessing such a feat. For Matilda's ailing husband Tommy it offered a vision at what is beyond our homeland, and for Jed the hope that we can always be something more; that even the most troubled past does not need to obscure the hope for a better future.

He'd fought to save everyone's sisters and nieces back in the war. She supposed he'd done this for them too. That was the trouble with love and protectiveness. It kept on spreading, till you loved the world, and wanted to keep it safe.

As always the character development in this novel is masterfully crafted. Jackie French has been able to weave the stories of all the characters from the previous novels, creating a plot which explores the nuances of their life experiences while retaining a central focus on a new protagonist. I love how even after I finished the other four books in the series, the stories of the characters I came to resonate with did not end there. That in itself is just one thing which makes these books so enthralling. The multiple perspectives alongside Jed's enrich the story further, as we come to understand their innermost thoughts, longings and dreams as to what might be. Jed was a complex character whose life experiences and hardships had shaped her into a savvy young woman who although fiercely independent, did desperately want to be part of a family. Making overtures towards the time period in To Love a Sunburnt Country, Nicholas had scars from the Vietnam war, both seen with the loss of his legs, and those unseen which go so much deeper.

She had known hat her grip on happiness was too fragile, after those war years, to leave here. She was Nancy of the Overflow. Overflow was part of her, just as she was part of it. Travel too far from these plains, these hills, the river, and she would wither like an autumn leaf and blow away.

What links Jed, Nicholas and Nancy whose life also features heavily in the novel, is their resilience. It is the striking combination of the tangible aspects of these characters' lives, especially their connection to the land, and the intangible emotions which shape them, that gives this series its spark. The portrayal of kindness, and kin being bound by more than blood, makes for a heartwarming story I will never forget. Yes, I did shed a few tears, but when you come across a tale that is as beautifully written and emotional as this, you really can't help it. Ultimately this is a story of finding forgiveness, and the humanity in all of us; where time and space may change, but the land is a constant which holds communities and brings them together.

He knew he didn't have to say it to Jed, for she understood. Knew that Nancy's, Michael's, Matilda's love of this piece of land linked them slowly, inexorably, across New South Wales, to Australia, then across the oceans, to the entire planet. They did not need to see Earth from space to know that this one planet held them all.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In all, The Ghost by the Billabong is a breathtaking story which artfully incorporates the real and incorporeal. It offers the reminder that as humans the bonds between us in the present, can be created stronger than we could have ever imagined.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still loving this series. I honestly had no clue that Australia played a part in Vietnam or the moon landing. It was fascinating to read about how much of what I consider “American culture” was playing out on the other side of the world. So grateful for books and series like this that expand my world view.

[Debbie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all the books in this series so far but this was my favourite for some reason. Really enjoyed the story, the characters, the history and the writing.
Looking forward to continuing the Matilda Saga.

[Zoe A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it 🤩

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was so not aware of this book being published until I saw it in the store. I have read all of the 'Matilda' series so far, although didn't quite click 'To Love a Sunburn't Country' was part of the series - will have to buy it in paperback so it matches the others instead of trade paperback.
Matilda still going strong and dictating what happens at Drinkwater! I wonder if we can relate really well to this as it is creeping closer to our own generational experiences.
Jed has spunk, she is a feisty piece of work who I hope will appear in the next book. Love the incorporation of the Australian role in the Apollo expedition to the Moon.
Please don't keep us waiting for the next one.
This series will be one I store for when my own Matilda gets older.

[Elle Presser · Rating 5 out of 5]

GIVE. IT. TO. ME. Why must I wait for my mum to buy it? I want it NNNNOOOOWWWWW!!!!!

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Rape
Childbirth
Death of a child
Death of a parent
Blood depiction
Murder

[Susan C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #5 in the Matilda Saga.

While I enjoyed the book, I don't think it quite had the same impact as Book #4 To Love A Sunburnt Country. In my review of the later book, I said that I wondered what the future story would be of the two main characters - Nancy and Michael. While I speculated that they would be relegated to minor characters in subsequent books and was pleasantly surprised at just how prominently they featured in this one.

Once again Jackie French has taken an era of Australian history and malleably formed it to feature as the background for this novel. Being a young adult novel, I would be interested in knowing how the teenage reader interprets the prejudices experiences by Jed, this book's new lead or one of them, Matilda is heavily featured and we are reintroduced to Nicholas but his scenes in Girl from Snowy River, which do actually appear in this time period are never referred to. Simply that he is going up to stay with Flinty for a while, sounds a lot like a certain TV soapie where characters who were to be written out "moved to Brisbane".

Jed's early scenes made me angry, perhaps because I saw Matilda and Tommy as being kind and it was clear that Jed really wanted one thing. However we saw the development and softening of her character over the course of the book and I felt I liked her somewhat before the end. I felt that the relationship between Nicholas and Jed was a bit too 'lovely dovey', although the resolution of that story line explained some of the effects of war on people, particularly Vietnam, which was part of the background of this story.

On to the next book in the series.

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first four books in this series, and wondered, as I started this story, what I’d think of it now that this book moves us closer to modern-day history. I don’t agree with Jackie French’s position on feminism, and as I suspected, that was a bigger element in this story than it was in the earlier books in the series.

This book shared many of the same features as the rest in the series—beautiful, descriptive language bringing me into the setting, relatable characters, and a gripping plot. I enjoyed getting this peek at the space race—I’ve never read about that in the setting of a novel before, so that was fun. It was also interesting to get a bit of a perspective on the Vietnam War protests that were going on at the time, and to see hints of hippies coming through (although both of the latter were very much side issues). Historically speaking, I found this book fascinating.

I also loved the way this brought together characters from the previous four books, more than I’ve seen in any of the others! I loved getting to see where everyone was at, and joining in the journey with them for a bit.

Overall, though, due to the feminism and some of the choices characters made, I didn’t end up enjoying this book as much as the previous ones. I’m still looking forward to finishing the series, but this wasn’t my favorite of the five books so far.

[Fiona Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this saga even though I have read it out of order and still have to read books 3 and 4. Saying this each book can stand alone and there is enough in each book on other characters to do this. Mind you you it's hard to stop at one. The only small Grrr!!.. moment is saying that Honeysuckle not Parkes got the first fist signal from Apollo 11. Jackie French saying it hard to prove since the Honeysuckle records where thrown out and 'The Dish' may not be correct. I hate to say but Parkes Radio Telescope records still exist with the CSRIO and I have had work experience at the telescope. Use more than one resource. Now I have had my beef (or lamb read book for reference) that character development was fantastic and like with rest of saga the lead female character is someone everyone should look up to. Some plot points can be predicted some can't. One chapter brought me tears and I had to take a break to let emotions go. Again another book that has brought back memories of my life. Unsure if this is the last or if there is more but time will let us know. Please read you will not be disappointed.

[Sindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A life without bitterness." This novel is about the hope for tomorrow that the moon landing generated, about sci fi and space travel, and the birth of the idea of an Earth's humanity over nationalistic thought. It is strongly about family.

It is also about personal tragedy, resilience, rape, miscarriages, health disabilities, murder, identity crises, and being ghosts while living. It was especially poignant reading this storyline because I know people who lived within very similar circumstances of Jed and I wish I could recommend this book to them if it would not trigger their bad memories. I also feel it could be cathartic, but then this is coming from an outsider's perspective.

Ps, I cried in the final few chapters.

[Nicole West · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Jed, the long-lost granddaughter, or is she a lying, thieving girl looking for money. The Ghost by the Billabong or is it the brother from the War hiding to protect his family.

We are taken to the landing on the moon and background happenings.

The story of Nancy and Moira continues with life after the terrible war they survived, with the direction their lives took.

I absolutely loved reading this book 📖 ❤️.

It was great to hear that you and your husband were written into it.

[Necia Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

As s as n Audiobook, Book #5 in the series by Jackie French, Sam fabulous narrator. The story initially jumped back and forwards in time but eventually settled and I got it. I love the look back and stories about Australian history I still recommend the Matilda series and I look forward to the following books in the series. Do try to listen or read in order of the books

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was a similar age to the main character in this book I really enjoyed reliving the moon landing story and the era surrounding this event here in Australia. Good characters, engaging events and a story that was just a bit different held my interest to the end.

[Lauren Boeyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever trash for Jackie French. I recommend this book to everyone. A perfect blend of intriguing plot, three-dimensional characters, and raw, heartfelt emotion. French makes everything feel so real and I will never get sick of reading her work.

[Ali Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

The years are now ones I remember as a child, Men sent to a war that wasn’t their choice in lots of cases. Then to come home ,not as hero’s,but forgotten or hated by the people, was shown here. Trying to find themselves. Also others left shattered by so called family
All portrayed wonderfully

[Delaney Obst georgia sister · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS SO SO SO SO SMART AND GREAT!!! THE FACT THAT THE GHOST SHE SAW WAS MATILDA AND HER FATHERS GHOST WAS SO DEEP I TEARED UP😓really well written in general and like ughghhg i just love this series and jackie french is such a great writer i love her so much!

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, kept me engaged with likeable characters and a great evolving storyline. Deliciously long. Focuses on what we do with the not always favourable cards dealt to us in life, drawing on both inner strengths and community/family connections

[Annie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

1967-1969. Lots of History Highlights - Landing on the moon. Television - Bob & Dolly Dyer - "Pick A Box". Vietnam War - Get to know Nicholas from his first meeting of Flinty. Definitely worth continuing the Matilda Saga. Show me No. 6.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6th reading of this book and I still noticed tidbits I hadn't noticed before and was still totally engrossed in the story!!

[Carmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars - really engrossed in this series.

[Kerryn Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this series and this was my favourite so far

[Karen Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the previous books really start to come together in this groovy story with the backdrop of the hippy 60s and Australia's key role in the moon landing.