The Opal Dragonfly

by Julian Leatherdale

"Miss Isobel Clara Macleod, youngest of the seven children of Major Sir Angus Hutton Macleod, Surveyor-General of the colony of New South Wales, had the singular misfortune to know that at seven o'clock that morning her father was going to die."

September, 1851. Sydney, city of secrets and gossip. Seventeen-year-old Isobel Macleod is determined to save her father because she loves him. But when she dares to trespass in a forbidden male world, she will be plunged into social disgrace. A wave of ill fortune threatens to swallow up her family and their stately home, Rosemount Hall, 'the finest house in the colony' on the foreshores of Sydney Harbour.

Is Isobel to blame for her family's fate or does the cause lie further in the past? When Isobel was four, Major Macleod returned from an expedition with two 'souvenirs': an Aboriginal girl who became her friend and two opals fashioned into a dragonfly brooch for her mother.

When Isobel inherits this 'unlucky' heirloom, she wonders if the terrible dreams it summons are a curse or a gift. Now Isobel's hopes for her future depend on a charming bohemian who encourages her hidden passion to become an artist. Will she now be permanently exiled from her family home? Or will she be transformed into a new self, like a magnificent dragonfly emerging into the sunlight?

A daughter sacrifices her reputation, two men bid for the love of a woman, freedom is found in the heart of a dust storm, a father's legacy reveals past crimes.

Inspired by Elizabeth Bay House and the other grand villas of Sydney's Woolloomooloo Hill, The Opal Dragonfly tells the bittersweet story of an ambitious family's fall from grace and a brave young woman's struggle to find her true self.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Australia, Historical

582 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2018

About the author

Julian Leatherdale’s first love was the theatre. On graduation from a theatre studies degree at the University of NSW, he wrote lyrics for four satirical cabarets and a two-act musical. He discovered a passion for popular history as a staff writer, researcher and photo editor for Time-Life’s Australians At War series. He later researched and co-wrote two Film Australia-ABC documentaries Return to Sandakan and The Forgotten Force shown on the ABC and overseas. He was an image researcher at the State Library of NSW before joining the NSW Cabinet Office writing policy briefs for the Premier. For some years he was the public relations manager for an international hotel school in the Blue Mountains where he lives with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

* https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Opal Dragonfly, the second novel written by Julian Leatherdale and has been eagerly anticipated by this reader. Leatherdale’s latest book is an intricate Australian saga, with gothic undertones that takes its inspiration from historical architecture, real life figures in Australia’s history books and pivotal events from times past. The Opal Dragonfly promises any reader who selects this tale a finely detailed novel, full of emotion, drama and a richly textured history.

The Opal Dragonfly is a saga that covers the years 1838 through to 1905. When the book opens, we travel to the year 1851. We meet chief protagonist Isobel Macleod, a brave, impetuous and fiercely loyal young woman of seventeen years of age, who is determined to save her father from scandal. This incident has a significant impact on Isobel and her family. Isobel herself is exiled into social disgrace. Soon after this fateful event, the Macleod family become the victims of further misfortune, in the form of ill-health, death and unfortunate accidents. Although the Macleod’s cast their run of bad luck on the youngest of the Macleod clan, Isobel, it seems something more sinister, a gifted opal brooch from the past may be responsible for this spate of misfortune. Can Isobel and her family break free from this chain of bad luck? For Isobel, the future has the potential to improve, with the help of talented artist, Charles. Despite the terrible dreams that continue to plague her and the opposition of her family, Isobel’s independent spirit seems to soar above it all.

Ever since I read the author of The Opal Dragonfly, Julian Leatherdale’s first novel, Palace of Tears, I have treasured the writing of this talented storyteller. In fact, Palace of Tears has occupied a firm place in my all time favourite novels list. I feel like I have been waiting an age for Leatherdale to bring another novel out. The Opal Dragonfly is finally here and I can safely say it has been worth the wait!

The first thing that struck me about this novel was the attention to detail and the level of research that has been conducted and consequently applied to this novel. It is not easy to trawl through and bring historical facts, figures, people and events to life but Leatherdale does this in an adept manner. I never felt like the historical aspect of this novel was dry. It was completely engaging and grounded very well on real life. Leatherdale possesses the skill to carefully weave historical fact around one wholly engaging narrative. I will say I was completely drawn into this tale from the first paragraph, through to the final sentence.

Colonial architecture fascinates me and I loved that one of the main residences in The Opal Dragonfly is based on one of the most opulent houses in the colony of NSW, back in the 1800’s. Leatherdale notes this on his detailed ‘sources’ section at the back of his novel. This section provided a wonderful after accompaniment to this involving story and further cemented my appreciation for the novel.

Onto characters. The Opal Dragonfly features a great leading lady and heroine of the tale in Isobel Macleod. Her story is equal measures tragic, forlorn, exciting and full. As a lead, Isobel is a character who soon garners your affection. It is hard not to hope that Isobel will rise above and triumph over all the sadness that has come her way. Supporting Isobel are a broad range of secondary characters. Each has their own contribution to the novel, in both positive and negative ways, complete with plenty of intricate character dynamics. This memorable character set includes Isobel’s enigmatic father (also modelled on real life figure Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell), siblings, aunt, childhood friend Ballandella and artist Charles Probius. The secrets each of these characters keeps close to their chest and is eventually revealed by Leatherdale’s tantalising storytelling injects the novel plenty of mystery. For me personally, this served to link me to the novel on a deeper level. The insertion of the ill fated opal dragonfly brooch, the centrepiece of the novel, also provides plenty of intrigue to this exquisite tale.

With an expansive and involving plot, despite the size of this novel (500+ pages) my commitment to this story never waned. I basked in Leatherdale’s beautiful descriptive prose, which slotted in so perfectly to this novel. I found the prose and dialogue also accurately reflected the era in which this novel is set. It gave The Opal Dragonfly a strong line of authenticity. Leatherdale is careful in ensuring that he covers the social expectations and moral codes that defined the era presented in the novel.

The Opal Dragonfly is a historical saga with elements of romance. I enjoyed this area of the novel very much and I feel it was presented well by Leatherdale. There is an undercurrent of the forbidden in Isobel’s love story. The introduction of Charles, the bohemian artist who captures Isobel’s heart, adds a secret or two to the fold, while also serving to deliver a couple of shocking plot twists to this superior novel. At the heart of Isobel’s journey in love is the transformation of her character as a whole. Isobel’s soul is tested to its very core and we are lucky as the reader to observe Isobel’s full metamorphosis.

There is just so much more I would like to say about The Opal Dragonfly. Leatherdale’s examination of indigenous issues and harrowing events at the time this novel is set is an aspect of the novel I feel would be remiss not to mention. All in all, I absolutely adored The Opal Dragonfly. We need more writers such as Julian Leatherdale in our literary sphere in Australia. Julian Leatherdale’s commitment to bringing Australia’s past to life is to be applauded, thank you so very much to Julian for bringing us The Opal Dragonfly.

*I wish to thank Allen & Unwin for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Sally906 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally try to avoid books that are over 400 pages, so for me to gleefully jump on a book that has almost 600 pages is a big indication as to how much I was looking forwards to reading this latest book by Julian Leatherdale. I had very high expectations let me tell you as his first book PALACE OF TEARS was my joint book of the year in 2015. Julian Leatherdale did not let me down!!!
THE OPAL DRAGONFLY starts off very innocently, Isobel decides to save her father from certain death and rushes off at dawn dressed up as a boy to stop a duel. This is not the last headstrong idea that Isobel has, in fact she has tragedy upon tragedy heaped upon her young shoulders. As the story unfolds she often jumps first and asks questions later. Her story is quite dark and tragic, but is never, ever, depressing. Quite the opposite, I was glued to the story as secrets, rejection, deceit, jealousy, madness, betrayal and death after death after death swirled around her. The tragedies started after her mother was given a dragonfly shaped brooch made of opals. Isobel was given the brooch by her mother just before she died and she was told to keep it hidden and not give it to her sister Grace who coveted it. Isobel was also told to throw the brooch into the sea if ill-luck befell the family. Something she was reluctant to do – even once the nightmares started and fortunes changed she hung onto that damn (or was it damned?) brooch.

Sydney in the 1850s came alive on the pages – fiction interlaced with fact gave credence to the story’s setting. While the main characters are fictional they are based on real people and the activities such as exploration, cruelty to Aboriginal peoples and the poorer members of the community is not glossed over. Isobel’s story, gothic in tone, is slowly built up against the backdrop of an evolving city and society, culminating in an edge-of-the-chair horrifying event that left me stunned, before a complete change of pace and reflection ends the story. Not one of the support characters was superfluous to the story – some are there for good, some are there to muddy the waters or ensure harm is done – the reader just has to figure out the truth. An extremely hard thing to do when everyone at some stage lies or hides the truth. Even our young heroine.

Julian Leatherdale, you have now got yourself a new fangirl – or should I say a fan nanna!!! Can’t wait until your next book.

With thanks to Allen and Unwin and the author for my copy to read and review

[AusRomToday · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly stunning work of fiction as one expects from an author such as Julian Leatherdale.

Meticulous research has been afforded to the novel and the complexities of this information were presented flawlessly and in exquisite detail.

Plot development was strong throughout and paced in a manner that ensured your continued interest. Bearing in mind this is a difficult thing to achieve in a novel that is so heavily dependent upon fact and history. This alone is a testament to Leatherdale's experience and abilities as a novelist.

A vivid and stunning portrayal of colonial Australia, rich in history and research. The Opal Dragonfly is a credit to Leatherdale's superb standard of storytelling. A must read novel, and easily in my top ten reads for 2018.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction isn’t really my thing. But I gave it a(nother) shot with this. It’s not that it’s a terrible book; for the right audience it’d be great.
It just wasn’t for me. The plot didn’t grab me, nor did the characters.

[Lyndall Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Allen and Unwin for sending me an uncorrected proof copy of this amazing book!
When I first received it in the mail I was a little put off by how long it actually was. But then I couldn’t put it down once I started. This is a book you can read over and over again.
I really liked that the author incorporated non-fiction events into this story which further opened my eyes to the real life tragedies of the indigenous in the 1800’s.
Everybody needs to read The Opal Dragonfly. Best seller hands down. 👏🏼

[Tundra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads and Allen & Unwin for my copy of this novel. I have mixed feelings about this book so I’ve ended up middle of the road with my final rating.
I think the setting and time were captured well and the cast of characters were broad and generally engaging. The descriptions of daily life, the public events, political disagreements and social society of Sydney were fascinating and enjoyable to read about.
My two major difficulties were the character of the young Isobel and the handling of the indigenous issues. I didn’t find the depth of Isobel’s perceptions and moralising as a young child realistic. I just can’t imagine a young child with limited exposure of the world thinking about things so deeply. From about half way through the novel I was much more convinced by her behaviour and the growth of her character but I struggled through her early years. The handling of indigenous issues is tricky and I am not sure how successful many writers are at not viewing these issues through a lens of modern opinion and sensibility. I appreciate that Leatherdale was trying to overcome this by providing two opposing stories of the Major’s expeditions but then this also feels a bit contrived. It’s like our heroine could not be a strong and righteous character if she didn’t come out and condemn her father’s actions because of what we now know about the treatment of indigenous people.
Overall I would recommend this if you like a neatly tied up Australian historical novel and it would be a good book club choice.

[Ash | Wild Heart Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Opal Dragonfly follows Isobel Clara Macleod, belonging to one of Sydney's elite families. Spanning decades this book follows the fall of the Macleod family with secrets threatening to tear them apart and plunge the family into disgrace.

The Opal Dragonfly opens with Isobel who, aware her father is taking part in a duel that will likely see him dead, takes drastic measures in an attempt to save him. But her actions that morning will change everything.

Leatherdale paints a very vivid picture of Sydney in the 1800's. His descriptions bring the past to life. He's definitely a talented story teller, you are able to see the world he is describing. However, this also meant that it was not always a pleasant read. He doesn't shy away from the racism and sexism of the time.

That said The Opal Dragonfly wasn't a book for me, or one that I connected with. I just found it somewhat boring but then I'm also not one for historical fiction bar a select few. However I definitely recommend it for people that do enjoy historical fiction because it's a well written, well researched book.

"The day was almost concluded with the sun low on the horizon and Venus gleaming as bright as a diamond in the twilight gloom."

★���

*I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start? I loved the fact that the author incorporated actual historical facts into her fantastical work of fiction. I was completely drawn into the lives of Isobel and her family as they went through the rise and eventual fall.....particularly Isobel herself. There was one part that completely shocked me, even though I felt something was coming. The Opal Dragonfly was truly a magnificent read.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! Darkness, deceit, secrets upon secrets, betrayals, jealously...but all the while a definite page-turner. Julian Leatherdale, I have waited for this your second novel since I first read Palace of Tears. And like Palace of Tears, this book is a journey that is an absolute pleasure. Thank you. I recommend this book, it is a huge one, but very well worth it.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good story. I could truly picture Sydney back in the 1850s.
However, the story does drag in a few places and I struggled to continue to read this story. I did persevere and enjoyed how the story ended.

[BTS-Silverlinings · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this book, I have an unusual appreciation for the word ‘farce.’ To support the statement, this is perhaps one of my favourite lines from the book:

‘She had persuaded her aunt to relax her moral guardianship and this farce was the result.’

It just adds something. I have to make a note to use it more frequently later on.

Anyway, onto the review:

Plotline and Characters

My perpetual fear when it comes to reading, particularly regarding books which are based on historical fact and events, is encountering one or two of these things: information dumps and perfect characters (your Mary Sues and Gary Stus). To his credit, Leatherdale did fairly well with the information dumps in that historical facts and figures weren’t completely saturating the plot; yet they were present enough to bring this part of history to life. I was able to visualise some part of colonial Sydney and understand the context of the time period without feeling like I was enduring a History lecture. I will say, however, that details and descriptions were sometimes favoured to add vividness rather than function for the plot. For example, I somehow know that the Macleods have an unripened pineapple at the top of their epergne for special feasts. Why I know this, I have absolutely no clue.

As a result, the plot sometimes felt like it moved a little too slowly when bogged down by pretty little details. Otherwise, the plot was solid and interesting to read and follow. I loved the little change of perspective right at the very end, when I became a daughter listening to the stories of her grandmother.

With the characters, there was a limited diversity, with the mentioned Indigenous girl, Ballendella, disappearing quite early on in the book and only resurfacing towards the end. I can’t fault the reasons behind this decision and Ballendella’s impact on Isobel which was kept consistent throughout the book more than made up for this. Regarding the characters that were present, I enjoyed the range of people I met. I enjoyed the headstrong Isobel, the erratic Anna and outcast Joseph. I enjoyed Probius and Captain Tranter’s unique relationship to Isobel, particularly noting the fact that neither were perfect and brought their own baggage to the relationship. I loved that Isobel was adored and detested in equal parts by different people, which made for an interesting dynamic in her interactions with others and influenced how the plot and Isobel’s character would develop. She was not a Mary-Sue, and the ultimate outcome treated her the better for it.

Overall, I enjoyed Leatherdale’s take on a young girl growing up in colonial Australia. While the story seemed slow at times and hidden under too many unnecessary details, it was a solid and believable plot that was suspenseful enough to catch and hold the reader’s interest. Combined with nicely portrayed characters, Leatherdale spun some life into history and created a pleasant read.

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Opal dragonfly is a long book with a lot of fascinating historical detail about the growth period of the Sydney colony during the 1800s. The protagonist is Isobel, the youngest daughter of the surveyor-general of NSW. She grows up in a life of distinct privilege in the finest house in the colony - Rosemount (based on Elizabeth Bay House). The story starts promising, with Isobel risking shame in order to stop her father from dying in a duel. However it takes a good portion of the book to actually get to that point, as Isobel recounts her personal history on the way from her house. For me, this slowed the first half of the book down and I struggled to get through it. The aftermath of Isobel's actions is what drives the remainder of the story, and was the better part of the book.

Isobel as a main character was naive and annoying. Her wealthy upbringing most likely had something to do with that, but I found it hard to sympathise with her when her seemingly perfect life began to fall apart. The secondary cast was well thought out. I was impressed to read th author had based quite a few of them on many historical figures who actually lived during the 1800s. However, Ballandella's inclusion was a clear attempt at acknowledging the displacement of aboriginals from their homelands during the early years of the colony, and it was handled in a clunky manner. The native's friendship with Isobel was mainly used as a catalyst for other events. We never really got to know Ballandella or understand how she felt about her displacement, and we never really found out what happened to her after she left Rosemount. It was a missed opportunity given she was supposed to be friends with Isobel, and given what Isobel discovers about her fathers expeditions later in the book.

Most of the novel ambles along at a slow and steady pace, but the last ten percent rushed at breakneck speed, and one event in particular was quite fantastical (read unbelievable). The ending itself left me feeling slightly disappointed as it wasn't written primarily from Isobel's viewpoint and instead introduced a new character to explain what happened. However I appreciate the deviation the story took from the expected path.

If you love historical fiction with a lot of detail, you might enjoy The Opal Dragonfly.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Opal Dragonfly' is a historical family saga novel that provides a really interesting part fact/part fictional insight into early Australian colonial life. The book is primarily set in Sydney and the descriptive account of early colonial life, the treatment of Indigenous peoples, the architecture and the whole social structure of that era is well researched and written.

The story revolves around the Macleod family. Major Macleod is Surveyor General for the colony and with his family of 3 sons, 4 Daughters and wife Winnie they enjoy all the spoils of being an important high ranking official family in the new colony. They have a beautiful house with magnificent gardens, servants to tend to their every wish , a farm property and houses in Camden. They host magnificent parties and are part of the colonial social scene.

The father presents his wife with a beautiful Opal Dragonfly pendant with stones sourced from a recent expedition he had been on. Life then seems to spiral out of control for the family. Is it because opals supposedly bring bad luck or is the means the stones were acquired? Whatever the reason there is a lasting impact on the family.

The story is told through Isobel Macleod the younger daughter who seems to become the scapegoat for the family. Her life is a fascinating expose of what it would have even like to be a young woman growing up in early Australia.

Death, despair, family secrets, deceit, betrayals, jealously make for a truly fascinating read.

I hadn’t read any of the authors previous works but will definitely be adding him to my to read list.

Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the copy of the book and for selecting me to win the beautiful Opal and pearl dragonfly brooch. I’m only hoping that my ownership of the item doesn’t send my family into the same despair as the Macleod family. 😁

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Sydney, Australia in the mid-1800s, The Opal Dragonfly recounts the financial and social descent of a wealthy, privileged family. Described by Leatherdale as a work of fiction with its roots in historical research, his second novel recreates the sights, sounds and social tensions of early colonial Sydney. Whilst firmly set amongst the governing class of gentry, professionals and military personnel, we encounter all types of inhabitants, including the dispossessed indigenous peoples, pardoned convicts and abandoned gold rush “widows” living in poverty.
The main protagonist is Isobel Macleod, the youngest daughter of New South Wales’ Surveyor General, a character loosely based on Sir Thomas Mitchell’s youngest daughter, Blanche. It’s a novel rife with sibling rivalry, old grudges, secrets and deception. Isobel is a strong-willed character with her heart in the right place, but who often exhibits flawed judgment, resulting in disastrous consequences. The novel follows her through childhood to early womanhood and beyond, as she experiences loss and isolation, love and hatred. We ponder whether her circumstances are brought about entirely by her own actions or due to something more sinister and supernatural, her mysterious, opal dragonfly pendant.
The Opal Dragonfly is an ambitious undertaking that presents all of the class bigotry and narrow-mindedness of the era. Its characters and awkward coming-of-age scenes are reminiscent of Austen. That, combined with Dickensian social realism, has resulted in Leatherdale creating a memorable, epic work that is destined to become an Australian literary classic.

[Nerida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book in a giveaway here on Goodreads, so I was very excited when the book arrived. My first thought was "it's huge!". My proof copy is 570 + pages and I initially thought it would take me ages to get through it all. But once I started reading I got drawn into the world of Isobel and her family, and the tragedies that seemed to follow them. Although the main time frame of the book actually only took place over a few years, it seemed there were so many events that it should have been a much longer period of time.

I found the real events and real people woven into the background and the story to be very interesting, and living in Sydney I recognised names and places although the scenes described bore little resemblance to anything around the areas today. The ideas of the position of women and the options open to them, whether of higher or lower status were also very interesting and a glimpse of our not so distant history. Likewise the parts of the book which referred to early exploration and treatment of indigenous Australians were sometimes quite disturbing but seemed to be realistic.

I really enjoyed this book and thanks again to the publisher for my copy.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a Goodreads giveaway from Allen and Unwin , and what a read. It is a very long book 573 pages but from the stunning cover then the opening chapters I was soon enveloped in the Macleod family saga.
The main character Isobel is a child at the start of the book but the reader walks alongside her as she reaches maturity and has a child of her own.
The opal dragonfly brooch first gifted to Winnie , Isobel's Mum, who in turn gifts it Isobel, appears to bring the family a great deal of bad luck. Or does it?
Like any family the Macleods experience arguments, deaths,and financial hardship but as well we celebrate with them at balls, weddings and births.
Set in Sydney and covering the years from 1838 to 1905 Julian Leatherdale has penned a fascinating saga with a historical flavour which oozes with secrets, lies and deceit which shock the reader as they unfold.
I enjoyed this book, we are seeing a lot of good fiction from Australian authors and this is no exception .This is the second novel by the author and I will be looking out for his next book

[Christine Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Opal Dragonfly by Julian Leatherdale, thanks to Goodreads and Allen &Unwin for the opportunity. Set in the middle 1800 s in Sydney Town it is a mixture I think of fiction and non fiction. The descriptions of the community and landscape was so real. This book unlike a lot of early Sydney I've read it was set more with the rich and privileged than the poor and down trodden. Isobel is the youngest of seven children the last of three daughters after their brothers left, loved and favoured by her parents, she is a talented painter . Before her mother dies she is given a Dragonfly brooch which is hidden from her jealous sister Grace.
Isobel is haunted at night by dreams, and the longing for an artist Charles.Isobel learns the hard way that it is a mans world. Mistakes and all.By all means a book I would recommend. I will be looking for Palace of Tears Julian Leatherdale first novel.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Julian Leatherdale's novel, 'The Opal Dragonfly' through a Goodreads 'Giveway'.

'The Opal Dragonfly' is a historical fiction novel that delivers a superb insight into what the early colonisation of Australia (mostly focusing on Sydney) might have looked or felt like.

Isabel Clara Macleod is a tragic figure but is both a stubborn and courageous main protagonist. Her story is an emotional rollercoaster ride that will captivate your imagination and ignite a passion for the Aboriginal people's unjust persecution and suffering deeper than you might already have.

Julian Leatherdale is an extremely talented author to weave such a work of fact and fiction into five hundred and seventy three pages of incredible storytelling.

[Carrie Kablean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian's novel is a wonderful journey through Sydney in early colonial times. It centres around Isabel Macleod, youngest of seven children to the then Surveyor-General of Sydney and paints a marvellous picture of what the Emerald City must have been like in the 1850s (and beyond). The prose is lush and the historical detail is lightly woven through. I love books like this, that tell you things you didn't know previously about the history of the place you live and also entertain you with a great story!

Isabel is a courageous heroine. She's not afraid of saying and doing what she thinks is right, which doesn't always go down so well in her milieu - or, indeed, her family. You'll have to read the book to find out more!

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Thanks to Allen & Unwin for the ARC.]

I met Julian Leatherdale in my former life as marketing coordinator for a book recommendations website. At the time, Palace of Tears had just been published and I think he was unprepared to find a fangirl in the midst of an authors lunch.

Like Palace of Tears, The Opal Dragonfly evokes an Australia lost to the past, this time set in the streets of Sydney. This sense of familiarity, coupled with Leatherdale’s intricate storytelling, makes for a very enjoyable read.

Not quite as good as Palace of Tears for me, but not too far behind either.

Recommended for fans of Anna Romer, Kate Atkinson and Kate Morton.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story set in Sydney in the early days of its settlement, the amount of research undertaken by the author is very evident. Many historic figures feature, albeit often with altered names. It is easy to see how difficult life would have been for a non conformist young lady in such a straight laced, judgemental society.

Although the circumstances surrounding the end of Isobel's first marriage seemed a little melodramatic, the bulk of the plot was engaging and believable.

The main characters were three dimensional and interesting, the main ones often conflicted with regards to their intentions and feelings.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well researched and detailed story of 1850s Sydney. It was interesting to read the sources for this story at the end of the book. For me some of the detailed paragraphs disrupted the flow of the story, but it was an interesting tale of a family and society. Society was regimented and the list of events that could disgrace a family and be shunned were numerous - and so it was for the Macleod family and for Isobel in particular. Isobel grew up in a mansion on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour and we are witnesses to what happens as her family falls apart.

[Miya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. I like Aust history but i struggled with this book. Not sure if i should rate it 1 or 2. I fell asleep plenty of times while listening. Struggled with most of it. Definately full of drama... but not my kind of drama and it was painfully slow and extended. I dont like too much drama. I just couldnt wait to finish it off so i kept forwarding and skipping. I dont think i would have liked it any better if i had read it. Not captivating at all. Not for me, sorry.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I enjoyed the historical content of the novel. It was very detailed and it seems as though the author has done a lot of research to develop the story.

Having a lot of the story being told from a upper class colonial family felt a bit difficult to deal with.
Whilst Isabel had a very challenging time , there were times when she loved her father and then hated him. It just seemed to be mixed up.

Otherwise a good read.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book and I loved it! I felt drawn to Isobel, the main character, right from the beginning and felt her pain as she searched for her place in a world that was seldom kind to her.

The writing is beautiful, the mysteries are intriguing and the characters come alive as the story unfolds.

Loved it!

[Robyn Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A+++++ What a fantastic read. Wow, this book definitely had it all. I have read some great books this year, but this one outdoes them all. I thought the ending came around too quickly as the storyline flowed so well - but then missed a lot of years (filled in by narrative of a daughter). I was seeing another book in the making!!!! But overall, absolutely fantastic.

[Robyn Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The research on Australian history to write this book must have been amazing. Based on the life of Surveyor-General of New South Wales, Australia and his family. 582 pages is not easy to read in bed but definitely worthwhile. Loved it!
Julian Leatherdale also wrote Palace of Tears was a wonderful read.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical fiction set in Sydney during the mid/late 1800's. Followed the trials and tribulations of the MacLeod family centred around the youngest daughter Isobel. I enjoyed the coverage of daily life in Sydney but otherwise there was too much sentimentality from my perspective. If it hadn't been a book club choice, I probably wouldn't have finished it.

[Loretta Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads. It's not my usual genre of book, but actually enjoyed it. It portrayed the era and times very well. Made me glad I didn't live then!! Very descriptive, but also had a plot that rolled along. Would definitely recommend it.

[Short and Sweet Reviews by Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book from the giveaways page on goodreads. The book is well written and the characters easy to love. I like the inclusion of historical facts and events in the book. Overall it’s not a book I would ordinarily have bought but it is definitely worth a read :)