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Searching for Charlotte
For almost 140 years, the author of Australia’s first book for children was a mystery. Known only by the description ‘a Lady Long Resident in New South Wales’, she was the subject of much speculation. It was not until 1980, after a decade of sleuthing, that legendary bibliographer Marcie Muir gave her a name: Charlotte Waring Atkinson. And not only a name, but an extensive creative family history, connecting her to two of the nation’s celebrated contemporary children’s writers, Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell.
To Forsyth and Murrell, Atkinson (also known as Barton) is great-great-great-great grandmother and the subject of the stories they grew up on—part of a thread of creative women that runs through the history of their family. Hers is one of the great lost stories of Australian history: a tale of love, grief, violence and triumph in the face of overwhelming odds.
After spending half her life educating the children of the well-to-do in England, in 1826, at 30 years of age, Charlotte Waring accepted a job on the other side of the world. She was to teach the children of Maria Macarthur, daughter of former New South Wales governor Philip Gidley King. But on the voyage, love diverted her to a different future: marriage to the eligible James Atkinson meant she spent just seven short months with her charges. What followed were years of hardship in the New South Wales bush, including the death of Atkinson and her subsequent marriage to an abusive drunk, a brutal attack by bushrangers, penury and the threat of having her children taken away.
In Searching for Charlotte, Forsyth and Murrell tell Charlotte’s story along with that of their own journey to discover her. In an intriguing account, the sisters join the reader in reacting to Charlotte’s actions: wondering what could have motivated certain choices; admiring the strength of spirit that pushed Charlotte through turmoil in the Australian colonies; and reviling attitudes that were common to the mid-1800s but are abhorrent in the twentieth century.
The extraordinary, long-buried life story of Australia’s earliest published children’s author, Searching for Charlotte combines elements of biography, recreation of history and rediscovery of family history. It is a sometimes confronting but ultimately heartwarming journey into the story of a family with writing in its blood.
To Forsyth and Murrell, Atkinson (also known as Barton) is great-great-great-great grandmother and the subject of the stories they grew up on—part of a thread of creative women that runs through the history of their family. Hers is one of the great lost stories of Australian history: a tale of love, grief, violence and triumph in the face of overwhelming odds.
After spending half her life educating the children of the well-to-do in England, in 1826, at 30 years of age, Charlotte Waring accepted a job on the other side of the world. She was to teach the children of Maria Macarthur, daughter of former New South Wales governor Philip Gidley King. But on the voyage, love diverted her to a different future: marriage to the eligible James Atkinson meant she spent just seven short months with her charges. What followed were years of hardship in the New South Wales bush, including the death of Atkinson and her subsequent marriage to an abusive drunk, a brutal attack by bushrangers, penury and the threat of having her children taken away.
In Searching for Charlotte, Forsyth and Murrell tell Charlotte’s story along with that of their own journey to discover her. In an intriguing account, the sisters join the reader in reacting to Charlotte’s actions: wondering what could have motivated certain choices; admiring the strength of spirit that pushed Charlotte through turmoil in the Australian colonies; and reviling attitudes that were common to the mid-1800s but are abhorrent in the twentieth century.
The extraordinary, long-buried life story of Australia’s earliest published children’s author, Searching for Charlotte combines elements of biography, recreation of history and rediscovery of family history. It is a sometimes confronting but ultimately heartwarming journey into the story of a family with writing in its blood.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
10 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Kate Forsyth
86 books2,564 followersKate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven, and is now the internationally bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
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December 8, 2020
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‘We can feel Charlotte’s spirit touching us. We discover and learn so much about Charlotte, but also about ourselves and what it means to be sisters, mothers, daughters and writers. Our search for Charlotte becomes a family obsession and an inspirational journey.’
Searching for Charlotte is a composite historical biography fused with a family history investigation. Co-authored by two passionate Australian storytellers, Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell, Searching for Charlotte unveils the surprising details surrounding the birth of Australia’s first children’s book. In the process, the enthralling life of the woman who penned this title is revealed. Rich in history, family connections and careful observations, this collaboration title proved to be a fascinating sojourn back to Australia’s literary past.
Almost two centuries ago, Australia’s first children’s book was published. This was an amazing early achievement in our nation’s literary history. At the time little was known about the author behind this pinnacle release titled, A Mother’s Offering to Her Children. Much later, in the year 1981, the identity of the author of this key early text was finally revealed as Charlotte Waring Atkinson. With her ancestors enthralled by their rich literary family lineage and inspired to create a work of non fiction, Charlotte’s life is exposed through a process of over two years of dedicated research. Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell pooled their resources together as writers and keen-eyed researchers to unfurl the life of Charlotte, who was quite the trailblazer for her time. Despite the setbacks Charlotte experienced in her life through loss, abuse, violence and more, we learn that this independent spirit managed to rise above her circumstances. As a result Charlotte became a published author, artist and a leading figure in legal rights for women. Searching for Charlotte works to both celebrate Charlotte Waring Atkinson’s achievements and draw in the personal imprint of the authors of this compilation. We are privy to the family dramas, stresses, expectations and challenges faced by the two storytellers as Charlotte’s amazing life story comes to light.
I’m a big fan of Kate Forsyth’s work and I have also dabbled in a couple of titles penned by Belinda Murrell. I was really excited about this collaboration piece between the two sisters, who are both respected authors in their own right. I was also very intrigued by the prospect of learning about the general life story of Australia’s first children’s book author. I definitely went into Searching for Charlotte with a great deal of enthusiasm.
Aesthetically speaking, Searching for Charlotte is a book that is beautifully presented. An absolutely exquisite cover soon reels the reader in. On the inside and back covers there are a set of simply stunning illustrations from Charlotte Waring Atkinson, the principal subject focus of this book. Allotted between the main narrative body of Searching for Charlotte are two photo spreads of eight pages each, which include more personal illustrations from Charlotte Waring Atkinson, along with family photographs and portraits. These thoughtful inclusions add an extra layer to this speculative text. Over sixteen chapters, which have been composed in shared format approach by Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell, an interesting picture of this literary enigma forms. An Afterword, Acknowledgements, List of Illustrations, Notes, Select Biography and an Index all work as a wonderful supplementary guide for the reader.
I found Searching for Charlotte to be quite a unique historical biography, in that the Forsyth and Murrell inserted their own creative musings, imaginative creations, careful observations and strong feelings into this book. We gain an insight into the gruelling process of research, which took the sisters over two years to complete. Pouring over historical records, diaries, letters and more, Forsyth and Murrell also visited the locations inhabited by Charlotte Waring Atkinson to support their text. At times this felt a little like a walking tour, as the authors detailed key locations and settings pertinent to Charlotte’s life. We also receive a deep insight into the craftmanship of a writer in terms of balancing their research and writing commitments with personal demands. It was an interesting angle to attach to this historical composition.
Through the process of uncovering the reality of Charlotte Waring Atkinson’s life Forsyth and Murrell have provided the reader with a good understanding of the world in which Charlotte lived. From the strict moral codes, tight laws, gender roles, cultural practices, general customs, societal expectations and general colonial life, Searching for Charlotte explores a range of issues that clearly had an impact on this literary heroine’s life. While a great deal of grief, loss, challenges, setbacks, violence, abuse, suppression and indignity defined Charlotte’s life, she was able to rise above it all and accomplish a great deal. Charlotte Waring Atkinson’s legacy is felt passionately by her ancestors, now leading storytellers in today’s modern world.
An inspiring tale that will appeal to readers and writers alike, Searching for Charlotte is a charming publication that I enjoyed very much.
*Thanks is extended to Quikmark Media for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Searching for Charlotte is book #130 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘We can feel Charlotte’s spirit touching us. We discover and learn so much about Charlotte, but also about ourselves and what it means to be sisters, mothers, daughters and writers. Our search for Charlotte becomes a family obsession and an inspirational journey.’
Searching for Charlotte is a composite historical biography fused with a family history investigation. Co-authored by two passionate Australian storytellers, Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell, Searching for Charlotte unveils the surprising details surrounding the birth of Australia’s first children’s book. In the process, the enthralling life of the woman who penned this title is revealed. Rich in history, family connections and careful observations, this collaboration title proved to be a fascinating sojourn back to Australia’s literary past.
Almost two centuries ago, Australia’s first children’s book was published. This was an amazing early achievement in our nation’s literary history. At the time little was known about the author behind this pinnacle release titled, A Mother’s Offering to Her Children. Much later, in the year 1981, the identity of the author of this key early text was finally revealed as Charlotte Waring Atkinson. With her ancestors enthralled by their rich literary family lineage and inspired to create a work of non fiction, Charlotte’s life is exposed through a process of over two years of dedicated research. Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell pooled their resources together as writers and keen-eyed researchers to unfurl the life of Charlotte, who was quite the trailblazer for her time. Despite the setbacks Charlotte experienced in her life through loss, abuse, violence and more, we learn that this independent spirit managed to rise above her circumstances. As a result Charlotte became a published author, artist and a leading figure in legal rights for women. Searching for Charlotte works to both celebrate Charlotte Waring Atkinson’s achievements and draw in the personal imprint of the authors of this compilation. We are privy to the family dramas, stresses, expectations and challenges faced by the two storytellers as Charlotte’s amazing life story comes to light.
I’m a big fan of Kate Forsyth’s work and I have also dabbled in a couple of titles penned by Belinda Murrell. I was really excited about this collaboration piece between the two sisters, who are both respected authors in their own right. I was also very intrigued by the prospect of learning about the general life story of Australia’s first children’s book author. I definitely went into Searching for Charlotte with a great deal of enthusiasm.
Aesthetically speaking, Searching for Charlotte is a book that is beautifully presented. An absolutely exquisite cover soon reels the reader in. On the inside and back covers there are a set of simply stunning illustrations from Charlotte Waring Atkinson, the principal subject focus of this book. Allotted between the main narrative body of Searching for Charlotte are two photo spreads of eight pages each, which include more personal illustrations from Charlotte Waring Atkinson, along with family photographs and portraits. These thoughtful inclusions add an extra layer to this speculative text. Over sixteen chapters, which have been composed in shared format approach by Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell, an interesting picture of this literary enigma forms. An Afterword, Acknowledgements, List of Illustrations, Notes, Select Biography and an Index all work as a wonderful supplementary guide for the reader.
I found Searching for Charlotte to be quite a unique historical biography, in that the Forsyth and Murrell inserted their own creative musings, imaginative creations, careful observations and strong feelings into this book. We gain an insight into the gruelling process of research, which took the sisters over two years to complete. Pouring over historical records, diaries, letters and more, Forsyth and Murrell also visited the locations inhabited by Charlotte Waring Atkinson to support their text. At times this felt a little like a walking tour, as the authors detailed key locations and settings pertinent to Charlotte’s life. We also receive a deep insight into the craftmanship of a writer in terms of balancing their research and writing commitments with personal demands. It was an interesting angle to attach to this historical composition.
Through the process of uncovering the reality of Charlotte Waring Atkinson’s life Forsyth and Murrell have provided the reader with a good understanding of the world in which Charlotte lived. From the strict moral codes, tight laws, gender roles, cultural practices, general customs, societal expectations and general colonial life, Searching for Charlotte explores a range of issues that clearly had an impact on this literary heroine’s life. While a great deal of grief, loss, challenges, setbacks, violence, abuse, suppression and indignity defined Charlotte’s life, she was able to rise above it all and accomplish a great deal. Charlotte Waring Atkinson’s legacy is felt passionately by her ancestors, now leading storytellers in today’s modern world.
An inspiring tale that will appeal to readers and writers alike, Searching for Charlotte is a charming publication that I enjoyed very much.
*Thanks is extended to Quikmark Media for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Searching for Charlotte is book #130 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
November 25, 2020
In 1841, the first Australian children’s book titled ‘A Mother’s Offering To Her Children’ was published, its author, ‘A Lady Long Resident in NSW’. It wasn’t until 1980 that the book was correctly attributed to Charlotte Waring Atkinson (Barton), the great-great-great-great grandmother of bestselling authors Kate Forsyth, and her sister, Belinda Murrell.
“We come from a family of marvellous storytellers....Our lives were enriched by their stories...”
For Kate and Belinda, who grew up listening to the stories of their ancestors adventures, both before and after their arrival in Australia, Charlotte was already a figure of fascination. To discover she was Australia’s first children’s author only increased their admiration for her, and inspired the sisters two year search for the truth of the life she lived.
Searching for Charlotte is a hybrid narrative, a historical biography but one that is inextricably blended with the folklore of the sisters family history, and their own journey of discovery. Only so many questions can be answered definitively with what remains of the past...records, letters, diary entries, all of which Kate and Belinda draw on, but to fill in the gaps the sisters take some liberties, some of which comes from the stories passed down through generations, some from the informed speculation of the two women.
I enjoyed the process of learning of Charlotte’s life, and her legacy, which includes a daughter who earned the distinction of being the first Australian born woman to have a novel published. It’s unsurprising then that Kate and Belinda take such pride in their relationship to Charlotte, who seems to have been an intelligent, spirited, and courageous woman who faced many challenges, particularly in the latter half of her life as the wife, and then widow, of James Atkinson in the NSW colony.
A narrative that reveals adventure, tragedy and triumph, country and culture, folklore and family, I found Searching For Charlotte to be an engaging and enlightening read.
“We come from a family of marvellous storytellers....Our lives were enriched by their stories...”
For Kate and Belinda, who grew up listening to the stories of their ancestors adventures, both before and after their arrival in Australia, Charlotte was already a figure of fascination. To discover she was Australia’s first children’s author only increased their admiration for her, and inspired the sisters two year search for the truth of the life she lived.
Searching for Charlotte is a hybrid narrative, a historical biography but one that is inextricably blended with the folklore of the sisters family history, and their own journey of discovery. Only so many questions can be answered definitively with what remains of the past...records, letters, diary entries, all of which Kate and Belinda draw on, but to fill in the gaps the sisters take some liberties, some of which comes from the stories passed down through generations, some from the informed speculation of the two women.
I enjoyed the process of learning of Charlotte’s life, and her legacy, which includes a daughter who earned the distinction of being the first Australian born woman to have a novel published. It’s unsurprising then that Kate and Belinda take such pride in their relationship to Charlotte, who seems to have been an intelligent, spirited, and courageous woman who faced many challenges, particularly in the latter half of her life as the wife, and then widow, of James Atkinson in the NSW colony.
A narrative that reveals adventure, tragedy and triumph, country and culture, folklore and family, I found Searching For Charlotte to be an engaging and enlightening read.
November 12, 2020
‘Who is Charlotte?’
In this book, sisters Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell set out to learn more about their great-great-great-great grandmother Charlotte de Waring Atkinson (1796-1867). The sisters had heard enthralling stories about Charlotte and her family: stories that had passed through the generations for over 150 years. Surely, along the way and in the telling, these stories had become romanticised, embellished, and exaggerated. Isn’t that the way of most oral family history?
When I first heard about this book I was intrigued. I had never heard of Charlotte or her book: ‘A Mother's Offering to Her Children by a Lady Long Resident in New South Wales’ (published in 1841). It was the first children's book to be published in Australia and was a collection of instructional stories arranged in the form of a dialogue between a mother and her four children.
Part biography, part personal journey, part re-discovery of family history, this book serves (at least) two purposes. First, to try to find out more about Charlotte the woman, who sailed to New South Wales in 1826 to take up a position as a governess, and secondly to try to provide context for Charlotte the author.
As I read this book, I was delighted by the way in which Belinda and Kate were able to work together and were able to travel with their own daughters, to learn more about their family history. Charlotte met several challenges in her life, including being widowed early with small children, making a disastrous second marriage, having to fight to retain her children. This is a very personal journey through nineteenth century attitudes, customs, values, and law.
While the authors (and readers) can only speculate about some of Charlotte’s choices, she comes across as determined to do the best she could to look after the interests of her children and to equip them for adult life. Certainly, creativity seems to have passed through her descendants.
This is not a straight biography, nor is it purely fictional. It is a blend of fact, of imagination, of impressions gained by research and travel. As Kate writes: ‘We are taking historical fact and framing it within our own personal lives, creating what might be called a hybrid memoir.’
I enjoyed the book and I imagine I would have enjoyed it even more if I was a family member. And I have discovered that ‘A Mother’s Offering to Her Children’ is available as a digital text through the University of Sydney Library.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In this book, sisters Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell set out to learn more about their great-great-great-great grandmother Charlotte de Waring Atkinson (1796-1867). The sisters had heard enthralling stories about Charlotte and her family: stories that had passed through the generations for over 150 years. Surely, along the way and in the telling, these stories had become romanticised, embellished, and exaggerated. Isn’t that the way of most oral family history?
When I first heard about this book I was intrigued. I had never heard of Charlotte or her book: ‘A Mother's Offering to Her Children by a Lady Long Resident in New South Wales’ (published in 1841). It was the first children's book to be published in Australia and was a collection of instructional stories arranged in the form of a dialogue between a mother and her four children.
Part biography, part personal journey, part re-discovery of family history, this book serves (at least) two purposes. First, to try to find out more about Charlotte the woman, who sailed to New South Wales in 1826 to take up a position as a governess, and secondly to try to provide context for Charlotte the author.
As I read this book, I was delighted by the way in which Belinda and Kate were able to work together and were able to travel with their own daughters, to learn more about their family history. Charlotte met several challenges in her life, including being widowed early with small children, making a disastrous second marriage, having to fight to retain her children. This is a very personal journey through nineteenth century attitudes, customs, values, and law.
While the authors (and readers) can only speculate about some of Charlotte’s choices, she comes across as determined to do the best she could to look after the interests of her children and to equip them for adult life. Certainly, creativity seems to have passed through her descendants.
This is not a straight biography, nor is it purely fictional. It is a blend of fact, of imagination, of impressions gained by research and travel. As Kate writes: ‘We are taking historical fact and framing it within our own personal lives, creating what might be called a hybrid memoir.’
I enjoyed the book and I imagine I would have enjoyed it even more if I was a family member. And I have discovered that ‘A Mother’s Offering to Her Children’ is available as a digital text through the University of Sydney Library.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
October 29, 2020
Kate Forsyth, prolific author in her own right and joint author of this book noted “We are taking historical fact and framing it within our own personal lives, creating what might be called a hybrid memoir.” (p.241) I am glad that as authors, they are clear-eyed about what they are doing. This jointly-written book is not a straight biography: instead, like a 'Who Do You Think You Are?' episode, this is just as much about the searchers and the search as it is about the quarry. As in' Who Do You Think You Are?' there is an emotional attachment through ancestry that draws out empathy, and a degree of identification that arises only because they are family. In this case, the two authors, who are sisters and each a published author in her own right, feel a particular affinity for their great-great-great-great grandmother, Charlotte Waring Atkinson who wrote the first Australian children’s book A Mother’s Offering to her Children by a lady long resident in New South Wales in 1841.
I think that a reader’s response to this book will depend heavily on how strictly they interpret the ‘rules’ of biography. For myself, I found the present-day family history rather unnecessary, the imaginative writing superfluous and the speculation unstable. However, for other readers I’m sure that the humanizing and integration of the past and present would have a strong appeal.
For me, this is a 2 star read but I acknowledge that, just like a good 'Who Do You Think You Are' episode, there will be others who really enjoy the story of the search. For them, there's an extra half-star.
For my complete review, please visit:
https://residentjudge.com/2020/10/29/...
I think that a reader’s response to this book will depend heavily on how strictly they interpret the ‘rules’ of biography. For myself, I found the present-day family history rather unnecessary, the imaginative writing superfluous and the speculation unstable. However, for other readers I’m sure that the humanizing and integration of the past and present would have a strong appeal.
For me, this is a 2 star read but I acknowledge that, just like a good 'Who Do You Think You Are' episode, there will be others who really enjoy the story of the search. For them, there's an extra half-star.
For my complete review, please visit:
https://residentjudge.com/2020/10/29/...
February 10, 2021
"We are taking historical fact and framing it within our own personal lives, creating what might be called a hybrid memoir."
When I heard that a favourite author of mine is writing a biography on an ancestor of hers who was also a published writer, I thought it sounds just so wonderful. I attended a couple of zoom launches where both authors spoke of this 7x great grandmother of theirs; of her origin, her travel to Australia, her love story, and ultimately, her fight for her children. I thought she sounds like an amazing woman.
I've just finished reading this book and yes, Charlotte Waring Barton is one courageous strong & intelligent woman. I found also that whatever was said during those zoom launches basically summarised all that was to know about her in this book; all interesting points were pretty much covered. However, as per title & above quotation, this book is more than just about Charlotte's life. It is also about the journey that Kate Forsyth & Belinda Murrell (sisters) experienced as they seek to discover all they could about Charlotte and also of their own family in the present. Searching for Charlotte is a lovely offering in memory of their family.
When I heard that a favourite author of mine is writing a biography on an ancestor of hers who was also a published writer, I thought it sounds just so wonderful. I attended a couple of zoom launches where both authors spoke of this 7x great grandmother of theirs; of her origin, her travel to Australia, her love story, and ultimately, her fight for her children. I thought she sounds like an amazing woman.
I've just finished reading this book and yes, Charlotte Waring Barton is one courageous strong & intelligent woman. I found also that whatever was said during those zoom launches basically summarised all that was to know about her in this book; all interesting points were pretty much covered. However, as per title & above quotation, this book is more than just about Charlotte's life. It is also about the journey that Kate Forsyth & Belinda Murrell (sisters) experienced as they seek to discover all they could about Charlotte and also of their own family in the present. Searching for Charlotte is a lovely offering in memory of their family.
December 22, 2020
Searching for Charlotte is a beautiful memoir and account of sisters, Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell's journey into discovering and searching for the truth of their great-great-great-grandmother.
I absolutely loved it. It was set in gorgeous parts of England and has excellent descriptions also of Australia.
This is a beautiful book, one to treasure.
I easily read it in less than a day.
I absolutely loved it. It was set in gorgeous parts of England and has excellent descriptions also of Australia.
This is a beautiful book, one to treasure.
I easily read it in less than a day.
November 30, 2020
This book written by the accomplished author sisters, Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell about their search for the story of their ancestor Charlotte Waring Atkinson, the author of Australia's first Children's book.
To read the children's book online it can be found here: https://adc.library.usyd.edu.au/data-...
Charlotte was also an accomplished painter, having trained with John Glover while still in England, and is also the mother of Louisa Atkinson the early Australian writer, botanist and illustrator and there are a number of beautiful pieces of their work replicated in this book's illustrations sections.
The style of Kate and Belinda's tale is a part investigative memoir of their search, part factual biography of Charlotte's life and part speculative of the gaps in the facts, what might fill those gaps and Kate and Belinda's thought processes. It's a bit like a detailed literary version of the SBS TV series "Who Do You Think You Are?"
It's just the sort of thing I love, having First Fleet ancestors myself, I've love digging around in early Colonial History and have done a far bit of speculation of what might have happened in those times myself. So more than happy to be lead down many a rabbit hole.
Kate is a favourite author of mine, after coming across her work while immersing myself in the pre-Raphaelite paintings exhibition from The Tate, that was in Canberra at the NGA in 2018-2019. Kate does an enormous amount of research while writing her novels and she's a joy to follow on facebook too. She talks about her search for Charlotte on The Conversations podcast linked here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs...
This book is made up of both Kate and Belinda each writing their own chapters in roughly equal amounts on various themes. Practically seamlessly edited for a smooth narrative flow.
Highly recommended if you are interested in Australian Colonial History, Australian Literary history or just like an interesting story.
To read the children's book online it can be found here: https://adc.library.usyd.edu.au/data-...
Charlotte was also an accomplished painter, having trained with John Glover while still in England, and is also the mother of Louisa Atkinson the early Australian writer, botanist and illustrator and there are a number of beautiful pieces of their work replicated in this book's illustrations sections.
The style of Kate and Belinda's tale is a part investigative memoir of their search, part factual biography of Charlotte's life and part speculative of the gaps in the facts, what might fill those gaps and Kate and Belinda's thought processes. It's a bit like a detailed literary version of the SBS TV series "Who Do You Think You Are?"
It's just the sort of thing I love, having First Fleet ancestors myself, I've love digging around in early Colonial History and have done a far bit of speculation of what might have happened in those times myself. So more than happy to be lead down many a rabbit hole.
Kate is a favourite author of mine, after coming across her work while immersing myself in the pre-Raphaelite paintings exhibition from The Tate, that was in Canberra at the NGA in 2018-2019. Kate does an enormous amount of research while writing her novels and she's a joy to follow on facebook too. She talks about her search for Charlotte on The Conversations podcast linked here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs...
This book is made up of both Kate and Belinda each writing their own chapters in roughly equal amounts on various themes. Practically seamlessly edited for a smooth narrative flow.
Highly recommended if you are interested in Australian Colonial History, Australian Literary history or just like an interesting story.
November 12, 2020
I love everything Kate writes, and my daughter loved Belinda's books when she was younger. So I picked this up eagerly. The word "search" in the title gives you an idea of what the story is. Not only a historical, and sometimes imaginative, account of an important Australian writer, but also a memoir of two sisters--writers like their ancestor--looking for connections across time. It is written with sensitivity and care, and takes giddy and imaginative risks with memoir conventions. Kate and Belinda have made careers out of their imaginations, and I'm so glad they didn't park them at the door heading into this project. The book is rich, multi-layered, full of gorgeous detail and atmosphere. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction, and lovers of books. A delight.
January 25, 2021
Well - researched and fascinating insight into colonial life in general, and the lives of one family line in particular, set within a very warm and readable personal reflection. I really enjoyed reading this book and feel enriched having done so.
December 26, 2021
Christmas is a time for family, we are all told.
For me, it’s a time for holidays, catching up and finishing what I started earlier in the year (like reading this book).
And, what a pleasure it was to go back and read this biographical story written about an early colonial woman by a couple of her descendants.
Originally, I purchased the book after hearing Belinda Murrell (one half of the sibling writing team) present at a local bookshop. She’s a gifted storyteller.
Work and Covid-19 had me put this book aside soon after.
But, like the television series ‘Who do you think you are?’, I found myself riveted to the social history this personal story opened a window upon.
Like the television show, it’s the documents and artefacts that really drive the story. The diaries, census data, letters and church records detailing the who and whats of the story, leaving the narrator or audience to piece together the clues of why and how.
Having grown up in the Southern Highlands of NSW meant the local geography was familiar to me.
But, what lifted this biographical non-fiction book for me was the inclusion of the personal and present lives of the authors, drawing parallels through the generations.
Social themes of class, gender, education and creative endeavours thread their way through this story, making for a richer and more rewarding storyline.
Off now to find and read Belinda Murrell’s ‘The river charm’ & Emma Darwin’s ‘This is not a book about Charles Darwin’- because inevitably on book always leads to others.
For me, it’s a time for holidays, catching up and finishing what I started earlier in the year (like reading this book).
And, what a pleasure it was to go back and read this biographical story written about an early colonial woman by a couple of her descendants.
Originally, I purchased the book after hearing Belinda Murrell (one half of the sibling writing team) present at a local bookshop. She’s a gifted storyteller.
Work and Covid-19 had me put this book aside soon after.
But, like the television series ‘Who do you think you are?’, I found myself riveted to the social history this personal story opened a window upon.
Like the television show, it’s the documents and artefacts that really drive the story. The diaries, census data, letters and church records detailing the who and whats of the story, leaving the narrator or audience to piece together the clues of why and how.
Having grown up in the Southern Highlands of NSW meant the local geography was familiar to me.
But, what lifted this biographical non-fiction book for me was the inclusion of the personal and present lives of the authors, drawing parallels through the generations.
Social themes of class, gender, education and creative endeavours thread their way through this story, making for a richer and more rewarding storyline.
Off now to find and read Belinda Murrell’s ‘The river charm’ & Emma Darwin’s ‘This is not a book about Charles Darwin’- because inevitably on book always leads to others.
January 14, 2021
The authors of this book are two sisters who have had many books Ey have written for children, teenagers and adults.
This book is about their Great great great great grandmother Charlotte Waring Atkinson. The first published author of a children's book that includes the stories of Australian animals and bush.
The sisters wrote different chapters, sometimes turn about, and at other times a few and then changing.
They talked of Charlotte's childhood, the events that led to her coming to Australia. The research amd experiences they had had with their research trip to UK and treading the places that were a part of Charlotte's life before boarded the ship. They had their daughters with them and the chapters written show the strength of love within the family.
I learnt a lot about the opening up of Australia and the difference in life for women when being considered a chattel and when widowed. Life was so different and the resilience that Charlotte showed in taking on the system to keep being able to support her children.
This book was not just giving us information about Charlotte, but included information about the generations of writers between including Belinda and Kate.
I found the book very interesting and plan to reread it.
This book is about their Great great great great grandmother Charlotte Waring Atkinson. The first published author of a children's book that includes the stories of Australian animals and bush.
The sisters wrote different chapters, sometimes turn about, and at other times a few and then changing.
They talked of Charlotte's childhood, the events that led to her coming to Australia. The research amd experiences they had had with their research trip to UK and treading the places that were a part of Charlotte's life before boarded the ship. They had their daughters with them and the chapters written show the strength of love within the family.
I learnt a lot about the opening up of Australia and the difference in life for women when being considered a chattel and when widowed. Life was so different and the resilience that Charlotte showed in taking on the system to keep being able to support her children.
This book was not just giving us information about Charlotte, but included information about the generations of writers between including Belinda and Kate.
I found the book very interesting and plan to reread it.
Read
December 22, 2020Having bought the 1979 facsimile edition of 'A Mother's Offering...' as part of my research into Australian children's literature, I was fascinated to learn more about Charlotte Waring Atkinson's life. Kate and Belinda have extensively researched their ancestor and Charlotte's story gives great insight into the life of a colonial woman in the early 1800s. Whilst honouring the courage of Charlotte they do not shy away from acknowledging the atrocities and devastation caused by settlers to indigenous communities. Learning more about the work of Marcie Muir was an unexpected bonus.
April 15, 2021
A beautifully written and thoroughly researched novel of the life and times of Charlotte Waring Atkinson, Australia’s first children’s author. The very talented Australian authors, Belinda Murrell and Kate Forsyth, have captured the ruggedness and hardships of living in Australia in colonial times and inspired us all with a fiercely determined and trail blazing woman. Evident in the story is a powerful bond between Charlotte and her descendants (authors) - a connection, as it seems, separated only by time. Overarching themes of family love, support and belonging. Highly recommend.
March 24, 2021
Such a disappointing read. I was so interested in finding out more about Charlotte but instead found a self indulgent and fanciful attempt at a biography. So much use of comments such as 'it is likely that.....' when there is no evidence to support any such supposition.
The authors insert themselves (and their family!) at every opportunity, attempting to draw parallels between themselves and their ancestor's traits and characteristics.
So difficult to plough through.
The authors insert themselves (and their family!) at every opportunity, attempting to draw parallels between themselves and their ancestor's traits and characteristics.
So difficult to plough through.
December 28, 2024
'Searching for Charlotte' is a wonderful exploration of Australian history and the Genealogy of Kate Forsyth and her sister Belinda Murrell. They discover that their past relative wrote the first published children's book in Australia.
Unsurprisingly, they found many kinks along the way. Some facts didn't align with their family oral history. Some facts had to be discovered to verify the truth. All this while the sisters and their daughters set out to England to discover their ancestry of Oldbury and its mysteries.
The enthralling tale of their great-great-great-great-grandmother Charlotte de Waring Atkinson and her family. Starting with a love-at-first-sight romance, Charlotte met James Atkinson in 1828 on their voyage to Australia. James was a farming businessman, and Charlotte had been engaged by the 'MacCarthur' family, as live-in 'Nanny', to their children. The voyage was part of her payment for a twelve-month commitment to the family. Charlotte and James were engaged before the ship reached Australia and the MacCarthur family were unhappy about it. Being a strong and independent woman Charlotte insisted that she would work out the twelve months of her employment and they would not be affected. This was highly unusual for the time.
Belinda and Kate discovered many other instances Charlotte's strong will kept the family on track.
This book is also about the sisters in their journey to find more of their Geneology and some discoveries closer to home changed the family dynamic.
I loved this journey so well told by these two Australian writing icons. If you put either of their names in a search on my blog, you will find many reviews and stories. I love both the work and work ethics of these women. They are a joyous mix of talent, ingenuity, and weavers of magical tales.
Unsurprisingly, they found many kinks along the way. Some facts didn't align with their family oral history. Some facts had to be discovered to verify the truth. All this while the sisters and their daughters set out to England to discover their ancestry of Oldbury and its mysteries.
The enthralling tale of their great-great-great-great-grandmother Charlotte de Waring Atkinson and her family. Starting with a love-at-first-sight romance, Charlotte met James Atkinson in 1828 on their voyage to Australia. James was a farming businessman, and Charlotte had been engaged by the 'MacCarthur' family, as live-in 'Nanny', to their children. The voyage was part of her payment for a twelve-month commitment to the family. Charlotte and James were engaged before the ship reached Australia and the MacCarthur family were unhappy about it. Being a strong and independent woman Charlotte insisted that she would work out the twelve months of her employment and they would not be affected. This was highly unusual for the time.
Belinda and Kate discovered many other instances Charlotte's strong will kept the family on track.
This book is also about the sisters in their journey to find more of their Geneology and some discoveries closer to home changed the family dynamic.
I loved this journey so well told by these two Australian writing icons. If you put either of their names in a search on my blog, you will find many reviews and stories. I love both the work and work ethics of these women. They are a joyous mix of talent, ingenuity, and weavers of magical tales.
abandoned
October 27, 2020Abandoned at p.150.
I’ve read about half of it and honestly, it is exasperating to read. It is full of waffle and conjecture and nonsense e.g. about eerie similarities between Charles Darwin and the ancestor in whom they take so much class-conscious pride. It’s not a biography that interrogates the subject’s life, it’s a hagiography stitched together with rambling digressions that have nothing to do with the subject.
I just can’t be bothered to spend any more of my reading time on it, and I don’t rate books I haven’t finished.
It’s a real disappointment. Charlotte Waring Atkinson deserves better than this.
I’ve read about half of it and honestly, it is exasperating to read. It is full of waffle and conjecture and nonsense e.g. about eerie similarities between Charles Darwin and the ancestor in whom they take so much class-conscious pride. It’s not a biography that interrogates the subject’s life, it’s a hagiography stitched together with rambling digressions that have nothing to do with the subject.
I just can’t be bothered to spend any more of my reading time on it, and I don’t rate books I haven’t finished.
It’s a real disappointment. Charlotte Waring Atkinson deserves better than this.
July 16, 2022
A fascinating read, with the two authors alternating chapters. Describing trips to England and parts of NSW to hunt out areas of their family history, as well as research periods in libraries.
August 22, 2021
Love reading about literary history.
February 21, 2024
Part biography, part memoir this account of two sisters' search for the story of Charlotte, their great-great-great-great-grandmother is a fascinating read. At times it felt like an episode of 'Who Do You Think You Are?' as the sisters trace their family history back to the south of England.
Charlotte came to Australia as a governess. She married James Atkinson, a prosperous landowner and had four children. She and James lived in Sutton Forest and Charlotte's life was prosperous and content until her husband died unexpectedly. She married again, disastrously, losing her home and income. Charlotte went to court to gain custody of her children and was successful, the first such case in Australia. To support herself Charlotte drew on her experience as a governess to write the first Australian children's book, A Mother's Offering to her Children.
Both Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell are established authors, but they admit to struggling with this book. Overwhelmed by research material they had to decide what to leave out. Their reflections on the research process were fascinating for me as I have undertaken research into my own great-great-great-grandmother, also called Charlotte. Their stories of wandering through English churchyards looking for gravestones and sifting through archival material looking for hidden gems of information reflected my own experience. However other readers may not find this as interesting.
The structure of the book is unusual. Each sister wrote different chapters which was sometimes confusing, although there is surprisingly little repetition. A nod to their editor! The story moves backwards and forwards between historical events, the research and the authors' own families. The decision for each sister to present their own lives as part of the story provides the opportunity to make comparisons between the limited rights of women in 19th century Australia and the position of women today. Thanks to women like Charlotte women today have the right to vote, own property and raise their own children, among many other changes.
Charlotte came to Australia as a governess. She married James Atkinson, a prosperous landowner and had four children. She and James lived in Sutton Forest and Charlotte's life was prosperous and content until her husband died unexpectedly. She married again, disastrously, losing her home and income. Charlotte went to court to gain custody of her children and was successful, the first such case in Australia. To support herself Charlotte drew on her experience as a governess to write the first Australian children's book, A Mother's Offering to her Children.
Both Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell are established authors, but they admit to struggling with this book. Overwhelmed by research material they had to decide what to leave out. Their reflections on the research process were fascinating for me as I have undertaken research into my own great-great-great-grandmother, also called Charlotte. Their stories of wandering through English churchyards looking for gravestones and sifting through archival material looking for hidden gems of information reflected my own experience. However other readers may not find this as interesting.
The structure of the book is unusual. Each sister wrote different chapters which was sometimes confusing, although there is surprisingly little repetition. A nod to their editor! The story moves backwards and forwards between historical events, the research and the authors' own families. The decision for each sister to present their own lives as part of the story provides the opportunity to make comparisons between the limited rights of women in 19th century Australia and the position of women today. Thanks to women like Charlotte women today have the right to vote, own property and raise their own children, among many other changes.
March 10, 2021
What a beautiful journey I have been on! I loved how the authors imagined this and that during their trips down an ‘imaginary memory lane’ of their ancestor and others. This is what one does, after all; when one visits places of historical significance. It was a challenge writing this book, because of the missing pieces, family stuff, and still having to be a mum and work, deciding what should be written and what should be kept private, and how the author sisters came close to ‘metaphorically’ killing the other as they had their literary moments of disagreements; and all the highs and lows, from reaching dead ends to meeting historians to locating Charlotte’s materials in the New South Wales State Library. I could tell - Forsyth and Murrell captured this brilliantly in their writing. It was natural, it flowed, intertwined with quotes/passages from primary resources.
Being Sydney born and bred, I particularly enjoyed reading about historical people, I knew about and how they were connected one way or another with Charlotte Waring Atkinson. Very interesting! I also took note of Indigenous names for places and people mentioned; doing a bit of my own research on the side.
I’m glad the authors were not swayed by that ‘disparaging’ comment made by a lady who stated Charlotte wasn’t a Bronte sister so why bother, but continued to push ahead with the book. Jealousy reeking its ugly head, I imagine. Historical research has its place, no matter the subject, event or place.
Being Sydney born and bred, I particularly enjoyed reading about historical people, I knew about and how they were connected one way or another with Charlotte Waring Atkinson. Very interesting! I also took note of Indigenous names for places and people mentioned; doing a bit of my own research on the side.
I’m glad the authors were not swayed by that ‘disparaging’ comment made by a lady who stated Charlotte wasn’t a Bronte sister so why bother, but continued to push ahead with the book. Jealousy reeking its ugly head, I imagine. Historical research has its place, no matter the subject, event or place.
December 29, 2020
Searching for Charlotte by Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell.
Kate Forsyth is one of my favourite authors, although I had only previously read her historical fiction novels. This account of Kate and her sister Belinda's great-great-great-great grandmother Charlotte Waring Atkinson is the best sort of non-fiction. Part family history, part biography, part mystery, part travel memoir, part colonial history of early Sydney. I devoured this book in one sitting and it didn't disappoint.
As Kate so beautifully writes in the final chapter:
Charlotte Waring Atkinson was just an ordinary woman. She loved a man and gave birth to children, then tried her best to raise them and care for them, even though she was ground down by grief and harmed in both body and spirit by cruelty and violence. She fought for her children, she found her voice, and she stood up and spoke out at a time when many women were kept mute.
If you are interested in the learning about the life of an ordinary yet remarkable woman in early Sydney, written with all the skill and prose of a work of fiction, I highly recommend Searching for Charlotte.
Kate Forsyth is one of my favourite authors, although I had only previously read her historical fiction novels. This account of Kate and her sister Belinda's great-great-great-great grandmother Charlotte Waring Atkinson is the best sort of non-fiction. Part family history, part biography, part mystery, part travel memoir, part colonial history of early Sydney. I devoured this book in one sitting and it didn't disappoint.
As Kate so beautifully writes in the final chapter:
Charlotte Waring Atkinson was just an ordinary woman. She loved a man and gave birth to children, then tried her best to raise them and care for them, even though she was ground down by grief and harmed in both body and spirit by cruelty and violence. She fought for her children, she found her voice, and she stood up and spoke out at a time when many women were kept mute.
If you are interested in the learning about the life of an ordinary yet remarkable woman in early Sydney, written with all the skill and prose of a work of fiction, I highly recommend Searching for Charlotte.
January 24, 2021
I loved the interwoven story of the research with the story if Charlotte herself.
April 12, 2021
A delve into who Australia's first female children's writer could have been with a smattering of speculation and a whole lot of England and the wilds of Colonial Australia.
April 25, 2021
Lovely memory trail, travel log and tale of ancestors and championing female writers!
March 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book written by literary sisters Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell about their search to find out more about the life and times of their ancestor, Charlotte Waring Atkinson (later Barton) and her children. It’s an engaging mixture of colonial history, biography and social history. Written alternately, and seamlessly, by Kate and Belinda, they also imagine Charlotte’s inner thoughts and motivations as she goes through many changes in her life. The book describes their journey of discovery, both in Sydney and England and also what it has meant to their own families.
Although the first Australian children’s book (A Mother’s Offering to Her Children) was published in 1841, it wasn’t until 1980 that the author was identified as Charlotte Waring Atkinson. Charlotte was unusual in having received an excellent education and by all accounts was an exceptional governess. In 1826 she applied to become a governess for Maria and Hannibal Macarthur’s children in Sydney. However, on the voyage she was to meet farmer James Atkinson and married him within a year and settled on his farm in the Southern Highlands. Her marriage was happy, however when James died while out riding, she and her children experienced some difficult times, mainly at the hands of misogynist men and the laws of the time favouring men.
Through their research, Kate and Belinda have pieced together Charlotte’s life from her marriage, the birth of her children to the events that saw her nearly destitute and under threat of having her children taken away. They talked to historians and family members who have researched the family, visited collections in libraries and uncovered new facts about her and find an exquisite sketchbook of her drawings and watercolours held by the Mitchell Library in Sydney (previously attributed to her son James). I loved the cover and the illustrations inside the book which are taken from Charlotte's sketchbooks.
Kate and Belinda also learned a lot more about Charlotte’s daughter Louisa who was an important naturalist of the day and also a writer, writing a long series of newspaper articles about rural life and also the first novel written by an Australian born woman (called ‘Gertrude the Emigrant’). Overall, the book is a fascinating account of a strong and resilient woman and the journey taken by two of her descendants to find her. Recommended to those who enjoy reading accounts of early Australian colonial life and family histories.
Although the first Australian children’s book (A Mother’s Offering to Her Children) was published in 1841, it wasn’t until 1980 that the author was identified as Charlotte Waring Atkinson. Charlotte was unusual in having received an excellent education and by all accounts was an exceptional governess. In 1826 she applied to become a governess for Maria and Hannibal Macarthur’s children in Sydney. However, on the voyage she was to meet farmer James Atkinson and married him within a year and settled on his farm in the Southern Highlands. Her marriage was happy, however when James died while out riding, she and her children experienced some difficult times, mainly at the hands of misogynist men and the laws of the time favouring men.
Through their research, Kate and Belinda have pieced together Charlotte’s life from her marriage, the birth of her children to the events that saw her nearly destitute and under threat of having her children taken away. They talked to historians and family members who have researched the family, visited collections in libraries and uncovered new facts about her and find an exquisite sketchbook of her drawings and watercolours held by the Mitchell Library in Sydney (previously attributed to her son James). I loved the cover and the illustrations inside the book which are taken from Charlotte's sketchbooks.
Kate and Belinda also learned a lot more about Charlotte’s daughter Louisa who was an important naturalist of the day and also a writer, writing a long series of newspaper articles about rural life and also the first novel written by an Australian born woman (called ‘Gertrude the Emigrant’). Overall, the book is a fascinating account of a strong and resilient woman and the journey taken by two of her descendants to find her. Recommended to those who enjoy reading accounts of early Australian colonial life and family histories.
May 5, 2021
There is a lot to like in "Searching for Charlotte" and a lot that is very annoying. Despite being interested in Charlotte's story, I nearly gave up about a third into the book. I find it hard to believe that it was written by two published authors, WITH AN EDITOR, who were unable to seriously reduce the repetitive descriptions of English rain and emotional tears. The reader is also told far too often how wonderful Charlotte was - surely showing, not telling, is the point of biography? But it's worth persevering.
The authors are two sisters, Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell, the 4X grand-daughters of Charlotte Waring, Australia's first children's author, and they are pretty obsessed with her. The book's structure is unusual: each chapter is written by only one of the authors, and the "searching" (extensive research in Australia and the UK) is intertwined with what they found out about their ancestor, born in 1796. We also learn quite a lot about the generations in between, many of whom are called Charlotte or Elizabeth. These three aspects are all interesting, but can be confusing.
Charlotte herself - her life, talents, achievements, trials and tragedies - is well-worth getting to know.
The authors are two sisters, Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell, the 4X grand-daughters of Charlotte Waring, Australia's first children's author, and they are pretty obsessed with her. The book's structure is unusual: each chapter is written by only one of the authors, and the "searching" (extensive research in Australia and the UK) is intertwined with what they found out about their ancestor, born in 1796. We also learn quite a lot about the generations in between, many of whom are called Charlotte or Elizabeth. These three aspects are all interesting, but can be confusing.
Charlotte herself - her life, talents, achievements, trials and tragedies - is well-worth getting to know.
March 4, 2025
"Searching for Charlotte" has a beautiful cover and the promise of a fascinating read about Charlotte Waring Atkinson in early Australia. Do not be seduced.
The story of Charlotte mirrors that of many early female settlers in the Australian colony, many of whom would have written and drawn to entertain themselves and their families and friends. It is very much a straight forward read of statements interwoven with the authors' comments on their own travels, diary entries, descriptions of their children and suburban family antidotes.
The most surprising aspect of the book is the stretch in comparing Charlotte's life to those of well known authors eg "Charlotte's birthday was halfway between those of two of my literary heroines - Jane Austen in 1775 and Charlotte Bronte in 1816"(pg18) "When mothers died, it was common for the children to be send away to be raised by a relative, just like Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax in Jane Austen's Emma" (pg 24). It is quite a stretch on many levels.
Also found it jarring with each chapter signposted as "By Kate" or "By Belinda", often commenting on the same information.
Unnecessarily drawn out without the support of unifying underlying storyline around social mores to bind simple information, even conjecture, together.
The story of Charlotte mirrors that of many early female settlers in the Australian colony, many of whom would have written and drawn to entertain themselves and their families and friends. It is very much a straight forward read of statements interwoven with the authors' comments on their own travels, diary entries, descriptions of their children and suburban family antidotes.
The most surprising aspect of the book is the stretch in comparing Charlotte's life to those of well known authors eg "Charlotte's birthday was halfway between those of two of my literary heroines - Jane Austen in 1775 and Charlotte Bronte in 1816"(pg18) "When mothers died, it was common for the children to be send away to be raised by a relative, just like Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax in Jane Austen's Emma" (pg 24). It is quite a stretch on many levels.
Also found it jarring with each chapter signposted as "By Kate" or "By Belinda", often commenting on the same information.
Unnecessarily drawn out without the support of unifying underlying storyline around social mores to bind simple information, even conjecture, together.
October 31, 2025
This was very interesting!
From prominent Australian authors Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell (who I did not previously know were sisters!) comes this very interesting book about not only the life of Charlotte Waring Atkinson, Australia’s first Children’s book author, but also Kate & Belinda’s research into her life, the family stories they were told, and bits about their current life too.
I learned a lot about the time period, and it was very interesting to see it all woven together. I learned a lot.
A very interesting nonfiction that is a rather easy read, not particularly dense at all. I listened to the audiobook, which I do recommend. If you’re interested in history or biography, I do recommend.
A year or so back I had the please of meeting Kate Forsyth, who wrote one of my favourite childhood books “The Puzzle Ring” (HIGHLY recommend). I came across this book when I was looking into her more recent works. So the memoir side of things about her and Belinda was very interesting to me.
A solid read, glad I got to this one.
Note: Audible has a spelling mistake on Kate’s name, listing her as “Kat” rather than “Kate” Forsyth.
From prominent Australian authors Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell (who I did not previously know were sisters!) comes this very interesting book about not only the life of Charlotte Waring Atkinson, Australia’s first Children’s book author, but also Kate & Belinda’s research into her life, the family stories they were told, and bits about their current life too.
I learned a lot about the time period, and it was very interesting to see it all woven together. I learned a lot.
A very interesting nonfiction that is a rather easy read, not particularly dense at all. I listened to the audiobook, which I do recommend. If you’re interested in history or biography, I do recommend.
A year or so back I had the please of meeting Kate Forsyth, who wrote one of my favourite childhood books “The Puzzle Ring” (HIGHLY recommend). I came across this book when I was looking into her more recent works. So the memoir side of things about her and Belinda was very interesting to me.
A solid read, glad I got to this one.
Note: Audible has a spelling mistake on Kate’s name, listing her as “Kat” rather than “Kate” Forsyth.
September 11, 2022
'Searching for Charlotte' by Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell is the story of how sisters, Kate and Belinda, 'embark on a voyage of discovery that investigates family history, writing, motherhood, what changes and what stays the same. It is a journey that will transform everything they thought they knew about their family . . .' Kate and Belinda travel with their own daughters, Ella and Emily to London to learn more about their family history and in particular Charlotte Waring Atkinson their four-times great grandmother who wrote Australia's first children's book. They follow Charlotte as she marries, settles in Australia and has a family. As well as discovering so much more about their family history, Kate and Belinda learn that even the present holds family secrets. 'Searching for Charlotte' with its exquisite cover and end papers is a beautifully written book that is a keeper on my bookshelf.
July 2, 2023
I so wanted to be entranced by this voyage of discovery, this uncovering of the life of Charlotte Waring Atkinson. Sometimes it really captured my interest. Other times it really annoyed me, when it became more self centred, or duplicated and even triplicated material between chapters. So while it is an interesting insight into the lives of colonial migrants and settlers, especially women and children - the constant cycle of wealth and impoverishment, the instability of life, the peregrinations necessitated by family discord and litigation, I felt it could have been told in a more coherent, readable manner. The meticulous research is evident and admirable, but it doesn’t combine well, it stutters and meanders a bit disjointedly in a way that distracts from the material.
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