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In a Great Southern Land
From the soft green hills of Ireland to the wild Shipwreck Coast of southern Victoria, the rich farm lands of New South Wales to the sudden battlefields of Ballarat, this is an epic story of the cost of freedom and the value of love in a far-flung corner of the world where a new nation struggles to be born. 1851: After the death of her father, young Eve Richards is destitute. Her struggle to survive sees her deported in chains to the colony of New South Wales, penniless and alone. But here in this strange new world fortune smiles on the spirited, clever Eve in the shape of a respectable job offer that will lead to a quiet, secure life. Then the fiery and charismatic Irishman Kieran Clancy crosses her path...
For Kieran Clancy, the kindest man on earth, and his brother Liam, the promise of free passage and land in this brave new world is a chance to leave the grief and starvation of County Clare behind. But while Liam works to farm their land, Kieran has the fire of gold-fever upon him and is drawn to the goldfields of Ballarat. As tensions grow on the goldfields, and with the blood of an Irish rebel still beating through his heart, Kieran finds himself caught up in the cataclysmic events at the Eureka Stockade and faces the decision of a whether or not, when it comes to love, blood will remain thicker than water...
For Kieran Clancy, the kindest man on earth, and his brother Liam, the promise of free passage and land in this brave new world is a chance to leave the grief and starvation of County Clare behind. But while Liam works to farm their land, Kieran has the fire of gold-fever upon him and is drawn to the goldfields of Ballarat. As tensions grow on the goldfields, and with the blood of an Irish rebel still beating through his heart, Kieran finds himself caught up in the cataclysmic events at the Eureka Stockade and faces the decision of a whether or not, when it comes to love, blood will remain thicker than water...
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2019
48 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Mary-Anne O'Connor
13 books174 followersMary-Anne O'Connor nee Best grew up in Wahroonga in the Bushland Shire of Hornsby-Kuringai, northern Sydney. The youngest of six children, her childhood was spent exploring the local bush and playing music with her siblings and close neighbours. An avid reader, she devoured her mother Dorn's extensive library and was often found trying to finish a chapter by torchlight late at night. She also began to fill every blank piece of paper in the house with stories and drawings of her own and dreamt of becoming a writer one day.
When she was twelve her father Kevin Best left his established career in the stock-market to become one of Australia's best-loved artists. The perseverance and ultimate triumph she witnessed during those years left her inspired to follow in his footsteps and pursue her own creative aspirations. A multi-faceted career path followed in marketing and teaching, along with the completion of education/arts degree with specialities in literature, music and environment. During this time she also co-wrote two books with her father, A Brush with Light and Secrets of the Brush. Work then began on her first major novel, Gallipoli Street. This work gained critical acclaim and finished at #3 for debut novels in Australia in 2015.
Since then she written four more best-selling novels: Worth Fighting For, War Flower, In A Great Southern Land and Where Fortune Lies. Her sixth novel, Sisters of Freedom, is due out in March, 2021.
Mary-Anne has drawn on her love of the Australian bush, her fascination with her own family history and her deep, abiding respect for the men and women who carried our nation through turbulent, formative times to produce these novels.
They were written in her office at home beneath a long window that overlooks her beloved gum trees. She still lives in the Bushland Shire with her husband Anthony, their two sons, Jimmy and Jack and their very spoilt, gorgeous dog, Saxon.
When she was twelve her father Kevin Best left his established career in the stock-market to become one of Australia's best-loved artists. The perseverance and ultimate triumph she witnessed during those years left her inspired to follow in his footsteps and pursue her own creative aspirations. A multi-faceted career path followed in marketing and teaching, along with the completion of education/arts degree with specialities in literature, music and environment. During this time she also co-wrote two books with her father, A Brush with Light and Secrets of the Brush. Work then began on her first major novel, Gallipoli Street. This work gained critical acclaim and finished at #3 for debut novels in Australia in 2015.
Since then she written four more best-selling novels: Worth Fighting For, War Flower, In A Great Southern Land and Where Fortune Lies. Her sixth novel, Sisters of Freedom, is due out in March, 2021.
Mary-Anne has drawn on her love of the Australian bush, her fascination with her own family history and her deep, abiding respect for the men and women who carried our nation through turbulent, formative times to produce these novels.
They were written in her office at home beneath a long window that overlooks her beloved gum trees. She still lives in the Bushland Shire with her husband Anthony, their two sons, Jimmy and Jack and their very spoilt, gorgeous dog, Saxon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 14, 2019
3.5★s
Kieran Clancy, with his family – brother Liam, sister Eileen and her husband Rory, plus their three sons were promised free passage; their destination Australia. They were given land grants and the thrill of owning their own land, not answering to anyone as they had in Ireland was a bonus they couldn’t pass up. Their lives in Ireland under English rule had been a harsh one, with starvation rampant. The 1850s saw many head to Australia, the offerings of the new world high on the lists of many.
There weren’t a lot of convicts arriving then, and those who did were destined for Tasmania. One young woman, Eve Richards, had been a naïve and grief-stricken servant girl, with the recent death of her father causing her to become an orphan. Circumstances saw her arrested and on a convict ship to Australia. Her arrival finally saw fortune shine her way, and Eve found herself once again a servant, but to a kind and cultured family in Victoria.
The Clancy family first settled in Orange in NSW and managed their farm well. Their happiness was almost complete – it would have been had Kieran chosen to join them. But he was drawn to the gold fields of Ballarat where with his mate Dave, he was determined to make his fortune before he returned to his family. But the Eureka Stockade rebellion would hit, and much blood would be lost. What would happen to Kieran and the Clancy family? And where did Eve fit in to the equation?
In a Great Southern Land by Aussie author Mary-Anne O’Connor is a rollicking tale set across continents with oppression, men’s greed, bitterness and anger, plus hope and passion lacing the way. My favourite part of the story was of the Clancy family, both in the heartache of Ireland and as they made their way into the future in Australia. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Kieran Clancy, with his family – brother Liam, sister Eileen and her husband Rory, plus their three sons were promised free passage; their destination Australia. They were given land grants and the thrill of owning their own land, not answering to anyone as they had in Ireland was a bonus they couldn’t pass up. Their lives in Ireland under English rule had been a harsh one, with starvation rampant. The 1850s saw many head to Australia, the offerings of the new world high on the lists of many.
There weren’t a lot of convicts arriving then, and those who did were destined for Tasmania. One young woman, Eve Richards, had been a naïve and grief-stricken servant girl, with the recent death of her father causing her to become an orphan. Circumstances saw her arrested and on a convict ship to Australia. Her arrival finally saw fortune shine her way, and Eve found herself once again a servant, but to a kind and cultured family in Victoria.
The Clancy family first settled in Orange in NSW and managed their farm well. Their happiness was almost complete – it would have been had Kieran chosen to join them. But he was drawn to the gold fields of Ballarat where with his mate Dave, he was determined to make his fortune before he returned to his family. But the Eureka Stockade rebellion would hit, and much blood would be lost. What would happen to Kieran and the Clancy family? And where did Eve fit in to the equation?
In a Great Southern Land by Aussie author Mary-Anne O’Connor is a rollicking tale set across continents with oppression, men’s greed, bitterness and anger, plus hope and passion lacing the way. My favourite part of the story was of the Clancy family, both in the heartache of Ireland and as they made their way into the future in Australia. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2019
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
O’Connor has excelled with this emotional and heart-wrenching saga of a family striving for a new beginning in a foreign untamed land.
I love reading books on early Australian setters, both convicts and free settlers. I quite often find reading about the early days of Australia raw and confronting. In a Great Southern Land is no exception, although not as harsh as some I’ve read that delve into the atrocities against convicts and the aboriginals. O’Connor steers more towards the difficulties of living in a harsh, barren and isolated area and the budding romance between Kieran and Eve.
Irishman Kieran Clancy and his extended family have been granted free passage to New South Wales and a parcel of land on arrival. Kieran had a burning desire for vengeance against oppression. Their leaving doesn’t happen without much controversy and heartache.
Eve Richards finds herself without a job and back on the streets of Vauxhall, Liverpool. A misadventure with police ends with her in prison and sentenced to a life of servitude in Australia.
Kieran was a cocky Irishman very sure of himself but also sure of what was right and what was wrong. He would always put someone else’s safety and rights before his own. He lived his life passionately and impetuously. Always doing what was right.
The story follows Kieran working at the shipyard, in 1800’s Sydney, where he teams up with Dave spending their spare time drinking and fighting then moves on to the goldfields where, like so many others, they hoped to make their fortune.
Kieran’s brother Liam, sister Eileen her husband and three children settle on their property in Orange waiting for Kieran to join them.
A chance encounter with Kieran ends with Eve working as a servant and companion to the mistress of an isolated country property.
In a Great Southern Land encompasses what it means to be free incorporating the free settlers, convicts, the gold rush, Eureka Stockade, prejudice and the general hardships of a harsh landscape.
In a Great Southern Land is an incredibly moving tale and the author’s notes at the end are equally as moving. Set aside some time, this is one book you won’t be able to put down.
*I received a review copy from the publisher
O’Connor has excelled with this emotional and heart-wrenching saga of a family striving for a new beginning in a foreign untamed land.
I love reading books on early Australian setters, both convicts and free settlers. I quite often find reading about the early days of Australia raw and confronting. In a Great Southern Land is no exception, although not as harsh as some I’ve read that delve into the atrocities against convicts and the aboriginals. O’Connor steers more towards the difficulties of living in a harsh, barren and isolated area and the budding romance between Kieran and Eve.
Irishman Kieran Clancy and his extended family have been granted free passage to New South Wales and a parcel of land on arrival. Kieran had a burning desire for vengeance against oppression. Their leaving doesn’t happen without much controversy and heartache.
Eve Richards finds herself without a job and back on the streets of Vauxhall, Liverpool. A misadventure with police ends with her in prison and sentenced to a life of servitude in Australia.
Kieran was a cocky Irishman very sure of himself but also sure of what was right and what was wrong. He would always put someone else’s safety and rights before his own. He lived his life passionately and impetuously. Always doing what was right.
The story follows Kieran working at the shipyard, in 1800’s Sydney, where he teams up with Dave spending their spare time drinking and fighting then moves on to the goldfields where, like so many others, they hoped to make their fortune.
Kieran’s brother Liam, sister Eileen her husband and three children settle on their property in Orange waiting for Kieran to join them.
A chance encounter with Kieran ends with Eve working as a servant and companion to the mistress of an isolated country property.
In a Great Southern Land encompasses what it means to be free incorporating the free settlers, convicts, the gold rush, Eureka Stockade, prejudice and the general hardships of a harsh landscape.
In a Great Southern Land is an incredibly moving tale and the author’s notes at the end are equally as moving. Set aside some time, this is one book you won’t be able to put down.
*I received a review copy from the publisher
February 11, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read: In A Great Southern Land by Mary-Anne O'Connor.
I enjoyed reading the story about Eve Richards and Kieran Clancy. It's a saga that goes from Kieran being a poor tenant farmer in Ireland, to being given a free passage and land in the new colony of Australia in the early 1850's.
Eve's is an Irish servant who's charged for a crime she didn't commit, she is sentenced to life and is sent to Australia aboard a convict ship. Her journey to Australia was horrible, so much harder than Kieran's and his families.
They both faced challenges in the new world and life was hard for both of them.
From the farmlands of NSW, to the gold fields of Ballart and the battlefield of the Eureka stockade.
It's a tale about finding justice, fighting for equality and finding love in a new country.
I did however find story to be a bit long, drawn out in stages and that's my only complaint.
If your interested in reading about the settlement of Australia and the challenges that new settlers and convicts faced, you should read this book!
I gave In A Great Southern Land three stars, I shared my review on NetGalley, Goodreads, Twitter, Australian Amazon and my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed reading the story about Eve Richards and Kieran Clancy. It's a saga that goes from Kieran being a poor tenant farmer in Ireland, to being given a free passage and land in the new colony of Australia in the early 1850's.
Eve's is an Irish servant who's charged for a crime she didn't commit, she is sentenced to life and is sent to Australia aboard a convict ship. Her journey to Australia was horrible, so much harder than Kieran's and his families.
They both faced challenges in the new world and life was hard for both of them.
From the farmlands of NSW, to the gold fields of Ballart and the battlefield of the Eureka stockade.
It's a tale about finding justice, fighting for equality and finding love in a new country.
I did however find story to be a bit long, drawn out in stages and that's my only complaint.
If your interested in reading about the settlement of Australia and the challenges that new settlers and convicts faced, you should read this book!
I gave In A Great Southern Land three stars, I shared my review on NetGalley, Goodreads, Twitter, Australian Amazon and my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
July 15, 2019
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
‘This was an opportunity. A fresh start in a new game. A chance.’
Mary-Anne O’Connor, the author of In a Great Southern Land, believes she is a lucky writer. O’Connor has a bevy of colourful yarns at her disposal, thanks to her family, who have issued her with a round of rich anecdotes from their past. Many of these stories have spurned the creation of the four novels Mary-Anne O’Connor has produced, to date. I am excited about the prospect of more of these stories coming to life in the near future. In a Great Southern Land is a wide-ranging Australian saga, and a strong testimony to colonial times, where freedom was almost impossible to attain.
Mary-Anne O’Connor is a gifted Australian storyteller, who has flair from bringing to life events of the past, within an all encompassing narrative. I have enjoyed each and every book I have read by Mary-Anne O’Connor. In a Great Southern Land sees O’Connor delve deep into the Australian history books, as she looks at one of the most significant moments in our early settlement years. In a Great Southern Land covers the events of the fateful Eureka Stockade. O’Connor also intertwines the life and times of a family that hails from Ireland, seeking a better life in the land of new opportunity. This compelling family story is told alongside the life of a young woman who wants to make a fresh start in Australia, after a terrible act of desperation. In a Great Southern Land is an absorbing tale, that really is a special treat for historical fiction fans.
Brotherhood and familial relationships form strong arc in this novel, sculpting the events of the book from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Clancy boys, from their humble beginnings and fight for freedom in Ireland, through to their new life in Australia. These two young men are engaging protagonists, with full and involving lives. I genuinely appreciated the chance to be acquainted with the Clancy brothers. Kieran’s life in particular was an eventful one, that often had me on the edge of my seat. There is denying the willpower and determination of these two brothers. Their bond, as well as their desire to seek opportunities anew, is reflected at many key moments of In a Great Southern Land. The enormity of the decision to embark on a new life in an almost alien territory hits the reader hard, and is depicted well by O’Connor.
‘Kieran stood and stared out at the harbour, observing the ships that has sailed from all corners to rest here, beneath the new set of stars. To bring people who needed to start again. People like himself.’
The other main player in this strong historical drama is Eve Richards. It was a true pleasure to follow Eve’s tale. Eve’s story is just one of many early settlement tales. Many women, just like Eve, made the best of what they were given, despite landing on the ends of the earth. For me, Eve’s story really magnified the height of the struggles faced by women in particular in this era. O’Connor draws our attention to their daily fight to overcome the sheer isolation, harshness and hardships prevalent during this time. Eve’s story also allows for a touch of historical romance to fly around this engaging tale.
The Eureka Stockade overshadows the events in this novel. There is a sense of impending doom that overhangs In a Great Southern Land, as the history books tell us that this was event that passed with a great deal of heartbreak, loss and bloodshed. Mary-Anne O’Connor’s presentation of this event is vivid, authentic and historically well informed. Although I am somewhat familiar with this regrettable, but revolutionary chapter in our history books, I was impressed by O’Connor’s depiction of the events. Most of all, I was surprised by the rich examination into the aftermath of the Eureka Stockade. O’Connor devotes a significant amount of time in her book to examining the long lasting impact of the Eureka Stockade, with a particular focus on the court proceedings. This opened my eyes to Australia as a new frontier in times past, clearly this was a time where freedom and rights was of the utmost importance. It made me grateful for our current climate and for the tough times our ancestors went through to secure our independence.
Mary-Anne O’Connor is clearly dedicated to bringing a strong sense of place to the pages of her latest novel. O’Connor manages to traverse the beauty of Ireland, with the barren lands of Australia, to the tough conditions of the goldfields and more. Each locale is painted with precision and authenticity, so the reader feels like that are standing with the characters, taking in all the setting has to offer.
Before I draw this review to a conclusion, I do need to urge any potential reader of In a Great Southern Land to take the time to visit the ‘Acknowledgements’ section of the book. Located at the close of the story, it offers an educative and enlightening insight into the process the author undertook to complete this epic novel. The most touching part of the Acknowledgements section was the author’s personal family connection to this story and I strongly feel that it provided further weight to this already amazing tale!
In a Great Southern Land is a book that undoubtedly leaves a strong imprint on your mind. As an Australian, it served as a reminder of the sacrifices, the blood, sweat, tears, love and devotion that was put into making a go of it in the new lucky country by our colonial era ancestors. In a Great Southern Land is another highly regarded novel from Mary-Anne O’Connor, a superior voice in Australian historical fiction.
‘This great southern land was wild and unpredictable, sometimes savage, sometimes beautiful, but like anywhere there was opportunity, if you sought to find it.’
*I wish to thank Harper Collins Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
In a Great Southern Land is book #98 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
‘This was an opportunity. A fresh start in a new game. A chance.’
Mary-Anne O’Connor, the author of In a Great Southern Land, believes she is a lucky writer. O’Connor has a bevy of colourful yarns at her disposal, thanks to her family, who have issued her with a round of rich anecdotes from their past. Many of these stories have spurned the creation of the four novels Mary-Anne O’Connor has produced, to date. I am excited about the prospect of more of these stories coming to life in the near future. In a Great Southern Land is a wide-ranging Australian saga, and a strong testimony to colonial times, where freedom was almost impossible to attain.
Mary-Anne O’Connor is a gifted Australian storyteller, who has flair from bringing to life events of the past, within an all encompassing narrative. I have enjoyed each and every book I have read by Mary-Anne O’Connor. In a Great Southern Land sees O’Connor delve deep into the Australian history books, as she looks at one of the most significant moments in our early settlement years. In a Great Southern Land covers the events of the fateful Eureka Stockade. O’Connor also intertwines the life and times of a family that hails from Ireland, seeking a better life in the land of new opportunity. This compelling family story is told alongside the life of a young woman who wants to make a fresh start in Australia, after a terrible act of desperation. In a Great Southern Land is an absorbing tale, that really is a special treat for historical fiction fans.
Brotherhood and familial relationships form strong arc in this novel, sculpting the events of the book from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Clancy boys, from their humble beginnings and fight for freedom in Ireland, through to their new life in Australia. These two young men are engaging protagonists, with full and involving lives. I genuinely appreciated the chance to be acquainted with the Clancy brothers. Kieran’s life in particular was an eventful one, that often had me on the edge of my seat. There is denying the willpower and determination of these two brothers. Their bond, as well as their desire to seek opportunities anew, is reflected at many key moments of In a Great Southern Land. The enormity of the decision to embark on a new life in an almost alien territory hits the reader hard, and is depicted well by O’Connor.
‘Kieran stood and stared out at the harbour, observing the ships that has sailed from all corners to rest here, beneath the new set of stars. To bring people who needed to start again. People like himself.’
The other main player in this strong historical drama is Eve Richards. It was a true pleasure to follow Eve’s tale. Eve’s story is just one of many early settlement tales. Many women, just like Eve, made the best of what they were given, despite landing on the ends of the earth. For me, Eve’s story really magnified the height of the struggles faced by women in particular in this era. O’Connor draws our attention to their daily fight to overcome the sheer isolation, harshness and hardships prevalent during this time. Eve’s story also allows for a touch of historical romance to fly around this engaging tale.
The Eureka Stockade overshadows the events in this novel. There is a sense of impending doom that overhangs In a Great Southern Land, as the history books tell us that this was event that passed with a great deal of heartbreak, loss and bloodshed. Mary-Anne O’Connor’s presentation of this event is vivid, authentic and historically well informed. Although I am somewhat familiar with this regrettable, but revolutionary chapter in our history books, I was impressed by O’Connor’s depiction of the events. Most of all, I was surprised by the rich examination into the aftermath of the Eureka Stockade. O’Connor devotes a significant amount of time in her book to examining the long lasting impact of the Eureka Stockade, with a particular focus on the court proceedings. This opened my eyes to Australia as a new frontier in times past, clearly this was a time where freedom and rights was of the utmost importance. It made me grateful for our current climate and for the tough times our ancestors went through to secure our independence.
Mary-Anne O’Connor is clearly dedicated to bringing a strong sense of place to the pages of her latest novel. O’Connor manages to traverse the beauty of Ireland, with the barren lands of Australia, to the tough conditions of the goldfields and more. Each locale is painted with precision and authenticity, so the reader feels like that are standing with the characters, taking in all the setting has to offer.
Before I draw this review to a conclusion, I do need to urge any potential reader of In a Great Southern Land to take the time to visit the ‘Acknowledgements’ section of the book. Located at the close of the story, it offers an educative and enlightening insight into the process the author undertook to complete this epic novel. The most touching part of the Acknowledgements section was the author’s personal family connection to this story and I strongly feel that it provided further weight to this already amazing tale!
In a Great Southern Land is a book that undoubtedly leaves a strong imprint on your mind. As an Australian, it served as a reminder of the sacrifices, the blood, sweat, tears, love and devotion that was put into making a go of it in the new lucky country by our colonial era ancestors. In a Great Southern Land is another highly regarded novel from Mary-Anne O’Connor, a superior voice in Australian historical fiction.
‘This great southern land was wild and unpredictable, sometimes savage, sometimes beautiful, but like anywhere there was opportunity, if you sought to find it.’
*I wish to thank Harper Collins Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
In a Great Southern Land is book #98 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
September 14, 2019
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**3.5 stars**
In A Great Southern Land by Mary-Anne O'Connor. (2019).
1851: after the death of her father, Eve is destitute. Unfortunate circumstances see her deported to the colony of NSW. But here fortune smiles on her in the shape of a respectable job offer. At the same time the fiery and charismatic Irishman Kieran crosses her path...
For Kieran, the promise of free passage and land in Australia was a chance to leave the grief and starvation of Ireland. Kieran is drawn to the goldfields where tensions are growing. Kieran finds himself caught up in the events at the Eureka Stockade and faces the decision of a lifetime: whether or not, when it comes to love, blood will remain thicker than water...
After reading some intense books/thrillers, this was a lovely easy read. The book alternates primarily between Eve and Kieran's point of views; at the beginning I think there was perhaps a bit too much time spent on one character before flipping to the other but from the middle this evens out a bit (other readers may not mind this at all, it was just something I noted). I particularly liked the sections of the book in relation to Kieran and his family as well as Kieran's experiences on the goldfields. Eve was likeable with unfortunate life circumstances and I both felt sorry for her but also got annoyed with her constant attitude that she had "sinned" and was a "sinner" and so deserved it when bad things happened to her. I understood that was appropriate for the time period and a woman of her class, I just found it slightly irritating as I felt it was mentioned a lot.
Overall I'd call this book a pleasant novel to read when you are looking for something without a lot of suspense and drama but still engaging.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**3.5 stars**
In A Great Southern Land by Mary-Anne O'Connor. (2019).
1851: after the death of her father, Eve is destitute. Unfortunate circumstances see her deported to the colony of NSW. But here fortune smiles on her in the shape of a respectable job offer. At the same time the fiery and charismatic Irishman Kieran crosses her path...
For Kieran, the promise of free passage and land in Australia was a chance to leave the grief and starvation of Ireland. Kieran is drawn to the goldfields where tensions are growing. Kieran finds himself caught up in the events at the Eureka Stockade and faces the decision of a lifetime: whether or not, when it comes to love, blood will remain thicker than water...
After reading some intense books/thrillers, this was a lovely easy read. The book alternates primarily between Eve and Kieran's point of views; at the beginning I think there was perhaps a bit too much time spent on one character before flipping to the other but from the middle this evens out a bit (other readers may not mind this at all, it was just something I noted). I particularly liked the sections of the book in relation to Kieran and his family as well as Kieran's experiences on the goldfields. Eve was likeable with unfortunate life circumstances and I both felt sorry for her but also got annoyed with her constant attitude that she had "sinned" and was a "sinner" and so deserved it when bad things happened to her. I understood that was appropriate for the time period and a woman of her class, I just found it slightly irritating as I felt it was mentioned a lot.
Overall I'd call this book a pleasant novel to read when you are looking for something without a lot of suspense and drama but still engaging.
February 1, 2020
I have had this book sitting on my TBR pile for a while now and I finally got to read it and I am sorry I didn’t read it earlier, this one hit the spot for me. I love a good story about earlier settlers here in Australia and this one was beautifully written with fabulous descriptions of the time and land. The characters were strong and honest with what they had been through and this was the first book from this author and I look forward to more.
The Clancy family Kieran, Liam, Eileen her husband Rory and their three sons are doing it tough in Ireland, it is 1851 and the family decide it is time to move across the world to The Great Southern Land, Australia, getting away doesn’t quite go to plan but they finally arrive in Sydney the family move to their land in Orange and Kieran stays in Sydney for a while and ends up in the goldfields, he does a bit of moving around.
Eve Richards is the daughter of the household butler she has had a good life but when her father dies her life is turned upside down, life can be very hard for a female in England in 1851 and soon she finds herself on a ship to Australia as a convict for the rest of her life, when she arrives a knight in shining armour turns up and her life is about to take a step in the right direction, she is meant to be with the kindest man on earth Kieran Clancy although it might be a while before they are together.
I really enjoyed this story there were so many struggles for Kieran and Eve and the Clancy family, Kieran ends up caught up in the terrible rebellion at the Eureka Stockade and Eve is in a shipwreck that changes her life again, but their love is never lost no matter what, this story is filled with emotions, happy, sad, anger and then so much joy, I do highly recommend this one, it was a page turner for me.
#20backlist2020
The Clancy family Kieran, Liam, Eileen her husband Rory and their three sons are doing it tough in Ireland, it is 1851 and the family decide it is time to move across the world to The Great Southern Land, Australia, getting away doesn’t quite go to plan but they finally arrive in Sydney the family move to their land in Orange and Kieran stays in Sydney for a while and ends up in the goldfields, he does a bit of moving around.
Eve Richards is the daughter of the household butler she has had a good life but when her father dies her life is turned upside down, life can be very hard for a female in England in 1851 and soon she finds herself on a ship to Australia as a convict for the rest of her life, when she arrives a knight in shining armour turns up and her life is about to take a step in the right direction, she is meant to be with the kindest man on earth Kieran Clancy although it might be a while before they are together.
I really enjoyed this story there were so many struggles for Kieran and Eve and the Clancy family, Kieran ends up caught up in the terrible rebellion at the Eureka Stockade and Eve is in a shipwreck that changes her life again, but their love is never lost no matter what, this story is filled with emotions, happy, sad, anger and then so much joy, I do highly recommend this one, it was a page turner for me.
#20backlist2020
March 10, 2019
I have just finished reading this wonderful novel, but I’m not sure my heart or my nerves could have taken much more. Mary-Anne O’Connor certainly put all my emotions through the wringer and my stress levels through the roof. Everytime I put the book down saying “Oh my god, I can’t read any more”, my offsider would tell me, “It’s only a story”, “No mate, it’s really not, it is so much more, I’m completely enmeshed in these peoples lives and this author is killing me!”
To read my full review https://clairesreadsandreviews.home.b...
To read my full review https://clairesreadsandreviews.home.b...
April 5, 2019
Thank you to HQ books and AM publicity for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.
This was a really interesting read, I thought the author captured all the characters’ emotions really well, and at times it was quite a powerful read, given the horrors that Kieran had initially endured, having the one he loved firstly cruelly snatched from him, then being separated from his beloved sister and brothers in law, only to find himself bearing the brunt to more violence in Australia, where it was meant to be a fresh start for him and his family!
I felt so sad for Eve throughout too, the fact that she had done nothing wrong, only that she had fallen victim to the false charms of a weathly man whilst in the employ of the rich (being a penniless orphan young woman herself), and she too gets shipped off to Australia for the rest of her life!
I did like the interaction between both Kieran and Eve, although for me personally I felt their relationship was a bit too fast for my liking, however I did admire their instant devotion to one another and the feeling of hope that came after finishing this novel. The ending was definitely an emotional surprise, and I was glad to see both Kieran and Eve see the end of this book after all they had gone through.
The author captured the hardships of Ireland really well, as well as Australia during 1855 where the Stockade was happening, it really gave me an idea of how laborious life must have been for the less fortunate people, and so much conflict! It was horrible, all because some people just wanted to remain standing up for their rights!
I think any fan of historical novels will enjoy this book!
This was a really interesting read, I thought the author captured all the characters’ emotions really well, and at times it was quite a powerful read, given the horrors that Kieran had initially endured, having the one he loved firstly cruelly snatched from him, then being separated from his beloved sister and brothers in law, only to find himself bearing the brunt to more violence in Australia, where it was meant to be a fresh start for him and his family!
I felt so sad for Eve throughout too, the fact that she had done nothing wrong, only that she had fallen victim to the false charms of a weathly man whilst in the employ of the rich (being a penniless orphan young woman herself), and she too gets shipped off to Australia for the rest of her life!
I did like the interaction between both Kieran and Eve, although for me personally I felt their relationship was a bit too fast for my liking, however I did admire their instant devotion to one another and the feeling of hope that came after finishing this novel. The ending was definitely an emotional surprise, and I was glad to see both Kieran and Eve see the end of this book after all they had gone through.
The author captured the hardships of Ireland really well, as well as Australia during 1855 where the Stockade was happening, it really gave me an idea of how laborious life must have been for the less fortunate people, and so much conflict! It was horrible, all because some people just wanted to remain standing up for their rights!
I think any fan of historical novels will enjoy this book!
March 19, 2019
‘This was opportunity. A fresh start in a new game. A chance.’
In 1851, the Clancy family of County Clare are offered free passage to Australia, and the promise of land to farm. Kieran, his brother Liam, their sister Eileen, her husband Rory and their children will travel together. It’s an opportunity for a new start, away from the poverty and famine, away from landlords.
In 1851 (in Liverpool, England), young Eve Richards loses first her father and then her position. Her struggle to survive sees her arrested, convicted and transported to New South Wales. A chance encounter with Kieran Clancy in Parramatta sees Eve assigned to a good position with a Captain and his wife.
Kieran is restless, and gold-fever draws him from the farm to the Victorian goldfields. He’s destined to meet Eve again, and perhaps they’ll have a life together. But kind-hearted Kieran, trying to help a mate, finds himself caught up in the events of the Eureka Stockade. And Eve, thinking him lost, is shipwrecked while sailing to Adelaide.
If you want to know how it all ends, then you’ll need to read it for yourself. It’s a lovely story in which both coincidence and luck have a part to play. If you enjoy historical fiction set in colonial Australia, then you may wish to add this novel to your reading list. While some aspects of the story worked for me better than others, I enjoyed Ms O’Connor’s depiction of events and places. And I always enjoy a (mostly) happy ending.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and HQ Fiction for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In 1851, the Clancy family of County Clare are offered free passage to Australia, and the promise of land to farm. Kieran, his brother Liam, their sister Eileen, her husband Rory and their children will travel together. It’s an opportunity for a new start, away from the poverty and famine, away from landlords.
In 1851 (in Liverpool, England), young Eve Richards loses first her father and then her position. Her struggle to survive sees her arrested, convicted and transported to New South Wales. A chance encounter with Kieran Clancy in Parramatta sees Eve assigned to a good position with a Captain and his wife.
Kieran is restless, and gold-fever draws him from the farm to the Victorian goldfields. He’s destined to meet Eve again, and perhaps they’ll have a life together. But kind-hearted Kieran, trying to help a mate, finds himself caught up in the events of the Eureka Stockade. And Eve, thinking him lost, is shipwrecked while sailing to Adelaide.
If you want to know how it all ends, then you’ll need to read it for yourself. It’s a lovely story in which both coincidence and luck have a part to play. If you enjoy historical fiction set in colonial Australia, then you may wish to add this novel to your reading list. While some aspects of the story worked for me better than others, I enjoyed Ms O’Connor’s depiction of events and places. And I always enjoy a (mostly) happy ending.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and HQ Fiction for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
August 8, 2021
From the soft green hills of Ireland to the wild Shipwreck Coast of southern Victoria,the rich farm lands of NSW to the sudden battlefields of Ballarat,an epic story of the cost of freedom and the value of love in a far-flung corner of the world where a nation sows it's earliest seeds.1851:After the death of her father, young Eve Richards is destitute. Her struggle to survive sees her deported in chains to the colony of New South Wales, penniless and alone.But here in this strange new world fortune smiles on the spirited, clever Eve in the shape of a respectable job offer that will lead to a quiet, secure life.Then the fiery and charismatic Irishman Kieran Clancy crosses her path..For Kieran Clancy, the kindest man on earth, and his brother Liam,the promise of free passage and land in this brave new world is a chance to leave the grief and starvation of County Clare behind.But while Liam works to farm their land,Kieran has the fire of gold-fever upon him and is drawn to the goldfields of Ballarat.As tensions grow on the goldfields,and with the blood of an Irish rebel still beating through his heart,Kieran finds himself caught up in the cataclysmic events at the Eureka Stockade and faces the decision of a lifetime:when it comes to love,will blood remain thicker than water?The Eureka Rebellion was instigated by gold miners in Ballarat,who revolted against the colonial authority of the UK.It culminated in the Battle of the Eureka Stockade,which was fought between rebels and Australian colonial forces on 3 December 1854 at Eureka Lead and named after a stockade structure built by miners prior to the conflict.The rebellion resulted in at least 27 deaths and many injuries,the main casualties being rebels.When the captured rebels faced trial in Melbourne,mass public support led to their release and resulted in the introduction of the Electoral Act 1856,which mandated suffrage for male colonists in the lower house in the Victorian parliament.This is considered the second instituted act of political democracy in Australia.Between 1788-1868,about 162,000 convicts were transported from Britain and Ireland to various penal colonies in Australia.
July 2, 2019
I was ready to listen to a lilting brogue, expecting to be charmed. I wanted to be captivated, grabbed and have my heart wrung. But the promise of true love unfolding was nothing but blarney. I settled for pretty words in long sentences. Shallow characters that never attempted to jump off the pages and treat me to a rollick, the likes of which I'd never felt before. And unfortunate it was that a history lesson was dumped by the school ma'am at the rear-end of the story when I had waited to feel this love in a southern land unfold the whole time. It was indeed luck of Irish that I kept panning enough to finish the pages of this book that could have been wrapped up in a fraction of the time.
June 5, 2020
I’m still thinking about this book days after I finished it. That’s a 5 star book to me.
April 18, 2019
4.5 stars http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
‘The great southern land,’ Liam said, looking at him, then laughing at his own incredible words. ‘I’m still trying to believe it.’
This is a really great story that I thoroughly enjoyed - quite the saga with both lead characters starting out in Ireland and then ending up in Australia. Firstly there is Kieran, a poor tenant farmer, who (with his family) gains free passage to the Australian colonies to farm. Then there is Eve, a servant, charged with a crime she did not commit and sent to the colonies on a convict ship. This is their story, inclusive of the challenges they faced from firstly, their time in Ireland, to adjusting to life in the colonies.
Firstly this book is a love story with a fair amount of Irish luck involved with coincidences. Still, if you enjoy historical fiction of this era, then you will revel in the times and circumstances. While some meetings were difficult to believe, you let it go as there is just so much to love about so many of these characters. There is a breadth and depth to the people you will meet and it adds a real richness to the story with a few good twists towards the end.
Secondly, this book incorporates a range of places and events highlighting many significant occurrences from history. From the harsh life in Ireland, to being onboard a convict ship, resettlement and farming in the colonies, life on the goldfields in the 1850s culminating in the momentus Eureka Stockade. I felt Mary-Anne’s retelling of key events in colonial history to be highly engaging, bringing to life what it would have been like in a wide range of scenarios. Her research and in depth presentation of the Eureka battle, especially the consequent fallout, was a certain highlight.
Finally, if you delve deeper and take into account the detail Mary-Anne has gone into, this is a tale of injustices and the fight for equality and rights. Through the story of key individuals, you are shown what it was like to love, to lose, to fight, to win, in a search for a new beginning and true love. The desire to leave behind the controlling gentry in an effort to forge freedoms in an new land.
I was thoroughly impressed and absorbed in this high quality historical drama - the story is rich and filled with emotions, all tied together with factual accounts of major historical events related to Australia’s colonial history. I highly recommend this book.
‘We’ve crossed one to be here, don’t forget,’ he said more softly now, taking her hands again, ‘for different reasons and from different worlds, but somehow we’re standing under the same sky.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release
‘The great southern land,’ Liam said, looking at him, then laughing at his own incredible words. ‘I’m still trying to believe it.’
This is a really great story that I thoroughly enjoyed - quite the saga with both lead characters starting out in Ireland and then ending up in Australia. Firstly there is Kieran, a poor tenant farmer, who (with his family) gains free passage to the Australian colonies to farm. Then there is Eve, a servant, charged with a crime she did not commit and sent to the colonies on a convict ship. This is their story, inclusive of the challenges they faced from firstly, their time in Ireland, to adjusting to life in the colonies.
Firstly this book is a love story with a fair amount of Irish luck involved with coincidences. Still, if you enjoy historical fiction of this era, then you will revel in the times and circumstances. While some meetings were difficult to believe, you let it go as there is just so much to love about so many of these characters. There is a breadth and depth to the people you will meet and it adds a real richness to the story with a few good twists towards the end.
Secondly, this book incorporates a range of places and events highlighting many significant occurrences from history. From the harsh life in Ireland, to being onboard a convict ship, resettlement and farming in the colonies, life on the goldfields in the 1850s culminating in the momentus Eureka Stockade. I felt Mary-Anne’s retelling of key events in colonial history to be highly engaging, bringing to life what it would have been like in a wide range of scenarios. Her research and in depth presentation of the Eureka battle, especially the consequent fallout, was a certain highlight.
Finally, if you delve deeper and take into account the detail Mary-Anne has gone into, this is a tale of injustices and the fight for equality and rights. Through the story of key individuals, you are shown what it was like to love, to lose, to fight, to win, in a search for a new beginning and true love. The desire to leave behind the controlling gentry in an effort to forge freedoms in an new land.
I was thoroughly impressed and absorbed in this high quality historical drama - the story is rich and filled with emotions, all tied together with factual accounts of major historical events related to Australia’s colonial history. I highly recommend this book.
‘We’ve crossed one to be here, don’t forget,’ he said more softly now, taking her hands again, ‘for different reasons and from different worlds, but somehow we’re standing under the same sky.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release
May 9, 2019
A lovely historical style novel. I found it to be a nice, easy read and enjoyed the historical aspect woven into the story. The characters were likeable and well written, a few too many coincidences in the story for my liking. Enjoyable overall, but nothing ground breaking.
February 14, 2020
A nice enough romantic story but there were too many glaring historical errors.
March 5, 2020
Wouldn't race back to read it again, as it certainly dragged on. However, it was interesting learning a little snapshot of what life was like back then!
September 28, 2020
From the soft green hills of Ireland to the wild Shipwreck Coast of southern Victoria, the rich farm lands of New South Wales to the sudden battlefields of Ballarat, this is an epic story of the cost of freedom and the value of love in a far-flung corner of the world where a new nation struggles to be born.
1851: After the death of her father, young Eve Richards is destitute. Her struggle to survive sees her deported in chains to the colony of New South Wales, penniless and alone. But here in this strange new world fortune smiles on the spirited, clever Eve in the shape of a respectable job offer that will lead to a quiet, secure life. Then the fiery and charismatic Irishman Kieran Clancy crosses her path…
For Kieran Clancy, the kindest man on earth, and his brother Liam, the promise of free passage and land in this brave new world is a chance to leave the grief and starvation of County Clare behind. But while Liam works to farm their land, Kieran has the fire of gold-fever upon him and is drawn to the goldfields of Ballarat. As tensions grow on the goldfields, and with the blood of an Irish rebel still beating through his heart, Kieran finds himself caught up in the cataclysmic events at the Eureka Stockade and faces the decision of a lifetime: whether or not, when it comes to love, blood will remain thicker than water…
My review
I really enjoyed the first half of the book. Eve’s struggles as a servant in Liverpool with her master of the house Robert (and how he used her) coupled with the Clancy’s story in Ireland. I haven’t read many historical fictions regarding families moving to Australia as farmers or as convicts.
The author has captured the hard world beautifully in the first half. I liked the way she depicted the hardness of the ship passage over and how she dealt with the loss of Eileens baby daughter with such compassion.
I did find the story a bit vanilla throughout the middle. The romance between Eve and Kieran was a little nauseating and overstated, but that is my preference for romance. Less is more, show don’t tell.
The facts surrounding the Eureka Stockade was well researched and thoughtfully presented.
Eves deception of the Clancy’s when she washes up upon Warnoombool shore with the deception that she was Amanda Cartwright (married to naval Captain Cartwright) was not the strongest piece of writing, though it did reflect on what she would have had to have done as an unmarried pregnant woman. I just felt sorry for Liam whom I thought Eve might have ended up with.
I’m glad the mix up with Kieran being dead didn’t last long in the novel.
Obviously Eve and Kieran end up together with their baby in the end and I was pleased to see Liam undertaking some adventures of his own rather than always being the dutiful, intelligent, hard working brother on the Clancy Farm.
1851: After the death of her father, young Eve Richards is destitute. Her struggle to survive sees her deported in chains to the colony of New South Wales, penniless and alone. But here in this strange new world fortune smiles on the spirited, clever Eve in the shape of a respectable job offer that will lead to a quiet, secure life. Then the fiery and charismatic Irishman Kieran Clancy crosses her path…
For Kieran Clancy, the kindest man on earth, and his brother Liam, the promise of free passage and land in this brave new world is a chance to leave the grief and starvation of County Clare behind. But while Liam works to farm their land, Kieran has the fire of gold-fever upon him and is drawn to the goldfields of Ballarat. As tensions grow on the goldfields, and with the blood of an Irish rebel still beating through his heart, Kieran finds himself caught up in the cataclysmic events at the Eureka Stockade and faces the decision of a lifetime: whether or not, when it comes to love, blood will remain thicker than water…
My review
I really enjoyed the first half of the book. Eve’s struggles as a servant in Liverpool with her master of the house Robert (and how he used her) coupled with the Clancy’s story in Ireland. I haven’t read many historical fictions regarding families moving to Australia as farmers or as convicts.
The author has captured the hard world beautifully in the first half. I liked the way she depicted the hardness of the ship passage over and how she dealt with the loss of Eileens baby daughter with such compassion.
I did find the story a bit vanilla throughout the middle. The romance between Eve and Kieran was a little nauseating and overstated, but that is my preference for romance. Less is more, show don’t tell.
The facts surrounding the Eureka Stockade was well researched and thoughtfully presented.
Eves deception of the Clancy’s when she washes up upon Warnoombool shore with the deception that she was Amanda Cartwright (married to naval Captain Cartwright) was not the strongest piece of writing, though it did reflect on what she would have had to have done as an unmarried pregnant woman. I just felt sorry for Liam whom I thought Eve might have ended up with.
I’m glad the mix up with Kieran being dead didn’t last long in the novel.
Obviously Eve and Kieran end up together with their baby in the end and I was pleased to see Liam undertaking some adventures of his own rather than always being the dutiful, intelligent, hard working brother on the Clancy Farm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2019
**4.5 stars**
A beautiful story unlike anything I have read before.
In a Great Southern Land follows two central characters. First we have Irishman Kieran Clancy who is gifted land in Australia and leaves behind poverty stricken Ireland with his family. Then we have Eve, and English servant who is left destitute and due to unfortunate circumstances finds herself a convict destined to serve a life sentence in the colonies of Australia.
I have not read a lot of Australian historical fiction, as it has never really been an area of interest of mine. However, I thought this book was really interesting and I think it showcased many of the different reasons people chose/ were forced to come to Australia and about the hardships they faced before leaving their homeland and once arriving in Australia. I think one of the elements that I liked in this book was the clear definition of social hierarchy that existed in Australia which is not something I had ever particularly thought about. Everything that people were running from back in their homelands still existed in Australia, yet it was an opportunity to form something new.
I also really enjoyed the segments of this story about the Eureka Stockade. I actually live relatively close to Ballarat where much of this story takes place and I really did not know much about the Eureka Stockade and I really never connected the winning communities with nationalist movements. I loved reading about this and I can't wait to explore more about the Gold Rush in Ballarat through further reading.
What I liked:
=>I loved how this was told through a love story. I think that there was so much factual information in here that if that was the focus of the story it could have bogged the novel down. However, because you are so focused on Eve and Kieran it makes the story a little more lighthearted.
=> I loved how the author drew on her own heritage and her family's immigration story to inspire the Clancy family. You could sense her passion on these subjects and that made me more excited to want to read along.
=>I liked how the author really focused on how Australia could be a land of opportunity and freedom.
What I did not like:
=>
=>
=>
Overall, a great read. Highly recommend!
A beautiful story unlike anything I have read before.
In a Great Southern Land follows two central characters. First we have Irishman Kieran Clancy who is gifted land in Australia and leaves behind poverty stricken Ireland with his family. Then we have Eve, and English servant who is left destitute and due to unfortunate circumstances finds herself a convict destined to serve a life sentence in the colonies of Australia.
I have not read a lot of Australian historical fiction, as it has never really been an area of interest of mine. However, I thought this book was really interesting and I think it showcased many of the different reasons people chose/ were forced to come to Australia and about the hardships they faced before leaving their homeland and once arriving in Australia. I think one of the elements that I liked in this book was the clear definition of social hierarchy that existed in Australia which is not something I had ever particularly thought about. Everything that people were running from back in their homelands still existed in Australia, yet it was an opportunity to form something new.
I also really enjoyed the segments of this story about the Eureka Stockade. I actually live relatively close to Ballarat where much of this story takes place and I really did not know much about the Eureka Stockade and I really never connected the winning communities with nationalist movements. I loved reading about this and I can't wait to explore more about the Gold Rush in Ballarat through further reading.
What I liked:
=>I loved how this was told through a love story. I think that there was so much factual information in here that if that was the focus of the story it could have bogged the novel down. However, because you are so focused on Eve and Kieran it makes the story a little more lighthearted.
=> I loved how the author drew on her own heritage and her family's immigration story to inspire the Clancy family. You could sense her passion on these subjects and that made me more excited to want to read along.
=>I liked how the author really focused on how Australia could be a land of opportunity and freedom.
What I did not like:
=>
=>
=>
Overall, a great read. Highly recommend!
June 7, 2019
Book blurb...
From the soft green hills of Ireland to the wild Shipwreck Coast of southern Victoria, the rich farm lands of New South Wales to the sudden battlefields of Ballarat, this is an epic story of the cost of freedom and the value of love in a far-flung corner of the world where a nation sows its earliest seeds.
1851: After the death of her father, young Eve Richards is destitute. Her struggle to survive sees her deported in chains to the colony of New South Wales, penniless and alone. But here in this strange new world fortune smiles on the spirited, clever Eve in the shape of a respectable job offer that will lead to a quiet, secure life. Then the fiery and charismatic Irishman Kieran Clancy crosses her path...
For Kieran Clancy, the kindest man on earth, and his brother Liam, the promise of free passage and land in this brave new world is a chance to leave the grief and starvation of County Clare behind. But while Liam works to farm their land, Kieran has the fire of gold-fever upon him and is drawn to the goldfields of Ballarat. As tensions grow on the goldfields, and with the blood of an Irish rebel still beating through his heart, Kieran finds himself caught up in the cataclysmic events at the Eureka Stockade and faces the decision of a lifetime: whether or not, when it comes to love, blood will remain thicker than water...
My thoughts…
The hardships represented in this story fascinated me, leaving me grateful our modern day bares no resemblance to colonial Australia of the 1800’s.
For me, this story is about love and self belief. It's well plotted and realistic. My only comment is some plot elements seem too convenient. (As the title suggests, we live in a vast land and I think the ability for people to find each other—especially in the 1800's—seemed a little contrived. But, hey! It’s fiction and the story captivated me. That’s what matters. I loved all it’s characters—flawed, or not. In saying that, there may have been one I wanted to throttle back in Ireland. You will know who when you read the story.
Thank you for a great read and I look forward to the next story. Australian authors, we would be lost without you!
This review is also published on http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
From the soft green hills of Ireland to the wild Shipwreck Coast of southern Victoria, the rich farm lands of New South Wales to the sudden battlefields of Ballarat, this is an epic story of the cost of freedom and the value of love in a far-flung corner of the world where a nation sows its earliest seeds.
1851: After the death of her father, young Eve Richards is destitute. Her struggle to survive sees her deported in chains to the colony of New South Wales, penniless and alone. But here in this strange new world fortune smiles on the spirited, clever Eve in the shape of a respectable job offer that will lead to a quiet, secure life. Then the fiery and charismatic Irishman Kieran Clancy crosses her path...
For Kieran Clancy, the kindest man on earth, and his brother Liam, the promise of free passage and land in this brave new world is a chance to leave the grief and starvation of County Clare behind. But while Liam works to farm their land, Kieran has the fire of gold-fever upon him and is drawn to the goldfields of Ballarat. As tensions grow on the goldfields, and with the blood of an Irish rebel still beating through his heart, Kieran finds himself caught up in the cataclysmic events at the Eureka Stockade and faces the decision of a lifetime: whether or not, when it comes to love, blood will remain thicker than water...
My thoughts…
The hardships represented in this story fascinated me, leaving me grateful our modern day bares no resemblance to colonial Australia of the 1800’s.
For me, this story is about love and self belief. It's well plotted and realistic. My only comment is some plot elements seem too convenient. (As the title suggests, we live in a vast land and I think the ability for people to find each other—especially in the 1800's—seemed a little contrived. But, hey! It’s fiction and the story captivated me. That’s what matters. I loved all it’s characters—flawed, or not. In saying that, there may have been one I wanted to throttle back in Ireland. You will know who when you read the story.
Thank you for a great read and I look forward to the next story. Australian authors, we would be lost without you!
This review is also published on http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
August 23, 2020
https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=1080
I loved the fact that the characters and story were inspired by the author’s own Irish ancestors. It’s so important these stories of our forebears are told, not only to keep the stories themselves alive, but also to signal our beginnings as a modern nation. In these arguably much easier times, it is hard to imagine life before electricity, clean running water, accessible medicine, education, motorised transport, electronic communication devices and nearby grocery stories. The women and men who lived in the 1850’s had none of these things, yet still managed to love, laugh, establish families, argue, hold grudges, have fun, make music, learn, travel and earn a living. Just as we do today.
A big part of the plot of In a Great Southern Land centres on the story of the Eureka rebellion, when miners banded together against the injustices of the colonial authorities, ultimately facing off at the doomed Eureka Stockade. This battle is up there with Ned Kelly and Gallipoli in terms of iconic Australian history, but I sometimes wonder how many Australians know much about it or about the injustices that sparked the rebellion. Mary-Anne O’Connor has deftly woven these events in and around the stories of her characters and it makes an effective climax for her novel
In a Great Southern Land
Mary-Anne O'Connor
I loved the fact that the characters and story were inspired by the author’s own Irish ancestors. It’s so important these stories of our forebears are told, not only to keep the stories themselves alive, but also to signal our beginnings as a modern nation. In these arguably much easier times, it is hard to imagine life before electricity, clean running water, accessible medicine, education, motorised transport, electronic communication devices and nearby grocery stories. The women and men who lived in the 1850’s had none of these things, yet still managed to love, laugh, establish families, argue, hold grudges, have fun, make music, learn, travel and earn a living. Just as we do today.
A big part of the plot of In a Great Southern Land centres on the story of the Eureka rebellion, when miners banded together against the injustices of the colonial authorities, ultimately facing off at the doomed Eureka Stockade. This battle is up there with Ned Kelly and Gallipoli in terms of iconic Australian history, but I sometimes wonder how many Australians know much about it or about the injustices that sparked the rebellion. Mary-Anne O’Connor has deftly woven these events in and around the stories of her characters and it makes an effective climax for her novel
In a Great Southern Land
Mary-Anne O'Connor
March 19, 2019
This has been an interesting and at times fascinating book to read. I enjoyed getting to know Kieran and Eve, learning about the challenges they faced both before and after arriving in Australia in the mid nineteenth century.
The story is very strongly built around the Australian history of that time. There is a glimpse of early Sydney and the difficulties faced by both newly arrived convicts and the poor early settlers. There are the gold mines in both NSW and Victoria and the hardships faced by the miners trying to eke out a living in very tough conditions. There is also a strong emphasis on justice and equity.
There is a lot to like about this story because ultimately it is about hope. Unfortunately, for me, there was just too much going on - an attempt by the author to weave in as much history to the story as possible. The result is that the pacing is quite slow for much of the book. I struggled to stay interested in the story at times and it felt like a much longer book than it actually was. Having said that, it is a good story. The characters are nicely rounded and believable and I think that this was what kept me turning the pages. I wanted confirmation that all would be well and I got it in the end.
The story is very strongly built around the Australian history of that time. There is a glimpse of early Sydney and the difficulties faced by both newly arrived convicts and the poor early settlers. There are the gold mines in both NSW and Victoria and the hardships faced by the miners trying to eke out a living in very tough conditions. There is also a strong emphasis on justice and equity.
There is a lot to like about this story because ultimately it is about hope. Unfortunately, for me, there was just too much going on - an attempt by the author to weave in as much history to the story as possible. The result is that the pacing is quite slow for much of the book. I struggled to stay interested in the story at times and it felt like a much longer book than it actually was. Having said that, it is a good story. The characters are nicely rounded and believable and I think that this was what kept me turning the pages. I wanted confirmation that all would be well and I got it in the end.
May 2, 2021
This book had everything I love: characters with depth and an intriguing plot buoyed by Australian history.
It follows the story of two people whose paths are destined for colonial Australia: Kieran Clancy, who leaves Ireland with his family on the promise of owning their own land, and Eve Richards, a young English girl who is transported to NSW for a crime she didn’t commit. Here their paths cross and the challenges of life in an unforgiving new land, along with events on the Victorian goldfields and the building climax of the Eureka Stockade, threaten to take everything they have worked so hard for.
O’Connor deftly winds together her imagined plot and characters with real life events to deliver a powerful story. The plot gallops to a climatic finale, the conclusion of which is panic-inducing for anyone who knows the history of the Eureka Stockade. But the story doesn’t end there, adding twists and turns that deliver a satisfying, if slightly improbable, ending.
Another great read from an Aussie author who knows how to tell a slapping good story.
It follows the story of two people whose paths are destined for colonial Australia: Kieran Clancy, who leaves Ireland with his family on the promise of owning their own land, and Eve Richards, a young English girl who is transported to NSW for a crime she didn’t commit. Here their paths cross and the challenges of life in an unforgiving new land, along with events on the Victorian goldfields and the building climax of the Eureka Stockade, threaten to take everything they have worked so hard for.
O’Connor deftly winds together her imagined plot and characters with real life events to deliver a powerful story. The plot gallops to a climatic finale, the conclusion of which is panic-inducing for anyone who knows the history of the Eureka Stockade. But the story doesn’t end there, adding twists and turns that deliver a satisfying, if slightly improbable, ending.
Another great read from an Aussie author who knows how to tell a slapping good story.
February 16, 2020
I am low key falling in love with this author!
This is the second book I’ve read of hers and I just can’t get enough!
‘A Great Southern Land’ makes me proud to be an Australian! This book offers unbelievable insight into the very foundation of our government and history.
Through the intertwining story of two immigrants (one good looking Irish male, and one also attractive yet unfairly charged convict) this novel displays how our political history unfolded through the gold mining days and the rebellion of the eureka stock aid. I honestly learnt so much without even realising.
It is so easy to fall in love with every one of her characters (especially Dave!) and I am already starting another of her works.
5/5 Stars! 🙌🏼
This is the second book I’ve read of hers and I just can’t get enough!
‘A Great Southern Land’ makes me proud to be an Australian! This book offers unbelievable insight into the very foundation of our government and history.
Through the intertwining story of two immigrants (one good looking Irish male, and one also attractive yet unfairly charged convict) this novel displays how our political history unfolded through the gold mining days and the rebellion of the eureka stock aid. I honestly learnt so much without even realising.
It is so easy to fall in love with every one of her characters (especially Dave!) and I am already starting another of her works.
5/5 Stars! 🙌🏼
April 23, 2020
This novel called to me when browsing the book aisle of a shop in Coff’s Harbour in NSW. I began reading it upon my return to the UK and it had a solid start. Honestly, the story is very intricate and well weaved, it has many layers which add to the hostility of the time period. It did lose me a little near the middle, and I was thinking it’d be a 3 star rating from me...however, the latter part of the book and the twist that ensues, brought it right back to a 4; would recommend, for sure! Very powerful and super respectful to the people who lived in this time and I do have to say how much I appreciate the ‘With Respect’ section at the end of the novel, huge respect from me there, as a reader and lover of Australia.
September 5, 2021
An overly romantic retelling of Australia's bloody past that ultimately paints colonisation in a positive light. Some of the storylines were unnecessary and just created a sense of unfinished business (Liam in particular). Also, there were several points in the book where the story just leaps to a different time/place/POV with no warning whatsoever. The effect is jarring and confusing. Plus, there is SO MUCH talk about "women's original sin" and the consequences of having sex before marriage, blah blah blah. It was tiresome and I ended up disliking Eve because of it, even tho I always root for the underdog women in stories. I finished the book because I needed to know how it ended, but even that was a let down. Wouldn't recommend.
July 12, 2025
An easy read but I didn't like the style of writing. The love story was average and unfortunately this made up most of the novel. The best part being the 'historical' story about the Eureka Stokade using both fictional and non-fictional characters. A colonisation story that despite being published in 2019, made only the barest reference to Australia's indigenous peoples. It focused more on the Irish settlers and the oppression they were experiencing from the British.... did this make them blind to the oppression they were imposing on the indigenous people? Reading this novel would lead one to think so.
March 27, 2019
I've been reading the book in preparation for an interview with author, Mary-Anne O'Connor, on community radio Alpine Radio 96.5FM in NE Victoria. It's a tale of hardship, family ties, the quest for justice and its consequences in the early days of Australia's settlement. It is also a love story and the chance encounters that can change lives. Mary-Anne writes from the heart, drawing on her love of Australian landscapes and her family's Irish heritage, as well as her deep interest in the events that shaped the birth of modern Australia.
April 26, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this epic saga of family, hardships, love and quest for justice. A rich and heartfelt story that you can easily immerse yourself in with fantastic characters and historical information deftly interwoven to give you a great insight into the early period of Australian history. I was able to emotionally connect with In A Great Southern Land, which is what I look for in a great historical fiction novel.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace Book Club and Harlequin Australia for providing a copy for review.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace Book Club and Harlequin Australia for providing a copy for review.
June 4, 2019
In the 1850’s leaving Ireland for the wilds’ of colonial New South Wales would have been something of a daunting task. Through her characters in the story, Mary-Anne O’Connor captures the harsh times of leaving your homeland to create a new life during times of ‘gold fever’ - A prominent time in Australia’s rich colonial history. ‘In A Great Southern land’ is beautifully created and crafted to capture despair, relief, pride and principle during historically significant times in Australia. An enjoyable read!
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