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The Light Horseman's Daughter
While resisting eviction from the Queensland family property at the start of the Great Depression, Emma McKenna's father is shot dead. Emma is left destitute, with her crippled mother and twelve-year-old twin brothers to care for. But she is not easily defeated and fights back.
In her struggle to survive she must overcome, heartless wealthy relatives, racial bigotry, child abuse, corrupt financiers and choose between the love of two very different men: one a wealthy Sydney lawyer involved with the New Guard, a paramilitary anti-communist movement, and the other, a persecuted and penniless left-wing activist.
The Light Horseman's Daughter offers a panoramic view of Australia in the 1930's--the big landowners of the outback, the corrupt bankers who supported them, the well-heeled elite of Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs, the abject poverty of the victims of the Depression, the idealists who joined the International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War .
This award-winning novel weaves all this into a riveting story with the human element at its heart. Emma McKenna is a heroine to remember.
In her struggle to survive she must overcome, heartless wealthy relatives, racial bigotry, child abuse, corrupt financiers and choose between the love of two very different men: one a wealthy Sydney lawyer involved with the New Guard, a paramilitary anti-communist movement, and the other, a persecuted and penniless left-wing activist.
The Light Horseman's Daughter offers a panoramic view of Australia in the 1930's--the big landowners of the outback, the corrupt bankers who supported them, the well-heeled elite of Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs, the abject poverty of the victims of the Depression, the idealists who joined the International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War .
This award-winning novel weaves all this into a riveting story with the human element at its heart. Emma McKenna is a heroine to remember.
552 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 7, 2018
This may be the worst book ever, maybe not, but it was bad. I was away from any way to buy another Kindle book and this was sitting on my device unread. In desperation, I read this whole book, hating it along the way. I think it was a romance but I am not sure. The characters are predicable types. The bad guys are all bad. The heroine is all good. The poor people are all nice with spotlessly clean house but unfairly poor. Some of them unfairly die. I nearly was one of them.
September 4, 2011
For some reason this book reminded me strongly of Power in the Blood by Greg Matthews; though I recall the latter novel being much better than this one.
This novel takes place in Australia through the 1930s. This is the thing that made the book most interesting to me, as I realized I know very little of Australian history and was glad that the novel covered some of the things that were going on there and prompted me to go look up more information as well.
Beyond that, it just felt like I read this story already. Everything was rather predictable and used, and the writing/characters weren't near interesting enough to make the plot not matter. Additionally, there were too many coincidences in the plot to make things work out. Unlike, say, Les Misérables where I didn't actually realize how ridiculous the plot in that regard until I was finished because the story and writing (or something) had drawn me in and made me interested in what was going on, this time they just felt too convenient and fake.
The best I can say about the characters were that there were lots of different types of people. This is good. Unfortunately, each character individually was really bland, with no depth or complexity at all. Once you figured out what characteristic Crookes was going for for the character, you pretty much knew everything about him/her. Lending in with the predictability of the plot, () there just wasn't anything drawing me into the story to make me wonder what would happen or keep me from being distracted. And I was distracted, easily. I have this annoying trait that I rarely ever stop reading a novel without finishing it, regardless of how bad I think it is. This is one of those times where I almost stopped reading anyway; in fact I did stop reading for a while to read other things, since I just didn't find myself caring about this story.
I mentioned that the most interesting thing was the Australian (mostly, but other global news made its appearance) history that was an important part of the setting for the story. Unfortunately, the author had a tendency to include much of it as simply a setting for the story. So, when there was a jump in time in the plot, the next chapter would start out with a page or two summary of the things that were happening in the politics during the time-skip. So it was told in a straight-forward this happened now on to other things sort of way. I suppose this could be expected as the novel isn't retelling the story of the main events in history as just set there, so it's mostly the lack of my interest in the actual story that made me wish for more out of these historical summaries.
Mostly, this novel didn't work for me. It had a couple interesting moments, but not near enough to make it worth the rest of the time reading it, in my opinion. I was really rather excited for this novel when I started reading it, expecting it to be really interesting/powerful. But it wasn't. The characters were flat, the dialogue felt canned, the plot/story overused and unoriginal.
This novel takes place in Australia through the 1930s. This is the thing that made the book most interesting to me, as I realized I know very little of Australian history and was glad that the novel covered some of the things that were going on there and prompted me to go look up more information as well.
Beyond that, it just felt like I read this story already. Everything was rather predictable and used, and the writing/characters weren't near interesting enough to make the plot not matter. Additionally, there were too many coincidences in the plot to make things work out. Unlike, say, Les Misérables where I didn't actually realize how ridiculous the plot in that regard until I was finished because the story and writing (or something) had drawn me in and made me interested in what was going on, this time they just felt too convenient and fake.
The best I can say about the characters were that there were lots of different types of people. This is good. Unfortunately, each character individually was really bland, with no depth or complexity at all. Once you figured out what characteristic Crookes was going for for the character, you pretty much knew everything about him/her. Lending in with the predictability of the plot, () there just wasn't anything drawing me into the story to make me wonder what would happen or keep me from being distracted. And I was distracted, easily. I have this annoying trait that I rarely ever stop reading a novel without finishing it, regardless of how bad I think it is. This is one of those times where I almost stopped reading anyway; in fact I did stop reading for a while to read other things, since I just didn't find myself caring about this story.
I mentioned that the most interesting thing was the Australian (mostly, but other global news made its appearance) history that was an important part of the setting for the story. Unfortunately, the author had a tendency to include much of it as simply a setting for the story. So, when there was a jump in time in the plot, the next chapter would start out with a page or two summary of the things that were happening in the politics during the time-skip. So it was told in a straight-forward this happened now on to other things sort of way. I suppose this could be expected as the novel isn't retelling the story of the main events in history as just set there, so it's mostly the lack of my interest in the actual story that made me wish for more out of these historical summaries.
Mostly, this novel didn't work for me. It had a couple interesting moments, but not near enough to make it worth the rest of the time reading it, in my opinion. I was really rather excited for this novel when I started reading it, expecting it to be really interesting/powerful. But it wasn't. The characters were flat, the dialogue felt canned, the plot/story overused and unoriginal.
July 10, 2011
Free for nook.
Where to begin... This book was first published in 2000, and was just released as an ebook. I hope that the numerous grammatical and punctuation errors that are present in the ebook were not present when people were actually paying for a physical copy of this book. At least every other page, there was a missed period, an additional word that rendered a sentence confusing or senseless, or a misused their/they're/there, your/you're, or its/it's. It was extremely distracting to me.
That aside, It seemed like this book had a hard time deciding what it wanted to be; a history lesson, a drama, a romance? I've read many books that have woven different genres together seamlessly. Not so with this one. Many times, there were pages and pages explaining economic and political events of the time, most of which was unnecessary. It was as if the author was showing off his historical knowledge, meanwhile neglecting the story. Most of the characters could have used more fleshing out. The romantic elements came out of the blue, and seemingly out of character for Emma, the heroine. As a Christian, it also disturbed me that nearly every person in this book identified as Christian was either a bigot or a child abuser; however, there was one character who was the saving grace in this regard.
I only finished this book because I did like the premise and wanted to know the outcome. Unfortunately, without giving much away, I was unhappy with the ending, which came too abruptly. It was one of those where you think "how can it possibly wrap up in the next 10 pages?" I was disappointed that things did not end well for the person who was, to me, the only truly likable character. By this, I do not mean Emma, who was only likable on and off... a problem, since she is the main character and should be relatable.
Overall, this was an interesting story that could have been much better executed, in more ways than one. 2.5 stars.
Where to begin... This book was first published in 2000, and was just released as an ebook. I hope that the numerous grammatical and punctuation errors that are present in the ebook were not present when people were actually paying for a physical copy of this book. At least every other page, there was a missed period, an additional word that rendered a sentence confusing or senseless, or a misused their/they're/there, your/you're, or its/it's. It was extremely distracting to me.
That aside, It seemed like this book had a hard time deciding what it wanted to be; a history lesson, a drama, a romance? I've read many books that have woven different genres together seamlessly. Not so with this one. Many times, there were pages and pages explaining economic and political events of the time, most of which was unnecessary. It was as if the author was showing off his historical knowledge, meanwhile neglecting the story. Most of the characters could have used more fleshing out. The romantic elements came out of the blue, and seemingly out of character for Emma, the heroine. As a Christian, it also disturbed me that nearly every person in this book identified as Christian was either a bigot or a child abuser; however, there was one character who was the saving grace in this regard.
I only finished this book because I did like the premise and wanted to know the outcome. Unfortunately, without giving much away, I was unhappy with the ending, which came too abruptly. It was one of those where you think "how can it possibly wrap up in the next 10 pages?" I was disappointed that things did not end well for the person who was, to me, the only truly likable character. By this, I do not mean Emma, who was only likable on and off... a problem, since she is the main character and should be relatable.
Overall, this was an interesting story that could have been much better executed, in more ways than one. 2.5 stars.
November 3, 2025
This novel was written over 25 years ago and reflects a simpler and easier writing style that may now seem old-fashioned to many, but it is still an absorbing and highly entertaining read that had me hooked.
The dramatic opening chapter sets the scene well as World War I veteran, Captain Jack McKenna, is gunned down on the steps of his Queensland home in a confrontation with police and bailiffs sent by bankers. His disabled widow, his daughter (Emma) and twin sons are left homeless and destitute. What follows is a long saga in which Emma is determined to care for her family, seek restitution and to see justice done. In the process, she will fall in love with a man whose life is complicated by dirty politics and she will make decisions that don’t always go to plan, some with disastrous consequences, and she will encounter moral and social prejudices, the ugly side of religious orders, anti-female opinion and even racism before life finally resolves itself for the better.
Rising out of the Great Depression, a hardline organisation known as the New Guard becomes a force to be recognised with across the country, being opposed to social benefits or help for the unemployed, and displaying thuggish behaviour. Those with wealth or standing in society show indifference towards the poor or those whose skin is a different colour. A brave few individuals take a stand against authority, often to their physical and mental cost, and through all of this Emma must establish and find her place.
There is history here that perhaps not many younger Australians know about and much of what took place in the 1920s/30s is reflected in what is happening around the world today in which fascism and right-wing movements are again on the rise. Abuses by the church, anti-immigration and racism are still hot topics today. So, on many levels, this story remains contemporary, and that makes it worth reading.
This would have been a five-star read for me, except the ending is a little rushed and the wrong man survived the Spanish Civil War to return to Emma’s arms. The other one in her life was a far superior individual on every level.
https://www.marinamaxwellauthor.com/b...
The dramatic opening chapter sets the scene well as World War I veteran, Captain Jack McKenna, is gunned down on the steps of his Queensland home in a confrontation with police and bailiffs sent by bankers. His disabled widow, his daughter (Emma) and twin sons are left homeless and destitute. What follows is a long saga in which Emma is determined to care for her family, seek restitution and to see justice done. In the process, she will fall in love with a man whose life is complicated by dirty politics and she will make decisions that don’t always go to plan, some with disastrous consequences, and she will encounter moral and social prejudices, the ugly side of religious orders, anti-female opinion and even racism before life finally resolves itself for the better.
Rising out of the Great Depression, a hardline organisation known as the New Guard becomes a force to be recognised with across the country, being opposed to social benefits or help for the unemployed, and displaying thuggish behaviour. Those with wealth or standing in society show indifference towards the poor or those whose skin is a different colour. A brave few individuals take a stand against authority, often to their physical and mental cost, and through all of this Emma must establish and find her place.
There is history here that perhaps not many younger Australians know about and much of what took place in the 1920s/30s is reflected in what is happening around the world today in which fascism and right-wing movements are again on the rise. Abuses by the church, anti-immigration and racism are still hot topics today. So, on many levels, this story remains contemporary, and that makes it worth reading.
This would have been a five-star read for me, except the ending is a little rushed and the wrong man survived the Spanish Civil War to return to Emma’s arms. The other one in her life was a far superior individual on every level.
https://www.marinamaxwellauthor.com/b...
August 4, 2021
Some well thought out characters, set in real suburbs and topography, coinciding with real world events which made the story feel real. The struggles and scenes were simple, emotive, without languishing on too much detail. Emma McKenna is depicted as a Sybylla Melvyn well before her time and years.
This story has parallels with Cry of the Curlew (by Peter Watt) which was published around the same time - I note that there is some decades difference in stories/scenes.
I am not sure about:
- Stephen returning from the Spanish Civil war not William...
- Coltrane's comeuppance feels deficient
- Elliot and Beth and Victoria (and Royston) are all left 'scott free'... What was the significants of putting the house in Victoria's name?
- Hope Farm; where is the revenge (as noted by Emma, it wasn't just Luke).
- What happened to Strickland - bit of loose end of a good character.
This story has parallels with Cry of the Curlew (by Peter Watt) which was published around the same time - I note that there is some decades difference in stories/scenes.
I am not sure about:
- Stephen returning from the Spanish Civil war not William...
- Coltrane's comeuppance feels deficient
- Elliot and Beth and Victoria (and Royston) are all left 'scott free'... What was the significants of putting the house in Victoria's name?
- Hope Farm; where is the revenge (as noted by Emma, it wasn't just Luke).
- What happened to Strickland - bit of loose end of a good character.
February 6, 2023
Without going into the story, the elements of this novel make it worth reading. First, for those unfamiliar with Australian history from the 1800's through WW2,
the detail is fascinating culturally and politically. Additionally, the knowledge of European alliances prove to be well researched. The story is captivating, with the sad plight of the aborigines of Australia depicted. Geographical descriptions of the vastness and diversity of Australia is detailed. Cultural differences and political intrigue are written about in a historical but fictional story. There is some romance woven in but it is in a manner that does not dominate the story.
In all, this is a well researched historical fiction and enthralling account of a woman's determination and resilience in the face of almost insurmountable obtacles during a devastating point of history.
the detail is fascinating culturally and politically. Additionally, the knowledge of European alliances prove to be well researched. The story is captivating, with the sad plight of the aborigines of Australia depicted. Geographical descriptions of the vastness and diversity of Australia is detailed. Cultural differences and political intrigue are written about in a historical but fictional story. There is some romance woven in but it is in a manner that does not dominate the story.
In all, this is a well researched historical fiction and enthralling account of a woman's determination and resilience in the face of almost insurmountable obtacles during a devastating point of history.
May 2, 2024
Lovely characters and story very similar to Rachel Treasure's works.
July 18, 2011
The Light Horseman's Daughter is set in Depression- era Australia. The novel is expansive in scope, not simply focusing on the tumultuous life of Emma McKenna who watches her father shot dead when he tries to resist eviction from their land and home. At 19, she is left trying to support a crippled mother and twin younger brothers with no income and with her only extended family set on further ruining her family. From there the plot touches on the lives of the destitute victims of the depression and the shocking contrast of the elite. Crooks also incorporates church corruption, the creation of the New Guard, and Australia’s involvement in the Spanish Civil War. The historical background, although revealing and informative, at times reads almost like a history lecture without any direct connection to the plot. Despite this, I would absolutely recommend this book- Emma is a character who remains with you long after the last page.
June 14, 2014
I finished reading 'The Light Horseman's Daughter' in the wee hours this morning. What an interesting, entertaining, informative and moving novel of historical fiction set in the turmoil of 1930s Australia. This is the first book I've read by David Crookes and I was pleasantly surprised. I have several more books by this author on my Kindles (my old Kindle Keyboard and my newer Kindle Fire) and I'm looking forward to reading them all.
August 8, 2011
A strong young woman overcomes great adversity in depression era Australia. Emma McKenna sees her father murdered and the family ranch taken away, then must provide for her younger brothers and invalid mother. Racism and elitism, fascist and communist beliefs all swirl around Emma as she works to bring her family back together and make an ordinary life for them all.
July 10, 2014
Good story. Chock full of Australian history. As an American, I don't know how accurate the history is, but I have seen Rabbit Proof Fence and documentaries on Australia...the history feel accurate. The book ends a little abruptly and with a HEA that I wasn't expecting.
July 5, 2012
Outstanding read!! True to actual historical events and very captivating! Coundn't seem to putit down :)
February 28, 2013
A wonderful story that starts out with a major happening. You get to fall in love with the characters second to a death that changes and begins it all...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews