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Sisters of the Southern Cross
Queensland, Australia 1936
Sister Claire McAuliffe has been called from Dungarvan, County Waterford, to do God’s work in Jumaaroo, Queensland. Along with four other sisters she is charged with setting up a Catholic school for the education of the gold rush families. But life between the tropical Australian rainforest and azure ocean is far from the spectacular paradise it seems.
Sister Claire finds life challenging in more ways than she can count, the heat, the terrifying creatures that lurk in every nook and cranny, the crocodiles and snakes, but far more worrying is the constant presence of the much loved mayor of Jumaaroo, Joseph McGrath. Why does a person so respected give Claire such cause for concern? Is it the cruel way he speaks about the Aboriginal people who live on the mission? A closed community run by a peculiar religious leader who seems to deeply resent the arrival of the nuns?
As Claire learns of the manner in which the Bundagulgi are treated, she is forced to act, but nobody wants to upset the status quo, and a meddlesome nun suddenly is a dangerous one.
Sister Claire McAuliffe has been called from Dungarvan, County Waterford, to do God’s work in Jumaaroo, Queensland. Along with four other sisters she is charged with setting up a Catholic school for the education of the gold rush families. But life between the tropical Australian rainforest and azure ocean is far from the spectacular paradise it seems.
Sister Claire finds life challenging in more ways than she can count, the heat, the terrifying creatures that lurk in every nook and cranny, the crocodiles and snakes, but far more worrying is the constant presence of the much loved mayor of Jumaaroo, Joseph McGrath. Why does a person so respected give Claire such cause for concern? Is it the cruel way he speaks about the Aboriginal people who live on the mission? A closed community run by a peculiar religious leader who seems to deeply resent the arrival of the nuns?
As Claire learns of the manner in which the Bundagulgi are treated, she is forced to act, but nobody wants to upset the status quo, and a meddlesome nun suddenly is a dangerous one.
446 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2020
2515 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
90 books1,595 followersJean Grainger was born in Cork, Ireland. She has been a tour guide of her beloved home country, a teacher, a university lecturer and a playwright. She began writing fiction at the suggestion of her clients on tours, many of whom were sure all the stories she told them would make for a great book. Her first book, The Tour, has become a Number 1 bestseller on Amazon. It tells the story of a disparate group of American visitors to Ireland, who, along with their Irish tour guide have a life changing experience in the magical Emerald Isle.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
June 12, 2023
I have wanted to read a book by Jean Grainger for some time. When I saw this audiobook and read the blurb about it, I was intrigued. Sisters of the Southern Cross took place in Queensland, Australia during the mid 1930’s in a town called Jumaaroo. It was told from the POV of Sister Claire McAuliffe who had been given the opportunity of starting and running a school for Catholic children in Jumaaroo by her uncle, Bishop William McAuliffe. The school had been built and funded by the mayor of Jumaaroo, Mr. Joseph McGrath and his wife Assumpta. Right from the start, Sister Claire, recognized the very obvious evidence of discrimination, racism and prejudice that existed throughout Queensland. Sister Claire was determined to create a school that all children could attend without any discrimination. The only criteria she insisted on was that the children had to come from Christian families. The mayor of Jumaaroo, Joseph McGrath, was a sinister and arrogant man. He was feared yet respected. Sister Claire was initially met by great opposition from Joseph McGrath but her persistence prevailed. Children from Aboriginal families, Chinese families and other families were all granted admission to the school. That one triumph did not lessen Sister Claire’s wrath. Sister Claire soon discovered that an Aboriginal elder had been murdered. Who committed the murder? Sister Claire had also been told that Joseph McGrath was trying to take away the land the Aboriginal people had lived on for centuries. Would she be able to figure out who had committed the murder? Could Sister Claire help the Aboriginal people retain their land? All of Sister Claire’s efforts would place her in immense danger.
Sisters of the Southern Cross by Jean Grainger was a well written historical fiction novel. Her vivid descriptions made it easy to visualize the beauty of Australia’s landscape and unique animal culture. Jean Grainger wrote honestly and accurately about the sentiments and openly voiced discriminatory practices of the white community against the indigenous peoples of Australia during the 1930’s. Sisters of the Southern Cross was a story of hope and the attempt to change the way people viewed others. It was one woman’s act of courage and compassion to give opportunities to those that were usually denied them. I listened to the audiobook of Sisters of the Southern Cross that was well narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Siobhan Waring. I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sisters of the Southern Cross by Jean Grainger was a well written historical fiction novel. Her vivid descriptions made it easy to visualize the beauty of Australia’s landscape and unique animal culture. Jean Grainger wrote honestly and accurately about the sentiments and openly voiced discriminatory practices of the white community against the indigenous peoples of Australia during the 1930’s. Sisters of the Southern Cross was a story of hope and the attempt to change the way people viewed others. It was one woman’s act of courage and compassion to give opportunities to those that were usually denied them. I listened to the audiobook of Sisters of the Southern Cross that was well narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Siobhan Waring. I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and recommend it highly.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media LLC for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 22, 2020
I’m an Aussie, and for what it’s worth I’m an Agnostic Aussie...! christened Protestant. Due to my father’s poor health I was forced to attend a Catholic Boarding School in Tamworth NSW at age Ten. I remember the misery of my time there, after the freedom of Farm life, the rules were dire. I wish there had been even one kind or remotely happy nun there? True misery guts they all were! Mind you, I’m talking fifty seven years ago.
It would be so interesting to see statistics from whence the Five Stars for this book are all coming. They surely must mainly be devout Catholic folk?.
I honestly don’t know what to give it as for the most part I found the book to be very arduous or maybe envious reading?
It would be so interesting to see statistics from whence the Five Stars for this book are all coming. They surely must mainly be devout Catholic folk?.
I honestly don’t know what to give it as for the most part I found the book to be very arduous or maybe envious reading?
February 5, 2021
This was my book club’s latest selection and it was solidly satisfactory. The nuns were absolutely fantastic and the setting oppressively hot. Complete with a few twists, it was a quick, light read with a cookie-cutter happy ending. The author’s notes at the end of the novel were particularly good and I highly enjoyed them.
August 9, 2020
Good book about a young short round nun from Ireland who went to Australia and found herself caught between the townspeople, the aborigines and an horrible man. She showed such strength and love in her dealings with all. This book is new and the author was in Australia during the covid doing research on the bush and the wild animals when she came upon this convent and listened to the sisters tapes and got an idea for the book. The book just came out in May. I really like the author and will be following her.
January 31, 2022
I enjoyed this book based in the rainforest of Northern Australia. Told from the perspective of an Irish Nun, it was facilitating with details of Australia that I had knowledge of. It was a sweeping take of Aboriginals and their take on colonization. As all Nations who ‘discovered’ a land long inhabited by Natives, the Europeans took advantage of the kindness of the real owners of the land.
I highly recommend this book. It will lead you into a land and time you don’t know.
I highly recommend this book. It will lead you into a land and time you don’t know.
February 24, 2025
Yeah, one for morally right
I felt is was a part of history. Growing up Catholic and the nuns being part of your of your story it was as real as it could be . After all part of every country s history is to move ahead for future and progress and keep the natives of the land surppressed. Well written I applaud any one who has that gift.
I felt is was a part of history. Growing up Catholic and the nuns being part of your of your story it was as real as it could be . After all part of every country s history is to move ahead for future and progress and keep the natives of the land surppressed. Well written I applaud any one who has that gift.
August 5, 2022
Nice story where the good guys win.
October 23, 2024
I enjoyed the unique setting of this book and the tackling of the complex relationship between colonists and indigenous peoples of Australia.
September 29, 2021
Moving story
When we read about our past mistakes it makes us want to make amends. In this book the author shares what many of us know . This is a delightful story of hope. Since Biblical times people have shunned others and prejudices have caused havoc throughout the world. Hopefully we can learn from the mistakes of the past.
When we read about our past mistakes it makes us want to make amends. In this book the author shares what many of us know . This is a delightful story of hope. Since Biblical times people have shunned others and prejudices have caused havoc throughout the world. Hopefully we can learn from the mistakes of the past.
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May 23, 2020 was blessed to receive an ARC of Jean Grainger's 'Sisters of the Southern Cross' and was delighted with it. I was about to say that this was my favourite book of Mrs. Grainger's but, honestly, they are almost all my favourites. However, this one was totally different than most of the others as the story is based in the small town of Jumaaroo, Australia rather then in Ireland, even though many of the main characters are Irish. I loved Sister Claire - my grandparents would have said 'she was a real trooper' as nothing seemed to faze her. Even in the extremely hot, black outfit for convent sisters in that day, she would take off on foot to search out her prey, whether it be Joseph or Assumpta McGrath, Russell Gardiner or Francis Madigan. If she felt it was her duty to approach them and set them straight according to God's will, off she went, and no snakes, black flies or cassowaries were going to stop her in her quest.
This story not only gives an amazingly true story of what some of the earlier pioneers went through in order to bring education and Jesus to the natives of many outback or other undeveloped areas, but it also gives a true picture of how natives and Aboriginals must have felt to have 'these whitefellas' come in and try to take over their perfectly comfortable and happy, free lives. I was able to relate this story very well to what also happened within Canada with the many indigenous tribes spread all around the provinces. White Missionaries brought in education and a Biblical religion, but they also brought in diseases, destroyed the eco-culture and disturbed family dynamics.
Sisters of the Southern Cross is historical, but it is also somewhat of a mystery and has just enough romance in there to make one smile a bit too. You will love the variety of characters, from Sisters Claire, Helen, Mary, Teresita and Gerard to Daku, Jannali, Gordie, Cassia, Stavos, and Joseph and Assumpta McGrath - Well, you might not love the last two, but take the read. This is a great story.
This story not only gives an amazingly true story of what some of the earlier pioneers went through in order to bring education and Jesus to the natives of many outback or other undeveloped areas, but it also gives a true picture of how natives and Aboriginals must have felt to have 'these whitefellas' come in and try to take over their perfectly comfortable and happy, free lives. I was able to relate this story very well to what also happened within Canada with the many indigenous tribes spread all around the provinces. White Missionaries brought in education and a Biblical religion, but they also brought in diseases, destroyed the eco-culture and disturbed family dynamics.
Sisters of the Southern Cross is historical, but it is also somewhat of a mystery and has just enough romance in there to make one smile a bit too. You will love the variety of characters, from Sisters Claire, Helen, Mary, Teresita and Gerard to Daku, Jannali, Gordie, Cassia, Stavos, and Joseph and Assumpta McGrath - Well, you might not love the last two, but take the read. This is a great story.
June 14, 2020
As an Australian I was very sceptical about a story set in Australia written by an author who lived in Ireland. Particularly set in Far North Queensland where few people, let alone Australians, get to visit. The country side could not be more different to that of Ireland. I have read many other book written by Jean and couldn’t imagine that she could write one based in my country, particularly the tropics. Yet Jean has written a great story with a sensitive understanding of many of the issues of that region and particularly that our indigenous Australians faced and are still facing today. She even explains some of our strange names for things that many people from other countries have trouble understanding for example a “chook”. The characters leap out of the story and their problems are so real that I feel that I should talk to them and give them my advice. I particularly liked the author’s note at the end. Well done Jean, let’s have another story set in my State of Victoria, a State built on gold.
May 10, 2025
Well written and very entertaining... learned a lot, too!
May 26, 2020
Sisters of the Southern Cross is by Jean Grainger. Once more, Jean has managed to write a fantastic bool; but instead of it being set in Ireland, it is set in Australia. Jean and her family had traveled to Australia to explore the country for a year. Sounds like a fantastic journey in itself. While they were there, they found a museum in an old convent in Cookstown, Far North Queensland, Australia. In this museum was the story of the nuns who set up a school here and built the convent in the early 1900’s. From their story came Jean’s story of these nuns. Why did they come here? What problems did they have? Why did the head of the school become such a problem to the townspeople?
Sister Claire McAuliffe was the head of the school and she set out to create the school in the form she believed her Uncle, Bishop William McAuliffe wanted it to be. First and foremost was no physical punishment. This immediately put her at loggerheads with Sister Gerard who was an elderly, sour, mean and cruel teacher. Second was to allow the students to learn through fun. Sister Mary did this with her music, Sister Helen with her extreme love of books and stories, and Sister Theresa through her love of life itself and hurling. Finally, to create a school without discrimination in a land where discrimination is immersed. White men had come in and taken over land that had belonged to the tribes and then set out to “civilize the savages.” She went to bat immediately for anyone who was Christian, no matter what faith, to come to the school. Is she too idealistic, too eager for change?
The book is well written and the characters are so realistic they could step off the page There are several storylines going on at the same time. However, each line is easy to follow. The book is so good that it cannot be put down. Arrange for enough time to read the whole book at once or plan to stay up reading! I pulled another overnight read! Keep the tissues handy for both happy and sad tears.
It is another winner and one to be recommended,
Sister Claire McAuliffe was the head of the school and she set out to create the school in the form she believed her Uncle, Bishop William McAuliffe wanted it to be. First and foremost was no physical punishment. This immediately put her at loggerheads with Sister Gerard who was an elderly, sour, mean and cruel teacher. Second was to allow the students to learn through fun. Sister Mary did this with her music, Sister Helen with her extreme love of books and stories, and Sister Theresa through her love of life itself and hurling. Finally, to create a school without discrimination in a land where discrimination is immersed. White men had come in and taken over land that had belonged to the tribes and then set out to “civilize the savages.” She went to bat immediately for anyone who was Christian, no matter what faith, to come to the school. Is she too idealistic, too eager for change?
The book is well written and the characters are so realistic they could step off the page There are several storylines going on at the same time. However, each line is easy to follow. The book is so good that it cannot be put down. Arrange for enough time to read the whole book at once or plan to stay up reading! I pulled another overnight read! Keep the tissues handy for both happy and sad tears.
It is another winner and one to be recommended,
June 3, 2020
I love all of Jean Grainger's book; they are so full of feeling and depth and always leave me with a warm glow at the end. Sisters of the Southern Cross is another terrific addition to her collection, Australia absolutely comes alive on the pages of the book: the dust and red dirt, the exotic animals, the dangers and the stark and beautiful landscapes. She also does a great job of portraying the plight of the aborigines trying to hold onto their homelands in the face of greedy colonization by Europeans. It is a familiar story on many continents but Jean does a very sensitive and thoughtful job of describing the aborigine lifestyle and beliefs and how they are perceived by the whites. Caught in the middle is a group of naive and well-meaning nuns who have arrived from Ireland to start a school. Seems straightforward but it is soon complicated by the bigotry of the locals, some of whom believe that only Irish Catholic children should attend. The sister in charge, Claire, soon finds herself in over her head with conflicts with some people in the towns, the actions being taken against the aborigines and even problems within her teachers. One of the main characters, Joseph McGrath is greedy, ambitious and truly evil in his pursuit of wealth. This was an era where opportunistic outsiders saw this as a land to take and conquer for personal gain. But Joseph has dark secrets and Claire unwittingly walks right into the middle of his lies and deceptions. It is an intense book that will pull at your heart but it had a lovely ending.
June 16, 2020
Queensland, Australia 1936
"Sister Claire McAuliffe has been called from Dungarvan, County Waterford, to do God’s work in Jumaaroo, Queensland. Along with four other sisters she is charged with setting up a Catholic school for the education of the gold rush families. But life between the tropical Australian rainforest and azure ocean is far from the spectacular paradise it seems.
Sister Claire finds life challenging in more ways than she can count, the heat, the terrifying creatures that lurk in every nook and cranny, the crocodiles and snakes, but far more worrying is the constant presence of the much loved mayor of Jumaaroo, Joseph McGrath. Why does a person so respected give Claire such cause for concern?
Is it the cruel way he speaks about the Aboriginal people who live on the mission? A closed community run by a peculiar religious leader who seems to deeply resent the arrival of the nuns? As Claire learns of the manner in which the Bundagulgi are treated, she is forced to act, but nobody wants to upset the status quo, and a meddlesome nun suddenly is a dangerous one." synopsis copied
A different sort of book, but I enjoyed learning about something new.
"Sister Claire McAuliffe has been called from Dungarvan, County Waterford, to do God’s work in Jumaaroo, Queensland. Along with four other sisters she is charged with setting up a Catholic school for the education of the gold rush families. But life between the tropical Australian rainforest and azure ocean is far from the spectacular paradise it seems.
Sister Claire finds life challenging in more ways than she can count, the heat, the terrifying creatures that lurk in every nook and cranny, the crocodiles and snakes, but far more worrying is the constant presence of the much loved mayor of Jumaaroo, Joseph McGrath. Why does a person so respected give Claire such cause for concern?
Is it the cruel way he speaks about the Aboriginal people who live on the mission? A closed community run by a peculiar religious leader who seems to deeply resent the arrival of the nuns? As Claire learns of the manner in which the Bundagulgi are treated, she is forced to act, but nobody wants to upset the status quo, and a meddlesome nun suddenly is a dangerous one." synopsis copied
A different sort of book, but I enjoyed learning about something new.
May 23, 2020
A great read as usual from a fabulous writer!
Sister Claire and her stalwart group of sisters arrive in Jumaroo to set up a school for local children built by the local 'bigwig' Joseph McGrath. Claire has been invited by her uncle, Bishop Bill as he has great faith in her a abilities. Even so what a massive undertaking in such a country that none of them had ever visited before. I was immersed in the life of the nuns and the opportunities they provided to all the community. Apart from the teaching, they offered hurling, painting etc. to anyone interested in learning such skills The local Aboriginals, the Bundagulgi are treated badly by the white community as the lowest of the low and it is a cause that Claire and some of her nuns take to their hearts. Until they come up against the might of Joseph McGrath where Claire realises she has more to contend with than she could ever have imagined.
As always Jean has written a fabulous ending and again I am looking forward to the next book.
Thank you for bringing such pleasure to your readers.
Sister Claire and her stalwart group of sisters arrive in Jumaroo to set up a school for local children built by the local 'bigwig' Joseph McGrath. Claire has been invited by her uncle, Bishop Bill as he has great faith in her a abilities. Even so what a massive undertaking in such a country that none of them had ever visited before. I was immersed in the life of the nuns and the opportunities they provided to all the community. Apart from the teaching, they offered hurling, painting etc. to anyone interested in learning such skills The local Aboriginals, the Bundagulgi are treated badly by the white community as the lowest of the low and it is a cause that Claire and some of her nuns take to their hearts. Until they come up against the might of Joseph McGrath where Claire realises she has more to contend with than she could ever have imagined.
As always Jean has written a fabulous ending and again I am looking forward to the next book.
Thank you for bringing such pleasure to your readers.
July 4, 2022
This book was our July read in our live women's book club. Five sisters head to the rainforest of Queensland, Australia, from their convent in Ireland. Sister Claire McAuliffe has been assigned the role of principal for a new Catholic school there. Her Uncle Bill is the bishop in Australia and has faith in her abilities to run the school. The town is Jumaaroo and the mayor, Joseph McGrath, has donated all the materials and labor to build the school. Sister Claire goes against the mayor's wife that only Irish Catholic children should be allowed at the school. Sister Claire feels all children should have access to an education and she takes in Chinese children, Greeks, children from other Christian denominations, and worse of all she takes in a half Aboriginal child.
This place seems like paradise, but things aren't what they seem underneath the veneer. Sister Claire gets involved in problems outside of the school and finds that this can be a treacherous place, and not a paradise.
I have never read this author before. I found this to be a great read, and I really enjoyed it.
This place seems like paradise, but things aren't what they seem underneath the veneer. Sister Claire gets involved in problems outside of the school and finds that this can be a treacherous place, and not a paradise.
I have never read this author before. I found this to be a great read, and I really enjoyed it.
May 23, 2020
Jean Grainger is a multi-talented author. Her books include historical fiction and contemporary fiction. The one thing they always had in common was that they were set in Ireland. Sisters of the Southern Cross is not set in Ireland. Although the sisters are from Ireland, this book is set in Australia. Jean shows her vast research capabilities in this story of the nuns who come to Australia to start a school. You will fall in love with Sister Claire, the principal, whose compassion and leadership endears her to many and alienates as many more. Then there’s Sister Helen, Sister Mary, Sister Teresita and the big bad wolf, Sister Gerard. Believe me, you will laugh, you will cry, you will even hold your breath due to the suspense. There is so much to this story, Jean has outdone herself. This may be her best book yet.
May 23, 2020
I first read one of Jean Grainger’s books after a 2016 trip to Ireland. I started with So Much Owed to learn a bit more about Irish history. Now I have read all of her books. I received an ARC of Sisters of the Southern Cross, but the comments are purely my own. This book is a departure from Jean’s previous books that have been set in Ireland. This one combines historical fiction about the nuns who brought education to rural Australia, the reality of imperial colonialism, and a bit of mystery. It is obvious that Jean has done the research needed to set a novel outside of her native Ireland. The characters are so well described that they generate emotion—care, concern, and even disgust. The overarching theme that we are more alike than different and our world would be better if we treated each other with care and respect is an important message today.
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May 23, 2020A PAGE TURNER DOWN UNDER
Don’t miss this latest book by Jean Grainger.
So many interesting and well developed characters. So much drama, humour, determination and love. Good and evil and many sub-plots all come together for a fascinating read that will keep you wanting to see what happens next.
The main character (I’m not giving anything away) will appear before your eyes facing many situations, some easy some difficult. Jean is great at developing and describing characters to say nothing of the story itself. Here I mean all the stories she has written.
I have read all of Jean’s books and have never been disappointed. Lots of humanity, history and solid writing. This one is a very different setting than her previous books. That has not stopped Jean from writing another winner.
Bob Woods
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Don’t miss this latest book by Jean Grainger.
So many interesting and well developed characters. So much drama, humour, determination and love. Good and evil and many sub-plots all come together for a fascinating read that will keep you wanting to see what happens next.
The main character (I’m not giving anything away) will appear before your eyes facing many situations, some easy some difficult. Jean is great at developing and describing characters to say nothing of the story itself. Here I mean all the stories she has written.
I have read all of Jean’s books and have never been disappointed. Lots of humanity, history and solid writing. This one is a very different setting than her previous books. That has not stopped Jean from writing another winner.
Bob Woods
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
June 1, 2020
I had been looking forward to reading this when I heard about the tapes during Jean Grainger’s trip
to Australia. I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The description of the situation the nuns found themselves in and particularly Sister Claire. It was a fascinating read and the attitudes towards the aboriginal people by the white man. It had me on the edge of my chair with some of the situations
Sister Claire found herself in. I loved the descriptions of the animals and wildlife of the area. The story is quite different to anything else I’ve read and written by the author. I just couldn’t put the
book down. I often find that with Jean Granger’s books. Reading Jean Grainger’s book set in Ireland
has always made me want to visit her country, and this book is just as descriptive as those. A thoroughly good read.
to Australia. I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The description of the situation the nuns found themselves in and particularly Sister Claire. It was a fascinating read and the attitudes towards the aboriginal people by the white man. It had me on the edge of my chair with some of the situations
Sister Claire found herself in. I loved the descriptions of the animals and wildlife of the area. The story is quite different to anything else I’ve read and written by the author. I just couldn’t put the
book down. I often find that with Jean Granger’s books. Reading Jean Grainger’s book set in Ireland
has always made me want to visit her country, and this book is just as descriptive as those. A thoroughly good read.
September 23, 2020
Ten star book by the wonderful Jean Grainger
Jean Grainger is a very talented author. Her characters and the locations they're at become alive. In Sisters of the Southern Cross she takes us to Australia where Sister Claire has to get a new Catholic school up and running. She faces a lot of obstacles, from the heat, animals, from a certain nun, the mayor that believed he owned everything and everyone and from racism against the Aboriginals. It doesn't matter what beliefs you may have Sister Claire is a beautiful example of how we should live and of the power of forgiveness. I learned so much about Australia. It's now at the top of my bucket list. Other reviews will give you more details about the book so I won't go into it. Just know that when you read a Jean Grainger book there won't be room for anything else because her writing is so good you'll only want to read.
Jean Grainger is a very talented author. Her characters and the locations they're at become alive. In Sisters of the Southern Cross she takes us to Australia where Sister Claire has to get a new Catholic school up and running. She faces a lot of obstacles, from the heat, animals, from a certain nun, the mayor that believed he owned everything and everyone and from racism against the Aboriginals. It doesn't matter what beliefs you may have Sister Claire is a beautiful example of how we should live and of the power of forgiveness. I learned so much about Australia. It's now at the top of my bucket list. Other reviews will give you more details about the book so I won't go into it. Just know that when you read a Jean Grainger book there won't be room for anything else because her writing is so good you'll only want to read.
February 2, 2022
what a great story. don't forget to read the afterward in which the author briefly describes her family's trip to Australia and how she decided to write this tale. It helps to understand how she was able to describe the life of these dedicated nuns so well. Sisters of the Southern Cross tells the story of a small group of nuns arriving in a place so different from their home to teach "Christian" children. Along the way they become a bridge for the native Australians and the "whitefellas" and everyone's struggle to lift the oppressive bonds of a greedy, nasty man.
I have read all of Jean Grainger's books and I am looking forward to the next one (Roaring Liberty) to be out in a month or two). Jean Grainger is a gifted writer and story teller. Several series and stand alone books are worth the read.
I have read all of Jean Grainger's books and I am looking forward to the next one (Roaring Liberty) to be out in a month or two). Jean Grainger is a gifted writer and story teller. Several series and stand alone books are worth the read.
September 25, 2024
Sr. Claire moves with a small band of Irish Ursuline nuns to the Australian Outback to establish a much needed Catholic school. But when she admits non-Irish and non-Catholics, and heaven forbid an aboriginal child or two she runs into trouble from the locals, specifically Joseph McGrath, bigoted town mayor. But Sr. Claire is determined and continues to fight for all Christian children no matter their ethnic backgrounds. The fight has more downs than ups and at one point she trusts the wrong person, getting herself into a very precarious situation, but is saved by her aboriginal friends. The characters are well-drawn, the setting perfectly described. Deception and bigotry play a big part in the story, but in the end it is mostly a story of perseverance, friendship, and hope against all odds. 4 well deserved stars.
January 6, 2025
Excellent. Really enjoyed this book. The religious side apart, I found the way the life of the native Australian people described in the book, made me look at them in a new light. They may have been living a different way, but it was inhuman the way they were disrespected and abused.
I am from England and can see how some of the new arrivals bullied the natives of whatever country they arrived at. There are always exceptions of course, and they also did good things as well as bad. Times were very different back then. The lower classes in England were also bullied by the upper class, so all these things have to be taken into consideration. Life was hard and survival top of the list. People were resilient, generally kind, hardworking, accepting, but fearful, with good reason. A lot of good qualities have been lost despite our superior view of today.
I am from England and can see how some of the new arrivals bullied the natives of whatever country they arrived at. There are always exceptions of course, and they also did good things as well as bad. Times were very different back then. The lower classes in England were also bullied by the upper class, so all these things have to be taken into consideration. Life was hard and survival top of the list. People were resilient, generally kind, hardworking, accepting, but fearful, with good reason. A lot of good qualities have been lost despite our superior view of today.
May 29, 2020
Amazing!
Jean Grainger has outdone herself with this book! Have you ever experienced culture shock? A group of nuns did in the early 1900’s as they left their cool, green, pastoral Ireland and set up housekeeping and a school in the wilds of Queensland, Australia! The animals, the insects, the foods, the traditions, the prejudices, the people - oh, especially the people, everything was different except their faith and their own traditions. What a glorious journey we take with them! Miss Grainger develops deep characters who will remain long after you close the pages and you will feel as if you have travelled across the sea yourself. Grab you favorite beverage and begin you delightful adventure.
Jean Grainger has outdone herself with this book! Have you ever experienced culture shock? A group of nuns did in the early 1900’s as they left their cool, green, pastoral Ireland and set up housekeeping and a school in the wilds of Queensland, Australia! The animals, the insects, the foods, the traditions, the prejudices, the people - oh, especially the people, everything was different except their faith and their own traditions. What a glorious journey we take with them! Miss Grainger develops deep characters who will remain long after you close the pages and you will feel as if you have travelled across the sea yourself. Grab you favorite beverage and begin you delightful adventure.
June 2, 2020
Excellent book about a new convent school just set up in Australia when the principal, Sister Claire, and her fellow sisters arrive. Sister Claire determines to let Roman Catholics of any nationality in, scandalizing not only the mayor, Joseph McGrath, but his snobbish wife Assumpta. Sister Claire quickly buts heads with both, as well as a strict/abusive sister, sister Gerard. Eventually she also admits a part-Aboriginal child as well, causing additional discord with the McGraths. The struggle between not only “whitefellas” and Aboriginals, but also dislike/distrust between the Seventh Day Adventist mission and Roman Catholic mission school is well portrayed, and the hair-raising, murderous actions by McGrath against Sister Claire make for a page-turner.
August 18, 2020
Just when I thought I had read the best of Jean Grainger's books, I discovered "Sisters of the Southern Cross" and read it right through!
"Sister Claire McAuliffe has been called from Dungarvan, County Waterford, to do God’s work in Jumaaroo, Queensland. Along with four other sisters she is charged with setting up a Catholic school... But life there is far from the spectacular paradise it seems."
Sister Claire risks life and limb multiple times to rid this area of a unscrupulous wealthy man who had killed and robbed to get to a prominent place in this place. The story painted an idealistic picture of an area that did practice white supremacy, and how the church, the Catholic sisters, and others attempted change.
"Sister Claire McAuliffe has been called from Dungarvan, County Waterford, to do God’s work in Jumaaroo, Queensland. Along with four other sisters she is charged with setting up a Catholic school... But life there is far from the spectacular paradise it seems."
Sister Claire risks life and limb multiple times to rid this area of a unscrupulous wealthy man who had killed and robbed to get to a prominent place in this place. The story painted an idealistic picture of an area that did practice white supremacy, and how the church, the Catholic sisters, and others attempted change.
February 6, 2023
Kudos to Jean Grainger!
This one will leave you stunned and wanting to put a visit to Australia on your bucket list. The descriptions of the country are so vivid you can close your eyes and picture the dense forest, plentiful wild life and beautiful plants. This story captivated me from page one. What a wild and untamed country this group of Irish Catholic Nuns stumbled into and battled against a corrupt mayor for equality in education for all of the children in the province.
This book was beautifully written by an outstanding author. I am slowly working my way through her books and highly recommend her work to all age groups. There is little to no profanity and no explicit sexual scenes. She is an outstanding author.
This one will leave you stunned and wanting to put a visit to Australia on your bucket list. The descriptions of the country are so vivid you can close your eyes and picture the dense forest, plentiful wild life and beautiful plants. This story captivated me from page one. What a wild and untamed country this group of Irish Catholic Nuns stumbled into and battled against a corrupt mayor for equality in education for all of the children in the province.
This book was beautifully written by an outstanding author. I am slowly working my way through her books and highly recommend her work to all age groups. There is little to no profanity and no explicit sexual scenes. She is an outstanding author.
May 24, 2020
I enjoyed this book tremendously. The author makes her characters come alive, and when I reached the end of the book, I knew I would miss them.
It is a wonderfully engaging story of privilege vs natives, prejudice vs acceptance, and good vs evil, and a nun , raised in Ireland brings her wisdom to a small town's convent school in Queensland, Australia. Nobody will remain the same.
I particularly liked her descriptions of the wildlife. (I have wanted to play and box with a kangaroo since childhood.)
Read the book. I carried it around and read it whenever I could. It is a feel- good book that also bears the spirit of the Irish people.
Loved it.
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