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Old Balmain House #1
Little Lost Girl
A little girl vanished 100 years ago. Her name was Sophie. Where did she go?
An old house in Balmain. A portrait and perfume bottle hidden in a chimney.
Unknown and untouched, while a century passed, their memory slowly fading.
Glimpses of an eight year old girl and her school friend, missing, never found.
The grief of those left behind, those who searched, those who yearned.
So begins a journey to discover an Australian family, five generations, from 1840 to today. Buried in their past is the story of a long lost girl and the pain her vanishing left behind. Fragments slowly emerge from within the walls, stories of those who built and lived in this place.
Her identity is revealed but her disappearance remains a mystery
A chance discovery gives a vital clue.
Set around beautiful Sydney Harbour, this is the story of people and place, from early colonisation to the present day. This book is the first in the Old Balmain House Series.
An old house in Balmain. A portrait and perfume bottle hidden in a chimney.
Unknown and untouched, while a century passed, their memory slowly fading.
Glimpses of an eight year old girl and her school friend, missing, never found.
The grief of those left behind, those who searched, those who yearned.
So begins a journey to discover an Australian family, five generations, from 1840 to today. Buried in their past is the story of a long lost girl and the pain her vanishing left behind. Fragments slowly emerge from within the walls, stories of those who built and lived in this place.
Her identity is revealed but her disappearance remains a mystery
A chance discovery gives a vital clue.
Set around beautiful Sydney Harbour, this is the story of people and place, from early colonisation to the present day. This book is the first in the Old Balmain House Series.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2011
744 people are currently reading
5650 people want to read
About the author
Graham Wilson
61 books341 followersGraham Wilson lives in Sydney, Australia.
He has completed and published twelve novels and a memoir.
His most recent novel is 'Mysteries', set in early Sydney about an old house and a mother and child missing for 30 years. His other standalone novel is, 'The Glitter''.
Other novels comprise two series,
1. Old Balmain House Series - 3 books of historic fiction set in early Sydney
2. Crocodile Dreaming Series - 7 books. 5 books (The Visitor, The Victim, The Void, The Vanished and The Invisible) are in the main series which follows English backpacker, Susan, as she travels across remote Australia with a charming outback man. It tells how this idyllic trip becomes a nightmare as she discovers terrifying secrets about this man. It also includes a 2-book Prequel, The Vertigo and The Vortex, which give insights into her travelling companion, Mark.
Graham's family memoir, 'Arnhem's Kaleidoscope Children' tells of his family's life in an aboriginal community the Northern Territory's remote Arnhem Land. It chronicles an idyllic childhood, 50 years of change with aboriginal land rights and discovery or uranium. It also tells of his surviving an attack by a large crocodile and of his work over two decades in the outback of the NT.
Graham's career was first as a veterinarian in a mixed practice treating farm animals and people's pets, before following his love for wildlife through working at a range of Australian Zoos. He also spent two decades working on large cattle and buffalo properties in the Northern Territory before moving to Sydney where he now lives in one of Sydney's oldest houses in the Rocks. He has continued to follow his joint passions working with animals, wildlife conservation and writing stories.
Books are published as ebooks by major ebook publishers. Some books are also available in print online and through selected local bookshops.
He has completed and published twelve novels and a memoir.
His most recent novel is 'Mysteries', set in early Sydney about an old house and a mother and child missing for 30 years. His other standalone novel is, 'The Glitter''.
Other novels comprise two series,
1. Old Balmain House Series - 3 books of historic fiction set in early Sydney
2. Crocodile Dreaming Series - 7 books. 5 books (The Visitor, The Victim, The Void, The Vanished and The Invisible) are in the main series which follows English backpacker, Susan, as she travels across remote Australia with a charming outback man. It tells how this idyllic trip becomes a nightmare as she discovers terrifying secrets about this man. It also includes a 2-book Prequel, The Vertigo and The Vortex, which give insights into her travelling companion, Mark.
Graham's family memoir, 'Arnhem's Kaleidoscope Children' tells of his family's life in an aboriginal community the Northern Territory's remote Arnhem Land. It chronicles an idyllic childhood, 50 years of change with aboriginal land rights and discovery or uranium. It also tells of his surviving an attack by a large crocodile and of his work over two decades in the outback of the NT.
Graham's career was first as a veterinarian in a mixed practice treating farm animals and people's pets, before following his love for wildlife through working at a range of Australian Zoos. He also spent two decades working on large cattle and buffalo properties in the Northern Territory before moving to Sydney where he now lives in one of Sydney's oldest houses in the Rocks. He has continued to follow his joint passions working with animals, wildlife conservation and writing stories.
Books are published as ebooks by major ebook publishers. Some books are also available in print online and through selected local bookshops.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
October 18, 2017
Sophie was eight years old when she vanished with her best friend Matty. They were seen walking in the opposite direction from home as they left school in the afternoon, but no one saw them after that. It would be one hundred years before the mystery of Sophie and Matty’s disappearance was solved.
Balmain, a suburb of Sydney, overlooked the water – the old weatherboard home built by Archibald Rodgers in the mid 1800s for his wife Hannah and their children not long after their arrival from England housed generations of the family. When the old home was purchased in the current day, an old sepia photo of a small girl named Sophie, with her name and dates on the back, along with a perfume bottle were found. The mystery of who she was and the search into her life began…
The Old Balmain House is a story by Aussie author Graham Wilson which has a connection to the author. He lived in the old Balmain house for seven years and was compelled to write the novel of Sophie’s disappearance. I’m afraid I couldn’t seem to connect properly with the characters – the book is in need of a good editor and caused the story to be rather disjointed. But the idea and plot is a good one, and once edited would be a good, sound historical mystery. That said, I still recommend The Old Balmain House.
Balmain, a suburb of Sydney, overlooked the water – the old weatherboard home built by Archibald Rodgers in the mid 1800s for his wife Hannah and their children not long after their arrival from England housed generations of the family. When the old home was purchased in the current day, an old sepia photo of a small girl named Sophie, with her name and dates on the back, along with a perfume bottle were found. The mystery of who she was and the search into her life began…
The Old Balmain House is a story by Aussie author Graham Wilson which has a connection to the author. He lived in the old Balmain house for seven years and was compelled to write the novel of Sophie’s disappearance. I’m afraid I couldn’t seem to connect properly with the characters – the book is in need of a good editor and caused the story to be rather disjointed. But the idea and plot is a good one, and once edited would be a good, sound historical mystery. That said, I still recommend The Old Balmain House.
April 28, 2018
Graham Wilson has woven an interesting story around an old house that he and his family bought in inner Sydney, re-imagining the stories of those who lived there, right from the original Scottish settlers who built the house in the 1840s. The novel centres around the mystery of Sophie, a little girl who went missing in 1908. The strengths of the novel are the clear writing and the weaving in of historical facts and local history from the early days of settlement in Sydney and Balmain. The author has gone into considerable detail on describing the types of jobs people would have had and the types of activities they would have enjoyed in their free time.
There are a lot of characters in this multi-generational tale and at times it did become difficult to keep track of all of them and tell them apart. In parts the novel felt more like a re-telling of a family history where the personalities of the members were unknown, rather than a fictional account and some fleshing out of the characters might have helped to make them feel more distinct. Alison and Charles as well as their granddaughter Sophie, the little girl who disappeared were the best described characters and the ones I connected with most. I also liked that Alison made friends with one of the Aboriginal children still living with her community on the foreshore and that there were glimpses glimpses of the adults hunting and fishing, again showing the authors research into historicaly authentic details. The mystery of Sophie's disappearance is solved in a believable (and satisfying) way and makes for a good focus for this historical novel. 3.5★
With thanks to Graham Wilson for a copy of his book to read
There are a lot of characters in this multi-generational tale and at times it did become difficult to keep track of all of them and tell them apart. In parts the novel felt more like a re-telling of a family history where the personalities of the members were unknown, rather than a fictional account and some fleshing out of the characters might have helped to make them feel more distinct. Alison and Charles as well as their granddaughter Sophie, the little girl who disappeared were the best described characters and the ones I connected with most. I also liked that Alison made friends with one of the Aboriginal children still living with her community on the foreshore and that there were glimpses glimpses of the adults hunting and fishing, again showing the authors research into historicaly authentic details. The mystery of Sophie's disappearance is solved in a believable (and satisfying) way and makes for a good focus for this historical novel. 3.5★
With thanks to Graham Wilson for a copy of his book to read
August 2, 2019
This is a delightful story created around the early development of old Sydney town and its surrounding areas. The narrator is the purchaser of an old style weatherboard house in Balmain. His young daughter discovers hidden items that have been left undisturbed for over a hundred years, a little blue-green bottle with silver lace filigree and a photo of a young girl of around seven years. These two items set this man off on a search to solve the mystery of the two children that went missing, 3 September 1908. His investigations lead him to a discovery that he is related to the missing girl Sophie through his great grandfather. There is something special about these two items that compels him to investigate the history of the first settlers in this area and to solve the mystery of the two missing children. After researching events of the area and speaking to relatives of the early settlers the mystery is solved leaving the ghosts of Sophie and Matty to rest in peace. While the author has the narrator revealing events in the beginning and end of the read, the centre piece is of the events taking place, the growth of Sydney, the building of new lives, financial successes and failures of the first settlers, their families and extended families. Co-operation and assisting friends and neighbours is at this time very important. The two children that went missing had their reasons and where they went was a peaceful place for them, their secret place.
January 22, 2019
I am not even sure where to begin with this book.
The book takes place for the most part in Balmain, a suburb of Sydney located on the waterfront of Sydney Harbor.
Full of rich details and vivid descriptions of life a century ago in the beautiful area, the story revolves around the people, their relationships, and how history changed their lives. Based on some factual events and people, the book delves into what happens with the discovery of a beautiful little glass bottle, tucked away for safe keeping a century ago in the chimney of the fireplace of a little home purchased recently and accidentally discovered.
The mystery unfolds slowly and will draw you in with every page, every paragraph, every sentence. I cared so very much about the people and felt their sorrow when tragedy struck, and their joy when beautiful things happened. At the center of the story is a little girl named Sophie. Who was she? What happened to her? And what is the story behind this little beautiful glass bottle that would make it so precious as to be hidden away for a century?
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!!!
The book takes place for the most part in Balmain, a suburb of Sydney located on the waterfront of Sydney Harbor.
Full of rich details and vivid descriptions of life a century ago in the beautiful area, the story revolves around the people, their relationships, and how history changed their lives. Based on some factual events and people, the book delves into what happens with the discovery of a beautiful little glass bottle, tucked away for safe keeping a century ago in the chimney of the fireplace of a little home purchased recently and accidentally discovered.
The mystery unfolds slowly and will draw you in with every page, every paragraph, every sentence. I cared so very much about the people and felt their sorrow when tragedy struck, and their joy when beautiful things happened. At the center of the story is a little girl named Sophie. Who was she? What happened to her? And what is the story behind this little beautiful glass bottle that would make it so precious as to be hidden away for a century?
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!!!
February 27, 2017
QAs one who is passionately addicted to history this story ticked every box. A story in which anyone of us could have played a part,set in an astonishingly real early Sydney. The characters are so vividly draw and remind us so poignantly of just how Sydney developed,relying on the courage and the sheer guts of its wildly disparate people to create the cosmopolitan and beautiful city we all share today. This story about a few of the humble families who were in fact our unsung heroes,living out their strange lives in a strange and alien environment,is now vigourously and irresistibly brought to life by the authors skilled re-imagining. Thank you Graham Wilson for a really good read. Andree Navarre
January 3, 2019
Interesting
I am a geanealogist so the book had an interest. I thought early on that the book was tracing the life of the house on Smith St. It was late in the book that I felt the story focus more on the extended family. I liked the entertwining of the families. It reflects a reality of what family trees turn out to be.
I am a geanealogist so the book had an interest. I thought early on that the book was tracing the life of the house on Smith St. It was late in the book that I felt the story focus more on the extended family. I liked the entertwining of the families. It reflects a reality of what family trees turn out to be.
April 2, 2018
This as a very slow paced book about several generations of a family. It was different that I expected. It's more of a family saga than a mystery about a lost girl. It was an enjoyable quick read. The characters were good and likable. I also liked that it is set in the past, which gives you a feel of how it is to live in that time.
July 21, 2020
Originally titled The Old Balmain House (the original title is a better fit), this multi-generation saga follows the first settlers of the Balmain home and on to the next. Two things tie the house to its familial dwellers: an antique perfume bottle that is inherited with a touching tale and the families that share its memories. The story doesn't linger between a families existence in the house. Each member advances from birth to old age in quick succession, adding another generation of stories. It moves quickly. In between, a young girl and her friend go missing, adding a layer of mystery to Balmain.
Wilson creates a story based on a true disappearance that occurred long ago in the developing town of Balmain. His fictional story takes place when settlers are arriving in Balmain. Plenty of interesting details. Many readers have indicated that the story is 'different' than what they were expecting. I get what they mean. The story doesn't focus on one character long. Early on, I learned not to get attached to a character. There was one story within the story that captured my imagination. I wonder if this is where Book 2 will begin. It's called Lizzie's Tale. There are three books in the Old Balmain House Series. Book One was a quick read. Writing could use a few tweaks, as well as a bit of editing. However, my interest is piqued enough to carry on. So, carry on I will.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
*Special thanks to Graham Wilson for gifting me the series.
Wilson creates a story based on a true disappearance that occurred long ago in the developing town of Balmain. His fictional story takes place when settlers are arriving in Balmain. Plenty of interesting details. Many readers have indicated that the story is 'different' than what they were expecting. I get what they mean. The story doesn't focus on one character long. Early on, I learned not to get attached to a character. There was one story within the story that captured my imagination. I wonder if this is where Book 2 will begin. It's called Lizzie's Tale. There are three books in the Old Balmain House Series. Book One was a quick read. Writing could use a few tweaks, as well as a bit of editing. However, my interest is piqued enough to carry on. So, carry on I will.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
*Special thanks to Graham Wilson for gifting me the series.
June 16, 2015
I was interested in the title of this novel as there is a place in Trinidad which is also called Balmain so i started this novel with great expectations. The story told in the novel is fast moving and tells the story of a pioneer family in Australia and their joys and hardships. At some points the story is actually too fast moving and it is easy to lose track of where we are in the generations as the author seems to be in a hurry to bring the story to its conclusion.
I got what i thought was a delightful surprise towards the end of the novel where I thought that it was going to be revealed that this was a true story of one of the author's ancestors but it seems that it is rather fiction based on real life events. Needless to say I was a little disappointed.
While I know that is is a family drama I would have liked to see more of the historical detail of the time explored in the novel. The time settling of the novel is one which is rich in history - Austrailian independence, the fate of the indiginous people and the shaping of the continent but these are given only cusory nods in the story. The way the novel is written, this could be taking place anywhere in the world at any time apart from one discussion about an Aboriginal friend there are few cues to tie the novel to its setting.
That said, I have already downloaded the other two novels in the series and I'm looking forward to see if i get the satisfaction that I am looking for.
I got what i thought was a delightful surprise towards the end of the novel where I thought that it was going to be revealed that this was a true story of one of the author's ancestors but it seems that it is rather fiction based on real life events. Needless to say I was a little disappointed.
While I know that is is a family drama I would have liked to see more of the historical detail of the time explored in the novel. The time settling of the novel is one which is rich in history - Austrailian independence, the fate of the indiginous people and the shaping of the continent but these are given only cusory nods in the story. The way the novel is written, this could be taking place anywhere in the world at any time apart from one discussion about an Aboriginal friend there are few cues to tie the novel to its setting.
That said, I have already downloaded the other two novels in the series and I'm looking forward to see if i get the satisfaction that I am looking for.
Read
October 10, 2017Since I am into Genealogy I loved the way the stories intermingled with each other. Also familiar with North American settlers made reading about the settlers in Australia intriguing . Would recommend this book to all who are interested in history and settlement of new worlds.
June 18, 2020
Good book
I liked the story and the characters.the family and the loved they lived.it was sad about the children.but it ended well.
I liked the story and the characters.the family and the loved they lived.it was sad about the children.but it ended well.
February 18, 2019
Review to follow
May 12, 2018
Boring styleof writing
Only got halfway through .The style of writing was so tedious and stilted . The initial " boy meets girl " stories all have love at first sight - just not believable .
Only got halfway through .The style of writing was so tedious and stilted . The initial " boy meets girl " stories all have love at first sight - just not believable .
June 26, 2018
"An ambitious tale of families, grief and old mysteries, Little Lost Girl is a great start to a historical fiction series."
A review for this book will be posted on the Underground Writers website soon!
A review for this book will be posted on the Underground Writers website soon!
August 8, 2018
Absolutely Stunning—A Generational Wonder of Love, Loss and Mystery!
This story is captivating because it holds intrigue in the hint of the metaphysical; the unsolved mystery of two lost children; and a priceless sentimental family heirloom that is passed down through the female line from the Court of Mary Queen of Scots.
Beautifully narrated, Graham Wilson’s, “The Old Balmain House,” gives readers an insight into the settlement and early life of immigrants to the area around Sydney, Australia, beginning in the early 1800s as seen through the lives of his well developed characters.
Their stories are interconnected and powerful, yet different. At times, you’ll suddenly find a clench in your chest and a tear in your eye. Wilson’s prose is subtly profound; you will be overcome with compassion and empathy. His writing is remarkable, not sappy.
Reading the “Old Balmain House” makes one long to continue the saga, hoping more long-buried secrets and hidden treasures are revealed.
Graham Wilson, author of “The Old Balmain House,” offered a free copy of this wonderful historical family mystery in a Goodreads give-away that I won; although that fact has absolutely nothing to do with my rating nor enjoyment of this surprising little treasure that I truly love, as well as learned so much from.
This story is captivating because it holds intrigue in the hint of the metaphysical; the unsolved mystery of two lost children; and a priceless sentimental family heirloom that is passed down through the female line from the Court of Mary Queen of Scots.
Beautifully narrated, Graham Wilson’s, “The Old Balmain House,” gives readers an insight into the settlement and early life of immigrants to the area around Sydney, Australia, beginning in the early 1800s as seen through the lives of his well developed characters.
Their stories are interconnected and powerful, yet different. At times, you’ll suddenly find a clench in your chest and a tear in your eye. Wilson’s prose is subtly profound; you will be overcome with compassion and empathy. His writing is remarkable, not sappy.
Reading the “Old Balmain House” makes one long to continue the saga, hoping more long-buried secrets and hidden treasures are revealed.
Graham Wilson, author of “The Old Balmain House,” offered a free copy of this wonderful historical family mystery in a Goodreads give-away that I won; although that fact has absolutely nothing to do with my rating nor enjoyment of this surprising little treasure that I truly love, as well as learned so much from.
August 12, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
The book begins with a list of main characters in the story to help keep track. Beginning with the truth of his great-great grandfather emigrating to Australia in 1841, Graham Wilson imagines what might have happened to the family from there. Similarly, Wilson takes the truth of a hundred-year-old photo being found in the chimney of the house he bought and imagines a story of what could have happened to lead a family to leave a girl's photo in their chimney. He takes these two stories and weaves them together into one.
This was a lovely story, although the writing could have used editing in a few places. I devoured the story in one sitting. Because the book spanned multiple generations, we got to know most characters only briefly; I wish we could have spent a little more time getting to know them. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The book begins with a list of main characters in the story to help keep track. Beginning with the truth of his great-great grandfather emigrating to Australia in 1841, Graham Wilson imagines what might have happened to the family from there. Similarly, Wilson takes the truth of a hundred-year-old photo being found in the chimney of the house he bought and imagines a story of what could have happened to lead a family to leave a girl's photo in their chimney. He takes these two stories and weaves them together into one.
This was a lovely story, although the writing could have used editing in a few places. I devoured the story in one sitting. Because the book spanned multiple generations, we got to know most characters only briefly; I wish we could have spent a little more time getting to know them. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
March 18, 2018
This is a combination of Historical facts and fiction, but as it details a families life in early Sydney, and then their continued connection through the original house built in Belmain, a Sydney suburb, on the shores of Sydney Harbor.
I have enjoyed this book, as it gives me an Australian historical fiction, which is so different to the American frontier, which we have all grown up with. I sat with kangaroos grazing in my yard and kookaburras having sounded a heralding to start a new day, I read under the shade of a Tamarind tree, during the heat of the day, when it was far too hot to continue gardening. Perhaps my life experiences make me relate to this story of pioneers to a strange new land.
I suggest some of the armchair tourists may enjoy this journey through time and history, with a mystery to be solved thrown in.
I have enjoyed this book, as it gives me an Australian historical fiction, which is so different to the American frontier, which we have all grown up with. I sat with kangaroos grazing in my yard and kookaburras having sounded a heralding to start a new day, I read under the shade of a Tamarind tree, during the heat of the day, when it was far too hot to continue gardening. Perhaps my life experiences make me relate to this story of pioneers to a strange new land.
I suggest some of the armchair tourists may enjoy this journey through time and history, with a mystery to be solved thrown in.
August 8, 2018
No excitement here! However, while it was an interesting anthology of historical events of a family's life over generations, including their move from England to Australia, I don't think eight-year-old Sophie and her disappearance with young Matt received the attention deserved. It felt like an 'oh, well' moment.
October 2, 2018
Genealogy in a Bottle
It is the story of two houses and the many families that lived, loved, cried, and died in them. All are linked together and share a history spanning more than one hundred fifty years and many generations. The women are the keepers of the family stories and a special bottle full of the families happiness and sorrow. I won this book from Goodreads.
It is the story of two houses and the many families that lived, loved, cried, and died in them. All are linked together and share a history spanning more than one hundred fifty years and many generations. The women are the keepers of the family stories and a special bottle full of the families happiness and sorrow. I won this book from Goodreads.
April 29, 2014
Following the joys and sorrows of a multi-generation family, I found this book very relaxing to read. The writing is a bit stilted at times, but not to the point of being detrimental to the overall story.
August 14, 2016
The Old Balmain Hause
I thought the book was interesting, but I got bored . It was kind of confusing trying to keep the names of the family members and who belonged to who.
I thought the book was interesting, but I got bored . It was kind of confusing trying to keep the names of the family members and who belonged to who.
April 30, 2017
Any book that takes the reader from laughter to tears within a few pages is worth reading, the story is well written and I couldn't wait to read how or if there was a happy conclusion.
April 10, 2018
A Family History lovers must read. Between facts and imagination is a wealth of understanding the characters that build a family and a home. The truth in the story becomes the heart that leads on.
July 11, 2019
10/5/1841, Cockle Bay, dreary Scotland. Archibald Rodgers Sr. (27, husband/father, Black Smith, Presbyterian, Sophie’s Great Grandfather), & Hannah Rodgers (24, Archibald’s 1st wife/mother, Dressmaker, Presbyterian) were happy Mr. Tom McVey (proprietor, Presbyterian) had given him a job at McVey’s iron works (Mace’s Wharf, Sussex St.).
James Rodgers (son/brother), & Archibald Rodgers Jr. (son/brother) enjoyed the scenery & playing by the ocean.
1842, Hannah & Archibald packed up their belongings & rowed to Balmain jetty.
John Buller (husband/father, Archibald’s best mate) accompanied them.
The handcrafted name plate Roisin was nailed onto the house.
1847, Tom, Archibald, & John made the decision about the engineering firm to move it to Gas Lane (Kent St North), below Millers Point.
Hannah had gotten ill & passed away.
Rodgers Iron Foundry & Shipwrights was later established.
1854, Newcastle. Archibald founded his engineering works; Iron & Brass Foundry & General Iron Works (Honeysuckle Point, lower Church St.).
Helen (wife/stepmother) had 3 more daughters; Helen, Agnes, & Anne. Helen, & Alison (oldest) loved their 3 ½-sisters.
6/11/1870, Archibald Rodgers Sr. passed away from complications of an injury.
He was buried at the graveside in Honeysuckle Cemetery.
Alison moved back home to Balmain, opened the Balmain shop & soon married Charles Buller (former sailor).
1900-1901
Jimmy Williams (husband/father, son/brother), & Maria Williams (nee Rodgers) were expecting their 1st child.
Sydney Harbor, Australia. The Annandale realtor’s brochure claimed the Casa Ardwyn house had been built in 1870.
Tara (8, daughter) had found oval silver frame with a faded sepia photo of a small girl. On the back it was inscribed with Sophie, 1900-1908.
Mitchell Library. Sydney Morning Herald Archives. 9/3/1908, A boy/girl had disappeared from school. Balmain, New South Wales, Australia. The children’s names were Mathew McNeil & Sophie Williams.
A widespread search was done with the police/100 community for days on end.
Margaret Rodgers, born December 23rd 1953, died January 10th, 1854. (pg. 69?)
Top 25 list for the year.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & proper great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written dual timeline historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great down under movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Beyond Books Imprint; Smashwords; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
James Rodgers (son/brother), & Archibald Rodgers Jr. (son/brother) enjoyed the scenery & playing by the ocean.
1842, Hannah & Archibald packed up their belongings & rowed to Balmain jetty.
John Buller (husband/father, Archibald’s best mate) accompanied them.
The handcrafted name plate Roisin was nailed onto the house.
1847, Tom, Archibald, & John made the decision about the engineering firm to move it to Gas Lane (Kent St North), below Millers Point.
Hannah had gotten ill & passed away.
Rodgers Iron Foundry & Shipwrights was later established.
1854, Newcastle. Archibald founded his engineering works; Iron & Brass Foundry & General Iron Works (Honeysuckle Point, lower Church St.).
Helen (wife/stepmother) had 3 more daughters; Helen, Agnes, & Anne. Helen, & Alison (oldest) loved their 3 ½-sisters.
6/11/1870, Archibald Rodgers Sr. passed away from complications of an injury.
He was buried at the graveside in Honeysuckle Cemetery.
Alison moved back home to Balmain, opened the Balmain shop & soon married Charles Buller (former sailor).
1900-1901
Jimmy Williams (husband/father, son/brother), & Maria Williams (nee Rodgers) were expecting their 1st child.
Sydney Harbor, Australia. The Annandale realtor’s brochure claimed the Casa Ardwyn house had been built in 1870.
Tara (8, daughter) had found oval silver frame with a faded sepia photo of a small girl. On the back it was inscribed with Sophie, 1900-1908.
Mitchell Library. Sydney Morning Herald Archives. 9/3/1908, A boy/girl had disappeared from school. Balmain, New South Wales, Australia. The children’s names were Mathew McNeil & Sophie Williams.
A widespread search was done with the police/100 community for days on end.
Margaret Rodgers, born December 23rd 1953, died January 10th, 1854. (pg. 69?)
Top 25 list for the year.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & proper great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written dual timeline historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great down under movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Beyond Books Imprint; Smashwords; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
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August 13, 2019This review was first published on the Underground Writers website: http://underground-writers.org/review...
The first instalment in the Old Balmain House series, Little Lost Girl follows generations of the Rodgers, McVey, Buller, and Williams families from their settlement in Australia before Federation to the disappearance of Sophie Williams in 1908. The story takes place over a century, opening to present day and the purchase of the Balmain House, and the subsequent discovery of an old perfume bottle and photograph of a young girl from 100 years ago. After this discovery we delve into the history of the house, those who lived there and the heartbreak that follows each family over the years. Given that this is the first book in a series, the story mainly follows the history of each family and how they came to live in Balmain from their respective origins. It is only towards the last half of the book that we learn about Sophie and her disappearance, despite her being billed as the central character.
While I enjoyed the way in which the author delved into each family tree, carefully explaining the intricacies of the relationships between each character culminating to the introduction of Sophie, I found at times the story meandered and became quite confusing. The naming of children after their parents (which is certainly historically accurate) made it hard to understand which character was being discussed at certain times, and I found myself having to go back and reread some paragraphs to get a grasp on what was happening. I was thankful that a family description with each character was included at the start of the book; without this I would have struggled to understand the storyline.
I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of the book, as I have not read much Australian historical fiction set during the late 1800s in places such as Sydney. The description of life in Balmain at the time was lovely, and I felt transported back to that time with the lush descriptions of the landscape. The pure wonderment of the migrant children when they experienced Australia for the first time and their curiosity towards wildlife was heart-warming. I did however find there was a bit of ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing’ which created a sense flatness to the characters, which felt out of place given the vibrant descriptions of the Sydney landscape.
An ambitious tale of families, grief and old mysteries, Little Lost Girl is a great start to a historical fiction series. I felt a connection to the Old Balmain House and the history behind it, and I grieved alongside the characters as their lives were shaped by death and sorrow. I look forward to reading the next book in the Old Balmain House series.
The first instalment in the Old Balmain House series, Little Lost Girl follows generations of the Rodgers, McVey, Buller, and Williams families from their settlement in Australia before Federation to the disappearance of Sophie Williams in 1908. The story takes place over a century, opening to present day and the purchase of the Balmain House, and the subsequent discovery of an old perfume bottle and photograph of a young girl from 100 years ago. After this discovery we delve into the history of the house, those who lived there and the heartbreak that follows each family over the years. Given that this is the first book in a series, the story mainly follows the history of each family and how they came to live in Balmain from their respective origins. It is only towards the last half of the book that we learn about Sophie and her disappearance, despite her being billed as the central character.
While I enjoyed the way in which the author delved into each family tree, carefully explaining the intricacies of the relationships between each character culminating to the introduction of Sophie, I found at times the story meandered and became quite confusing. The naming of children after their parents (which is certainly historically accurate) made it hard to understand which character was being discussed at certain times, and I found myself having to go back and reread some paragraphs to get a grasp on what was happening. I was thankful that a family description with each character was included at the start of the book; without this I would have struggled to understand the storyline.
I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of the book, as I have not read much Australian historical fiction set during the late 1800s in places such as Sydney. The description of life in Balmain at the time was lovely, and I felt transported back to that time with the lush descriptions of the landscape. The pure wonderment of the migrant children when they experienced Australia for the first time and their curiosity towards wildlife was heart-warming. I did however find there was a bit of ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing’ which created a sense flatness to the characters, which felt out of place given the vibrant descriptions of the Sydney landscape.
An ambitious tale of families, grief and old mysteries, Little Lost Girl is a great start to a historical fiction series. I felt a connection to the Old Balmain House and the history behind it, and I grieved alongside the characters as their lives were shaped by death and sorrow. I look forward to reading the next book in the Old Balmain House series.
January 8, 2019
I won this book in a giveaway. It was not at all what I expected based on the description. I thought it would be a mystery based on the new owner investigating Sophie's disappearance, maybe with a little paranormal thrown in. It did have that, but it was more of a sweeping family story, covering generations of family both before, during, and after Sophie lived. Because of the scope, it was hard to get too invested in a single character, although I did like Alison. I did have a bit of a hard time with the instant-love of most of the major couples. I can't picture a woman of that time thinking, "I just met this guy. I love him for some reason. Now I will tell him to make love to me right now." Except two major characters did exactly this. It didn't seem believable to me, which is funny because I had no trouble with the moments when characters sensed things, had visions, or had extremely strong bonds. I enjoyed the symbolism of the perfume bottle, and the idea that love is carried through from our ancestors. I do think the book could have used some more editing, and it ended in an odd spot for me. I can't explain it, because I understand why the narrator came and recapped and wrapped everything up, but I found myself thinking, "I know what happened to the kids, enough already." However, the author gave the happiest ending he could based on the circumstances, and I was glad to see some of the characters get closure.
March 18, 2018
This is a combination of Historical facts and fiction, but as it details a families life in early Sydney, and then their continued connection through the original house built in Belmain, a Sydney suburb, on the shores of Sydney Harbor.
I have enjoyed this book, as it gives me an Australian historical fiction, which is so different to the American frontier, which we have all grown up with. I sat with kangaroos grazing in my yard and kookaburras having sounded a heralding to start a new day, I read under the shade of a Tamarind tree, during the heat of the day, when it was far too hot to continue gardening. Perhaps my life experiences make me relate to this story of pioneers to a strange new land.
I suggest some of the armchair tourists may enjoy this journey through time and history, with a mystery to be solved thrown in.
I have enjoyed this book, as it gives me an Australian historical fiction, which is so different to the American frontier, which we have all grown up with. I sat with kangaroos grazing in my yard and kookaburras having sounded a heralding to start a new day, I read under the shade of a Tamarind tree, during the heat of the day, when it was far too hot to continue gardening. Perhaps my life experiences make me relate to this story of pioneers to a strange new land.
I suggest some of the armchair tourists may enjoy this journey through time and history, with a mystery to be solved thrown in.
July 8, 2018
This book starts out a bit slow, but grows in to not only a multi-generational family saga, but a beautiful story about the power of memory, and how those memories, and the objects attached to them, need to be passed to future generations and be remembered. How these memories connect us, throughout time, and regardless of blood. That this story is also based on historical fact makes it all the more fascinating. Graham Wilson writes like a storyteller, speaking to you at his kitchen table. At first, it seems like a mildly interesting telling of facts from a very knowledgeable man, but soon you are sucked into this story. You want to get to the end, to know what happened to little Sophie, yet you want the story to go on and on and on, to know more about all these other characters; what happened to them and how they lived their lives so many decades ago...I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
June 1, 2020
This was a nice story and I liked reading it. If you love family sagas, spanning over generations, specially the ones ,dealing with immigrants to a new land, then this book will hold your interest well enough. It was interesting as how ,a particular house , inhabited by different people over the passing years, captures the imagination of the its present residents.
However, I was expecting the story to unfold more through clues ,which the new residents of the house uncover ,than a straight narration of the past, so was slightly disappointed.
One thing, however, I must point out, is that some more editing of the writing, is definitely in order. It starts fine but towards the end , more mistakes seem to have crept in.I do not know if it has something to do with the formatting of the text or just impatience on the side of the writer but it spoiled an otherwise likable piece of writing.
However, I was expecting the story to unfold more through clues ,which the new residents of the house uncover ,than a straight narration of the past, so was slightly disappointed.
One thing, however, I must point out, is that some more editing of the writing, is definitely in order. It starts fine but towards the end , more mistakes seem to have crept in.I do not know if it has something to do with the formatting of the text or just impatience on the side of the writer but it spoiled an otherwise likable piece of writing.
April 4, 2018
I was very fortunate to have been sent this book by the author. I was intrigued at the idea of a series written with the house being the thread that ties the stories together.
This is the first book in the series and it moves at a fast pace through several generations. This does not allow for much depth of character development but what is there is solid and interesting and makes me want to know each family even more. You are pulled into the story and see it build to the main mystery of what happened to Sophie. I won't spoil it by saying anything here but it was a good story with a satisfying ending that ties everything up (even Ruthie -sort of- and could be a stand alone story of its own, perhaps a companion novella?)
I'm looking forward to book 2 of the series.
This is the first book in the series and it moves at a fast pace through several generations. This does not allow for much depth of character development but what is there is solid and interesting and makes me want to know each family even more. You are pulled into the story and see it build to the main mystery of what happened to Sophie. I won't spoil it by saying anything here but it was a good story with a satisfying ending that ties everything up (even Ruthie -sort of- and could be a stand alone story of its own, perhaps a companion novella?)
I'm looking forward to book 2 of the series.
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