Being Lucy: The Story of a Mountain Recluse

by Dale Lorna Jacobsen

In the shadow of Victoria’s rugged High Country, two lonely huts keep the memory of a woman who chose silence over society.
Her name was Lucy Strobridge, a recluse who built a life of quiet strength among the wild mountains of Gippsland.
In Being Lucy: The Story of a Mountain Recluse, Dale Lorna Jacobsen transforms a little-known fragment of Australian history into a haunting tale of freedom, endurance, and the human need for belonging. Inspired by true events, this beautifully written historical novel explores what it means to live on one’s own terms and the price of peace found in solitude.

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2018

About the author

Dale Lorna Jacobsen is an award-winning Australian author and freelance writer who brings history to life through richly human stories of courage, resilience, and connection to place. Based in the bush near Maleny, Queensland, Dale draws inspiration from Australia’s landscapes and the forgotten voices that shaped its past.

A passionate storyteller of grass-roots history, she has written across historical fiction, biography, and nonfiction, capturing real people and pivotal moments with emotional depth and meticulous research. Her novels include Union Jack, a gripping political intrigue set in 1920s Queensland, Yenohan’s Legacy, a heartfelt tale of love and life in Australia’s High Country, and Being Lucy, inspired by the true story of Lucy Strobridge, a remarkable recluse of the Gippsland ranges.

Beyond fiction, Dale’s nonfiction works such as Antarctic Engineer and Why Antarctica? A Ross Sea Odyssey chronicle extraordinary lives and adventures, including her own unforgettable journeys to the icy continent.

Her writing has earned multiple awards, including the ABC Short Story Award for The Pilot, and her work has featured in educational programs and regional publications. Whether exploring the outback, Antarctica, or the quiet heroism of ordinary people, Dale’s stories invite readers to discover the spirit of endurance and wonder that runs through human history.

Follow Dale here on Goodreads to explore her books, discover untold Australian stories, and join her continuing journey through the worlds of history, adventure, and the human heart.

Reviews

[Sally Varner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning

I really didn't think I would even read this book, but then I found I couldn't put it down. It's been a long time since I've read cover to cover without stopping. A very touching story, sad, but also inspiring.

[Lucinda Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. As a loner and somebody who likes to get lost in nature (can't say wilderness here in the UK), I do sometimes entertain the idea of living off grid and being self-sufficient. Reading this book brought some idea about how it could be. Lucy is a very interesting character and I saw her character in two ways: in one way, she is a fiercely independent woman who lives a very happy life the way she wants to live her life; in the other way, I had to wonder about how her life would be if she were born to a different family where she would be given opportunities, education and her talents were supported. She would thrive in both versions of life, certainly. Never knowing the difference, she had done her best in life of poverty and isolation. The mountains and woods were her true home and the animals and nature her family and friends. This book also shows really well that there is no such thing as true independence. Even though Lucy doesn't like people and has reason not to trust them, she finds herself missing those that are gone. And even though she wants to do everything by herself, she needs help and people know it and support her and accept her and her way of life. Which is lucky, because it is very obvious that sometimes, we all need help. The links between the community are a very touching part of the story.

[Mercy Ola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Lucy is one of those rare novels that takes a seemingly ordinary, almost forgotten life and turns it into something unforgettable. Dale Lorna Jacobsen brings Lucy Strobridge out of the shadows of the Victorian High Country and gives her story the dignity, depth, and humanity it deserves.

The writing is atmospheric, you can almost smell the woodsmoke from the hut, hear the silence of the mountains, and feel the solitude that defined Lucy’s existence. What struck me most was how Jacobsen balanced fact and fiction, weaving historical truth with heartfelt imagination in a way that feels seamless and authentic.

This isn’t just historical fiction. It’s a meditation on resilience, isolation, and the power of untold stories. A truly captivating read for anyone who loves Australian history, strong female characters, or novels that linger long after the last page.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This synopsis immediately drew me in. There’s something hauntingly beautiful about stories rooted in real lives, especially those of people like Lucy Strobridge who lived in isolation and left behind only fragments of their story. The contrast between the two huts already paints a vivid picture of the rugged, remote setting, and it feels like the book will capture both the hardships and the quiet strength of such a life. I admire that the author blends fact with fiction to give voice to someone history might have forgotten. It sounds like a heartfelt and atmospheric read, perfect for those who enjoy stories with a deep sense of place and humanity.