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Kate Kelly: The true story of Ned Kelly's little sister
Kate Kelly, the daring sister of legendary bushranger Ned Kelly, was mysteriously found dead in a lagoon outside the NSW town of Forbes in 1898.
At the inquest, Kate's husband Bricky Foster claimed that she was addicted to drink and frequently spoke of suicide. However, a neighbour testified that she had only known Kate to drink since the recent birth of her baby and that she never spoke of suicide. Was it suicide, accident or murder, and why had she changed her name to Ada?
While only a teenager, Kate rode as a messenger and decoy for the Kelly Gang, and was present at the gruesome Glenrowan siege. After Ned's execution, she appeared at public gatherings around Australia. Huge crowds came to see her talk and ride, and she helped to popularise the Ned Kelly story as a celebrity in her own right. Then she disappeared from the public eye.
Rebecca Wilson is the first to uncover the full story of Kate Kelly's tumultuous life. It will surprise anyone who thought they already knew the story of Australia's most famous outlaw.
'Rarely told in full, this is the fascinating life of one of the great characters in one of our greatest stories.' - Paul Terry, author of The True Story of Ned Kelly's Last Stand
'Thoroughly recommended not only to those who have an interest in bushranging and the Kelly dynasty but anyone who enjoys a well-written and riveting yarn, based on fact.' - Rob Willis OAM, National Library of Australia Oral History and Folklore Collections
At the inquest, Kate's husband Bricky Foster claimed that she was addicted to drink and frequently spoke of suicide. However, a neighbour testified that she had only known Kate to drink since the recent birth of her baby and that she never spoke of suicide. Was it suicide, accident or murder, and why had she changed her name to Ada?
While only a teenager, Kate rode as a messenger and decoy for the Kelly Gang, and was present at the gruesome Glenrowan siege. After Ned's execution, she appeared at public gatherings around Australia. Huge crowds came to see her talk and ride, and she helped to popularise the Ned Kelly story as a celebrity in her own right. Then she disappeared from the public eye.
Rebecca Wilson is the first to uncover the full story of Kate Kelly's tumultuous life. It will surprise anyone who thought they already knew the story of Australia's most famous outlaw.
'Rarely told in full, this is the fascinating life of one of the great characters in one of our greatest stories.' - Paul Terry, author of The True Story of Ned Kelly's Last Stand
'Thoroughly recommended not only to those who have an interest in bushranging and the Kelly dynasty but anyone who enjoys a well-written and riveting yarn, based on fact.' - Rob Willis OAM, National Library of Australia Oral History and Folklore Collections
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 13, 2021
A fascinating chapter in Australian history is recounted in Rebecca Wilson’s ‘Kate Kelly: The True Story of Ned Kelly’s Sister’. The author has written an insightful commentary based on solid research and appropriate resources. Written in an enjoyable manner, Wilson brings to life this time period in Australia, with its poverty, class and the exploitation of police power. Whilst Ned Kelly’s sister is a somewhat known figure, this revealing story of her life, her spirit and character shine through amid its many tragedies. A worthy four-and-a half star must read for history buffs or people interested in the Australian cultural heritage.
February 25, 2021
This was very enjoyable to listen to even though I knew it was going to end badly for her brother, Ned Kelly. I knew very little of Ned and even less about Kate Kelly. But I've heard about Ned and was excited to learn more and in the eye of his sister Kate. Tragic story yet so interesting
August 3, 2021
A captivating and tragic story, about the life of Kate Kelly, the younger sister of the infamous Ned Kelly. Kate is often relegated to the background of stories about the Kelly Gang, and this well-researched history of her life and death both adds depth to our understanding of the role she played in the gang’s evasion of arrest for so long, and builds on a narrative about how the impact of the execution of Ned Kelly rippled throughout his family for generations to come. Kate is a complex and vibrant, independent woman, and this is such an interesting story. It’s reminded me that I need to read Carey’s novel about the Kelly Gang. A great read.
September 2, 2021
The first thing a potential reader of this book should know about it, is that it is NOT non-fiction. It is historical fiction. Really badly written historical fiction. The author had a chance, after all her research, to tell the story of Kate Kelly, but she didn't. It is just a fictional yarn about real life characters ... historical fiction. Many details around the Kelly story are so inaccurate. For example. Not all four gang members had guns at Stringybark, not until they confiscated the police weapons, so they weren't "four armed men", and there weren't shots blazing like a spaghetti western when Lonigan was shot. Same goes for Joe and Aaron, there were two shots from a double-barreled shotgun put into Aaron, first barrel, then second. Byrne didn't keep firing into him. Adding a few news clippings, some direct quotes from historical documents, and photos in the centre of the book, does not make it non-fiction. I don't know what the publisher was thinking by packaging this as something that it isn't. I just got royally fleeced.
April 5, 2021
Kate Kelly’s story is tragic. She was still a teenager when she was supporting her brother, Ned, after he was outlawed. She showed herself to be intelligent and resourceful. His subsequent arrest, trial and hanging probably scarred her for life. Her death by drowning remains contentious.
This book appears to be well-researched, but I found the colloquial style in which it is written disconcerting and even somewhat anachronistic.
This book appears to be well-researched, but I found the colloquial style in which it is written disconcerting and even somewhat anachronistic.
March 14, 2021
A beautifully written historical biography of a female protagonist by a female author. A fascinating insight into the sister of Ned Kelly and the effects of his actions and beliefs on her life. History written from more than one perspective can only give a truer picture. A great read
June 13, 2021
I found the beginning of this book confusing, as the author jumped from one event to another in Kate's life without any regard for chronology. Once the book settled down into a timeline, it became easier to follow.
Kate certainly had a difficult, if varied, life and this book obviously draws on a great deal of research but I found it slightly long-winded in places.
Of course, it covers her brother Ned's trial and condemnation and highlights Kate's efforts to have his sentence commuted on the grounds that some of the "evidence" was untrustworthy.
Somehow, though, the book left me cold. I felt that the portrayal of Kate was rather two-dimensional and that, although it told the story of her life and mysterious death, it did not show readers the emotional side of a woman living on the fringes of society.
From the ratings I have seen for this biography, many readers would disagree with me so I will sit on the fence here and say, "Read it if you wish to and make up your own minds" rather than giving a definite recommendation or outright "Avoid at all costs".
Kate certainly had a difficult, if varied, life and this book obviously draws on a great deal of research but I found it slightly long-winded in places.
Of course, it covers her brother Ned's trial and condemnation and highlights Kate's efforts to have his sentence commuted on the grounds that some of the "evidence" was untrustworthy.
Somehow, though, the book left me cold. I felt that the portrayal of Kate was rather two-dimensional and that, although it told the story of her life and mysterious death, it did not show readers the emotional side of a woman living on the fringes of society.
From the ratings I have seen for this biography, many readers would disagree with me so I will sit on the fence here and say, "Read it if you wish to and make up your own minds" rather than giving a definite recommendation or outright "Avoid at all costs".
April 15, 2021
It was interesting to read about another member of the infamous Kelly Family apart from Ned. There is no doubt that this is a well-researched book, however I have given it a low rating as I did not appreciate the fact that it was filled out in parts with what I felt read like it was a historical novel. It would have been a shorter book but just sticking to the facts would have made it a better read for me. Sometimes less is more when writing about a person who lived a very short but fascinating life.
August 11, 2021
The story itself is interesting and it seems to be well researched. However, I found the fictional dramatisation of the narrative trivial and unnecessary. It didn't add anything but only got in the way of the story itself. I also disliked the uncritical view of Kate and her family that the author presented. Whatever the Kelly gang did, according to the writer, they could do no wrong (even when children and other bystanders died as a result of their actions).
June 12, 2021
I’ll be truthful, the thing that drew me to wanting to read this book was my grandmother, who grew up in Forbes, telling the family that Ned Kelly’s sister, Kate Kelly, had baby-sat her when she was young. It didn’t seem likely. Everyone knows the Kelly Gang were based in Victoria (Australia). How would Ned Kelly’s sister end up in Forbes?
But, in fact, Kate Kelly (aka Ada Hennessey, aka Kate Foster) spent her final years in Forbes, and she did babysit for others, so who knows?
Author Rebecca Wilson starts Kate’s story at the end, describing Kate’s final days then working backwards to fill in her life in Forbes before circling back to tell the story of the Kelly Gang, including Kate’s brothers Dan and Ned. She gives a personal touch and Kate’s perspective to Ned Kelly’s trial and hanging by imagining the conversations they might have had. I felt she gave a good insight into the Australia of 140 years ago.
I hadn’t realised there’d been such a mighty effort conducted by the Kelly family, friends and supporters, to get people to sign a petition asking for a reprieve for Ned, nor that government officials and the local constabulary were in fear of a massive uprising by Kelly supporters, many of whom gathered at the Melbourne Jail.
Wilson continues tracing Kate Kelly’s path after Ned’s death as she and her brother Jim join up with Flash Jack Donovan, touring to Sydney and Adelaide to show off their horsemanship, and recount the stories of the Kelly Gang. Kate also appears to have joined the English Circus as a trick rider sometime later.
It’s obvious from the selected bibliography at the end of this book that Rebecca Wilson has invested a lot of time investigating her subject, and the result is an interesting, engaging recounting.
Where we can’t know from preserved newspapers, court records and the likes what might have been said between Kate and the Kelly family, or Kate and her friends and family when she settled in Forbes, the author has filled in, imagining what might have been said. (A similar style was used by K.A. Walls in her Australian historic novel, Tallawoladah: On the Rocks). This and photos as well as reproductions of newspaper clippings and documents from the time, and the author’s own art contribute to enhance the reading experience. I learned a lot about Kate Kelly, the Kelly Gang and the 1880s from reading this book.
But, in fact, Kate Kelly (aka Ada Hennessey, aka Kate Foster) spent her final years in Forbes, and she did babysit for others, so who knows?
Author Rebecca Wilson starts Kate’s story at the end, describing Kate’s final days then working backwards to fill in her life in Forbes before circling back to tell the story of the Kelly Gang, including Kate’s brothers Dan and Ned. She gives a personal touch and Kate’s perspective to Ned Kelly’s trial and hanging by imagining the conversations they might have had. I felt she gave a good insight into the Australia of 140 years ago.
I hadn’t realised there’d been such a mighty effort conducted by the Kelly family, friends and supporters, to get people to sign a petition asking for a reprieve for Ned, nor that government officials and the local constabulary were in fear of a massive uprising by Kelly supporters, many of whom gathered at the Melbourne Jail.
Wilson continues tracing Kate Kelly’s path after Ned’s death as she and her brother Jim join up with Flash Jack Donovan, touring to Sydney and Adelaide to show off their horsemanship, and recount the stories of the Kelly Gang. Kate also appears to have joined the English Circus as a trick rider sometime later.
It’s obvious from the selected bibliography at the end of this book that Rebecca Wilson has invested a lot of time investigating her subject, and the result is an interesting, engaging recounting.
Where we can’t know from preserved newspapers, court records and the likes what might have been said between Kate and the Kelly family, or Kate and her friends and family when she settled in Forbes, the author has filled in, imagining what might have been said. (A similar style was used by K.A. Walls in her Australian historic novel, Tallawoladah: On the Rocks). This and photos as well as reproductions of newspaper clippings and documents from the time, and the author’s own art contribute to enhance the reading experience. I learned a lot about Kate Kelly, the Kelly Gang and the 1880s from reading this book.
June 2, 2021
The newspapers' love-hate relationship with Kate had them admiring her 'dangerous smile' and the 'great natural intelligence' it revealed. But, at the same time, they made nasty comments about her class of origin and the destructive family from which she came. The press praised the Kelly sisters' love for their brother, but they ridiculed Kate's blind loyalty and willingness to support Ned's unlawful activities. People were attracted to Kate's charisma, boldness and grit, yet at the same time they wanted to condemn her for those traits. — Rebecca Wilson (p.192)
When you have the name Catherine there is no shortage of historical figures you share a name with. Saints, royalty, actors, singers, academics basically everything (with or without the derivations). Catherine Ada Kelly known as Kate (aka Ada Foster, Ada Hennessey) is a Catherine I've known of from an early age as a Melbournian with an interest in the Kelly legend. When I saw this book I knew I needed to read it. Kate is rarely spoken about as her own woman and it was instant grabby hands when I saw someone had. Most of this review is going to be a bullet point dump of good things, things my Kelly loving self had forgotten or never knew.
The first thing that needs to be said about this book is that Kate Kelly is a bit of a woman of mystery, an enigma. While Rebecca Wilson has written Kate Kelly off primary sources as much as possible there is a lot of contradiction and mythology around her. What do we expect, she's part of the Kelly family. As such Rebecca Wilson has needed to find a narrative and stick to it. You cannot talk about Kate Kelly without talking about the Kelly Gang. So this does go into the crimes of the Kelly Gang but never intended to take a stance on the place of the Ned Kelly legend in Australia or even really the legality or morality of their acts. This is her story, not his or theirs. If she shares the story with anyone else it is her older sister Maggie. This could be seen as the story of the Kelly Gang from the perspective of the women in their lives, Kate, Maggie and Ellen. It is a female-driven piece. Secondly, this is written in a narrative style. We read a lot of Kate's story as a story, not as a fact dump. It humanises people, people that aren't often humanised. It shows Ned and Dan Kelly, Steve Hart and Joe Byrne as brothers and friends not as hardened outlaws, legends. It is written in a narrative style but it's not linear. Part 1: The Disappearance of Kate Kelly contains the discovery of her body moves through her early childhood and later life. Part 2: Kate's Tumultuous Life in Victoria covers the five years between 1878-1883, starting from the fateful visit of Constable Fitzpatrick through her aiding of the Kelly Gang and what Kate Kelly did next (also 'The Disastrous Fitzpatrick', what happened to the idiot Fitzpatrick who started this mess). Part 3: Remembering Kate picks up where part one ends in the inquest into Kate's death and how it impacted as many people around her as can be traced. This breakdown is well done and flows well.
Something I did not expect coming into Kate Kelly was the tears. I teared up more than once in this. While it is obvious that the people were all dead, their ends and their stories were so much more distressing and painful than I expected. The Glenrowan Seige was painful to read. While Kate wasn't there it is pivotal to her life so we see it, in a way that is painful. The narrative choice for Dan Kelly and Steve Hart is to my mind also the most likely but also lead to one of the most distressing moments. But dear lord reading Kate and Maggie watch the in burn made me tear up, the words they yelled were soul deep. Steve, Joe and Dan were already dead but they didn't already know that. Then the desecration of Joe's body (normal for the time?). This is the section that brings them crashing down to earth in the hardest possible way. It forces their status as brothers and friends on you. Then you get Ellen and her premonition (I didn't look for the source on that one) messed me up as well. Most of the emotional punches though are in Part 3, the life of the Kelly family is written in pain and blood, their lives are short and oh I was not okay. I had such sadness for Kate, for the boys, for her family, the wrongs done to them all by a system rigged against them and those like them.
Rebecca Wilson is very clear as to her chosen narrative. This includes the birth dates of Kate Kelly and the relationship of Alice King to Kate Kelly. On Ellen Kelly (nee Quinn, should be King). As well as her seven children with Red Anne (1853), Ned (1864), Maggie (1857), Jim (1859), Dan (1861), Kate (1863) and Grace (1865) I did not know Ellen had 2 children with second husband George King, Ellen Junior (1873) and Jack (1875). Wilson posits that Alice (1878) was Kate's daughter by Fitzpatrick but that is a debatable point. Others think she is simply another of Ellen's daughters. Using the dates provided by Wilson, Kelly was only 35 when she died. Wilson doesn't weigh in on the cause of her death it is kinda open-ended which I really like. The last chapter does give some idea of Wilson's suspicion but it does leave it open to interpretation. One thing that is of great importance that gets lost in the whole Kelly Gang case appears on page 149 under the heading Treated like Outlaws. June 1880. During the shootout at Glenrowan, the Kelly Gang were not outlaws, the law that made them such had lapsed. At that point, the boys still had their legal rights, the right to a free trial, innocent until proven guilty. Like it or not that is written in law and really not open to interpretation. It is one place Wilson does weigh into the politics of the Kelly Gang situation.• Kate Kelly's attraction to her husband was well expected. He is exactly the wrong kind of man. Possessive, jealous and violent. But everything was just an escalation of his existing traits. His spousal harassment and negligence were obvious from an early point.
• Side note bless feminism and suffragettes that we got past the bullshit that was the status of 'female covert'. The past is a terrible place.
• Kate Kelly being misrepresented and misunderstood in her own time and turned into part of travelling shows is awful. Her having to see it is worse.
• "There were different rules and expectations for women when it came to crime." — Good to know some things don't change I guess. (p.34)
• "That ain't fair, Paddy."
"Nothin' is ever fair, Kate. Forget about fair" — The book paints Quinn, often vilified, in a positive light. But I really like this quote. It is the Kelly's their lives were unfair and painful. (Kate Kelly & Patrick Quinn, p.116)
• So anyone looking up Ned Kelly finds the Jerilderie letter fairly quickly. But I don't remember ever seeing the Cameron Letter, signed by Kelly abut written by both Joe Byrne and Ned Kelly. It was written and sent earlier.
• I did not know half the details of the chaos from Jerilderie. A church? Seriously? Well yeah, I guess they would have been good religious boys. They rightfully blame it all on Constable Fitzpatrick without him none of this would have happened.
• So. Keitmayer's Waxworks. There is a lot going on there and I don't know where to start. Keitmayer was the first to display the Kelly armour. This is Madame Tussaud's but twisted and warped. I know where to end though. Keitmayer ended up displaying Ned Kelly's brain HIS BRAIN! Ugh.
• "What price friendship? What price a life? How could he do this to my family?" — The family caught in the middle is more women. This line really does mark the beginning of the end for the Kelly Gang. Joe's anger at the betrayal. Interestingly the women in question were pissed. And I can't even with how much respect I have for them. Knowing their boys deserve better than their supporters in prison. (Joe Byrne, p.147)
• I appreciate the inclusion of the newspaper articles interpreted throughout and the image section. What I will say on the photos is that the Kelly's come from good genetic stock. I didn't realise that the famed photo of Ned Kelly was taken on the day he hung.
"Ned Kelly bushranger and murderer has been sentenced to death. We should never forget the fact that the first settlers in Australia were convicts of the worst class and that their descendants still retain the traditions, feelings and habits of the criminal classes from which they sprung. For this crime of bushranging there is only one effectual remedy—death." — Let me explain why I like this quote so much. I love that middle bit 'we should... they sprung'. There is a theory that the reason that Australians are the way they are as a culture, especially women, is that we come from those women like Ellen, Maggie and Kate Kelly. Those convict women who worked hard, held their families together and gave birth in some of the worst situations. From convict women to convict brides to free settlers. Only amplified by those immigrants in the 20th century from matriarchal cultures. (The Northern Miner, 4 November 1880; from p.205)
The petition for Ned Kelly's reprieve is hella scary. Approximately 34,000 signatures. Maggie and Kate did that.
Nope, nope, nope stuff the government at their fascination with Ned Kelly's body. They kept it and essentially played with it. It wasn't until 2012 that the body was returned to the Kelly family and interred in Greta cemetery (sans skull because people are dicks). At least Kate Kelly got a proper burial even if her family wasn't present.
• It kind of feels like Jim is the familial protector to Ned's breadwinner and father figure to Red's kids. Jim was certainly Kate's protector after Kate's death and Ellen's caretaker.
• "She hoped that bringing her mother home was the full stop to a chapter she would never have chosen to write herself." — I appreciate the idea of Ellen coming home as a new beginning. Pity, it didn't work out like that. (p.276)
• The Disastrous Fitzpatrick is most welcome. This man caused so much damage and destruction. He wronged not only the Kelly's but so many young women of the time. His life path was suitably grim given his role. I really like the addition of Cookson's quote about Ned Kelly in relation to Fitzpatrick: He really was a superior man. Under better circumstances he would probably have been a leader of good men instead of a gang of outlaws. (p.292)
• "The death of Kate could not be thought of without remembering the death of Maggie and then memories of all of the other deaths in his family and among his friends. This circle of death and tragedy seemed to hold an endless presence for what had been his entire life." — Jim's life was pain as much as Ellen's was whereas Ellen lost her children Jim lost his siblings. Worse the only reason he wasn't at Glenrowan with his brothers and friends was a recent jail term, he was laying low. Can you imagine the survivor's guilt? (Jim Kelly, p.312)
• "Once an outlaws sister, always an outlaws sister; she felt naked without a gun." — What can you say to that? It's a good point. (p.329)
• I want to add a performance of Ye Sons of Austalia by Daniel Kelly. An extract of these lyrics from this traditional song are used in the book.
Honestly, I think if someone had an interest in strong women from Australian history but did not know much about the Kelly legend this could be read with some ease. This is Kate's story, knowing her family isn't needed what is needed knowledge included. For those who do know the Kelly legend, this is a different and welcome interpretation of it, from the perspective of the women. How they moved on the impact that their names had on their lives. The choice of a narrative style for the writing is intelligent it pulls you in, makes you see these people as people, made me emotionally invested. In the authors note there is a line "I feel that Kate Kelly ought to be respectfully remembered for all her complexities, triumphs, strengths, weaknesses and tragedies, all the assets and flaws of the human condition that make us who we are.". And after reading this book I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Not only is Kate Kelly a reminder that there is always more to a person than meets the eye, that we are all human and we are all subject to pressures. Well this was another long review I think that is my new style
No one could ever understand the suffering of my life. — Ellen Kelly (while said by Ellen after Kate's death it is pretty relevant to Kate too; p.310)
A representative gif:
October 23, 2021
Turns out he didn’t say ‘Such is Life’
Who knew?! How many tattoos and bumper stickers are out there right now, if only they knew.
Very well researched book. Taught me a lot about my own regions history of the time period, and set me off on an excursion to find the old homesteads.
Who knew?! How many tattoos and bumper stickers are out there right now, if only they knew.
Very well researched book. Taught me a lot about my own regions history of the time period, and set me off on an excursion to find the old homesteads.
July 21, 2022
I gave up. 'Kate Kelly' is neither biography nor good historical fiction. The speculative comments are intrusive and the attempt at a relaxed and colloquial style is contrived. I lost confidence in the credibility and narrative very quickly. What was intended to be an engaging text was just disjointed and poor story telling. It's a pity that ten years of research did not result in a balanced and insightful perspective or a truly historical novel. I think good intentions were there, but the execution fell short.
July 16, 2024
This book was really interesting. I’m glad Kate Kelly has her own book
February 26, 2021
I found this book fascinating. It was quite electrifying to get inside our contemporary Australian history and mythology. The world of a woman and a family so torn apart by grief and hardship, yet so charged with fighting spirit as well as ordinary kindness and humanity.
The author has clearly woven a lot of research, together with a personal connection and reflection, and deftly colourful writing I. It makes for a great read, that I finished in a few days...
My only struggle being to tease out the history from the story which she has crafted and brought to life. I don’t want to expand the mythology and inevitable conflict around the Kelly family / “gang”, or spread speculation as established truth, so I’ll have to do some further reading and fact-checking, as well as cross-referencing with alternate stories (eg from perspective of families of police killed by Ned & his gang.
However, that is the case with any historical fiction, and is a tribute to the power of the book that has propelled me further on my personal and cultural journey.
The author has clearly woven a lot of research, together with a personal connection and reflection, and deftly colourful writing I. It makes for a great read, that I finished in a few days...
My only struggle being to tease out the history from the story which she has crafted and brought to life. I don’t want to expand the mythology and inevitable conflict around the Kelly family / “gang”, or spread speculation as established truth, so I’ll have to do some further reading and fact-checking, as well as cross-referencing with alternate stories (eg from perspective of families of police killed by Ned & his gang.
However, that is the case with any historical fiction, and is a tribute to the power of the book that has propelled me further on my personal and cultural journey.
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July 29, 2021This review was first published on the Underground Writers website: http://underground-writers.org/review...
Kate Kelly is an immersive creative nonfiction account of the life and death of Kate Kelly, sister of notorious bushranger Ned Kelly. A talented horsewoman, mother, and intelligent criminal, Kate was often overshadowed by the fame of her brother. However, she was an integral member of the Kelly gang. Rebecca Wilson has painted an intimate and detailed portrait of Kate’s life in the late 1800s. Interspersed between historical facts is a well-written plotline, taking events from Kate’s life and rounding them out with characterisation and setting. We see her grow and develop into a mature young woman, enduring heartbreak and encountering struggles that aren’t necessarily exclusive to an outlaw lifestyle.
Wilson approaches the subject matter of Kelly’s life and the way she is treated by others (particularly men and the local media) in a detailed and meaningful way; it is not surface-level research, and full articles are often included to round out certain statements and chapters. I really enjoyed the inclusion of historical documents and images, as it felt like a more immersive reading experience. We see Kate through the lens of her achievements as a woman in colonial Australia, and how her intelligence and talents were of great benefit to the Kelly Gang. Furthermore, her mistreatment by men in her life is not omitted or glossed over.
Setting plays a huge part in this book, and the author has portrayed colonial life in New South Wales vividly and with great attention to detail. If you’re a fan of Hallie Rubenhold’s descriptions of Victorian life in The Five: The untold lives of the women killed by Jack the Ripper, you are likely to enjoy this book. Both titles are also similar from a feminist standpoint, telling the stories of women often overshadowed in history due to their association with notorious men.
Wilson also addresses Kate’s death and the suspicions surrounding it. In fact, it is the opening scene in the book and is quite confronting to read. The decision to structure the book this way is outstanding, as this opening scene adds an air of mystery to Kate’s life and engages the reader in a way that is more typical of fiction stories. Wilson has an excellent grasp of storytelling techniques and has used them to her full advantage for this work of narrative nonfiction.
Whilst the Kate Kelly is mainly about Kate, we also get glimpses of the Kelly Gang’s criminal activity and gunfights with the police. I found myself emotionally attached to some of the ‘characters’ and furiously turned pages to find out if they survived high-stakes battles, and when they didn’t, Kate’s grief was palpable and deeply affecting.
This is one of my favourite nonfiction books of this year, and if you are a fan of historical nonfiction with a crime twist, Rebecca Wilson’s Kate Kelly is ideal for you.
Kate Kelly is an immersive creative nonfiction account of the life and death of Kate Kelly, sister of notorious bushranger Ned Kelly. A talented horsewoman, mother, and intelligent criminal, Kate was often overshadowed by the fame of her brother. However, she was an integral member of the Kelly gang. Rebecca Wilson has painted an intimate and detailed portrait of Kate’s life in the late 1800s. Interspersed between historical facts is a well-written plotline, taking events from Kate’s life and rounding them out with characterisation and setting. We see her grow and develop into a mature young woman, enduring heartbreak and encountering struggles that aren’t necessarily exclusive to an outlaw lifestyle.
Wilson approaches the subject matter of Kelly’s life and the way she is treated by others (particularly men and the local media) in a detailed and meaningful way; it is not surface-level research, and full articles are often included to round out certain statements and chapters. I really enjoyed the inclusion of historical documents and images, as it felt like a more immersive reading experience. We see Kate through the lens of her achievements as a woman in colonial Australia, and how her intelligence and talents were of great benefit to the Kelly Gang. Furthermore, her mistreatment by men in her life is not omitted or glossed over.
Setting plays a huge part in this book, and the author has portrayed colonial life in New South Wales vividly and with great attention to detail. If you’re a fan of Hallie Rubenhold’s descriptions of Victorian life in The Five: The untold lives of the women killed by Jack the Ripper, you are likely to enjoy this book. Both titles are also similar from a feminist standpoint, telling the stories of women often overshadowed in history due to their association with notorious men.
Wilson also addresses Kate’s death and the suspicions surrounding it. In fact, it is the opening scene in the book and is quite confronting to read. The decision to structure the book this way is outstanding, as this opening scene adds an air of mystery to Kate’s life and engages the reader in a way that is more typical of fiction stories. Wilson has an excellent grasp of storytelling techniques and has used them to her full advantage for this work of narrative nonfiction.
Whilst the Kate Kelly is mainly about Kate, we also get glimpses of the Kelly Gang’s criminal activity and gunfights with the police. I found myself emotionally attached to some of the ‘characters’ and furiously turned pages to find out if they survived high-stakes battles, and when they didn’t, Kate’s grief was palpable and deeply affecting.
This is one of my favourite nonfiction books of this year, and if you are a fan of historical nonfiction with a crime twist, Rebecca Wilson’s Kate Kelly is ideal for you.
August 8, 2021
The roiling poverty and tragedy for vulnerable settlers in 1800s Victoria & NSW was relentless and destructive. This was the background to the Kelly family's existence. The extremes are staggering - nothing went right for them - they were disadvantaged, disenfranchised, and almost defeated at every turn . Their notoriety, loyalty, fortitude, strength and cunning was writ-large, and was the subject of much media scrutiny and sensationalism.
Throw in large dollops of high drama, charisma, murder, self-defence, corruption and victimization - from her earliest years, Kate Kelly had to survive constant mayhem and tragedy.
What seems to shine through Rebecca Wilson's devoted research, is that the Kelly's, like anybody, wanted to face life with courage and hope, and wanted to have a better life for their family and for those around them. Kate was kind, strong, loyal, loving and protective. Even in her teens, she was an expert horsewoman and would not tolerate injustice. Wilson attests to the crushing force of police persecution and corruption against the family and those around them - and the cruelty of the 'justice' system - which Ned Kelly himself described in his letters.
I had just finished reading Hugh Dolan's graphic novel, Ned Kelly, which reveals the same type of staggering, tragic detail that beset the lives of Kate Kelly and her family. It really makes one pause.
Kate was 17 when 26-year-old Ned was hanged.
Her later life was an amazing testament to her talents and strength, but being the sister of Australia's most notorious bushranger and outlaw, she was never to find the peace nor fulfilling life that she deserved.
Throw in large dollops of high drama, charisma, murder, self-defence, corruption and victimization - from her earliest years, Kate Kelly had to survive constant mayhem and tragedy.
What seems to shine through Rebecca Wilson's devoted research, is that the Kelly's, like anybody, wanted to face life with courage and hope, and wanted to have a better life for their family and for those around them. Kate was kind, strong, loyal, loving and protective. Even in her teens, she was an expert horsewoman and would not tolerate injustice. Wilson attests to the crushing force of police persecution and corruption against the family and those around them - and the cruelty of the 'justice' system - which Ned Kelly himself described in his letters.
I had just finished reading Hugh Dolan's graphic novel, Ned Kelly, which reveals the same type of staggering, tragic detail that beset the lives of Kate Kelly and her family. It really makes one pause.
Kate was 17 when 26-year-old Ned was hanged.
Her later life was an amazing testament to her talents and strength, but being the sister of Australia's most notorious bushranger and outlaw, she was never to find the peace nor fulfilling life that she deserved.
November 19, 2025
The sister, and often sassy and smart diversion and messenger to her outlaw brothers, Kate Kelly is a name of Australian folklore - the famed bushranger gang's supporter, assistant in many ways, and defender to the end.
A teenager at the peak of the lawless brothers' reign, she became a famed and much chased after entity after the Kelly Gang's bloody demise. A media and spotlight darling, she drew crowds, stalking media, and sold out shows.
A poverty ridden, rural existence, tough by any standard, Kate was smart, highly skilled with horses, wrangling authorities, and outsmarting a trailing media, she bore the focus around her family as she dealt with the courts, her mother's imprisonment, the care of her younger siblings, and Dan and Ned's death.
Lived out her days under an assumed name in Forbes NSW, before her mysterious and untimely death. Worked on properties there, before marrying. Mother of three, or four, children. The circumstances of her death not completely resolved.
A review of much of the possible details of her life, this book also recaps the final days of the Kelly Gang, and the complicated events leading up to the final stand. Kate's role was pivotal in so many aspects, including preserving the legacy.
Wilson has given us her version of the story, filling in gaps around the extensive research and archival material she found - this is as close to the story as we have about the life of Kate Kelly.
A teenager at the peak of the lawless brothers' reign, she became a famed and much chased after entity after the Kelly Gang's bloody demise. A media and spotlight darling, she drew crowds, stalking media, and sold out shows.
A poverty ridden, rural existence, tough by any standard, Kate was smart, highly skilled with horses, wrangling authorities, and outsmarting a trailing media, she bore the focus around her family as she dealt with the courts, her mother's imprisonment, the care of her younger siblings, and Dan and Ned's death.
Lived out her days under an assumed name in Forbes NSW, before her mysterious and untimely death. Worked on properties there, before marrying. Mother of three, or four, children. The circumstances of her death not completely resolved.
A review of much of the possible details of her life, this book also recaps the final days of the Kelly Gang, and the complicated events leading up to the final stand. Kate's role was pivotal in so many aspects, including preserving the legacy.
Wilson has given us her version of the story, filling in gaps around the extensive research and archival material she found - this is as close to the story as we have about the life of Kate Kelly.
January 9, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, Kate Kelly is an endlessly fascinating historical character, and I'm so glad she finally has her own book. Wilson clearly did A LOT of diligent research, and I actually really enjoy how she draws on oral histories as well as written ones. As a broad concept, this book is excellent.
However, I struggled with some of the details. The chapters and chapter sections should have been significantly rearranged in my opinion, and there were some abrupt transitions. I also felt like the sentence structure could have been tighter and more direct (there was a lot of passive voice and it distracted from the story).
Finally, despite its name, I still felt like Kate was overshadowed by her brothers and the rest of the Kelly gang. It was less apparent in the first section, but the second section was very much dominated by Ned Kelly. I know it's hard to write about the Kellys without mentioning him, but I really wanted Kate to be the star of the book, and it just didn't deliver for me in that regard.
All that said, it's a great introduction to Kate's life and was very useful for me in my research. I'd probably give it a 3.5, but also think it's well worth reading, so rounded up in this case.
However, I struggled with some of the details. The chapters and chapter sections should have been significantly rearranged in my opinion, and there were some abrupt transitions. I also felt like the sentence structure could have been tighter and more direct (there was a lot of passive voice and it distracted from the story).
Finally, despite its name, I still felt like Kate was overshadowed by her brothers and the rest of the Kelly gang. It was less apparent in the first section, but the second section was very much dominated by Ned Kelly. I know it's hard to write about the Kellys without mentioning him, but I really wanted Kate to be the star of the book, and it just didn't deliver for me in that regard.
All that said, it's a great introduction to Kate's life and was very useful for me in my research. I'd probably give it a 3.5, but also think it's well worth reading, so rounded up in this case.
July 8, 2022
This book was weird. It was about 1/3 imaging Kate’s reactions to public events in Ned Kelly’s life and 2/3 about her death. Some of the historical facts seemed dubious (although I am certainly no authority on early colonial history). Wilson said that Kate was an early female traverser of the Blue Mountains - this doesn’t seem right as Kate was born almost half a century after Blaxland et al made the crossing and their were many inland towns by the late 19th century. Early in the book, Wilson stated that infant mortality and the time Kate was giving birth was close to 50% in the colony. This is a shockingly high number. Then later in the book, Wilson says that infant mortality in Adelaide was 40% higher than the rest of the colony - meaning around 2/3 of babies?!?! Maybe these are all true but it left me suspicious enough not to trust the book. I listened to the audio version and there was no mention of sources.
I feel like this could have been converted into fiction quite easily given the huge proportion of the book that was imagining conversations and emotional reactions. It would have been a bit like The True History of the Kelly Gang Through the Eyes of one of the Sisters.
I feel like this could have been converted into fiction quite easily given the huge proportion of the book that was imagining conversations and emotional reactions. It would have been a bit like The True History of the Kelly Gang Through the Eyes of one of the Sisters.
March 30, 2025
An intriguing, but tragic story. Kate seems to have been a bit of a daredevil in her early years. But it was understandable that she would have felt the need to move away from her home environment and change her name to avoid the focus of being a Kelly.
Kate Kelly, the daring sister of legendary bushranger Ned Kelly, was mysteriously found dead in a lagoon outside the NSW town of Forbes in 1898. At the inquest, Kate's husband Bricky Foster claimed that she was addicted to drink and frequently spoke of suicide. However, a neighbour testified that she had only known Kate to drink since the recent birth of her baby and that she never spoke of suicide. Was it suicide, accident or murder, and why had she changed her name to Ada?While only a teenager, Kate rode as a messenger and decoy for the Kelly Gang, and was present at the gruesome Glenrowan siege. After Ned's execution, she appeared at public gatherings around Australia. Huge crowds came to see her talk and ride, and she helped to popularise the Ned Kelly story as a celebrity in her own right. Then she disappeared from the public eye. Rebecca Wilson is the first to uncover the full story of Kate Kelly's tumultuous life. It will surprise anyone who thought they already knew the story of Australia's most famous outlaw.'Rarely told in full, this is the fascinating life of one of the great characters in one of our greatest stories.' -
Kate Kelly, the daring sister of legendary bushranger Ned Kelly, was mysteriously found dead in a lagoon outside the NSW town of Forbes in 1898. At the inquest, Kate's husband Bricky Foster claimed that she was addicted to drink and frequently spoke of suicide. However, a neighbour testified that she had only known Kate to drink since the recent birth of her baby and that she never spoke of suicide. Was it suicide, accident or murder, and why had she changed her name to Ada?While only a teenager, Kate rode as a messenger and decoy for the Kelly Gang, and was present at the gruesome Glenrowan siege. After Ned's execution, she appeared at public gatherings around Australia. Huge crowds came to see her talk and ride, and she helped to popularise the Ned Kelly story as a celebrity in her own right. Then she disappeared from the public eye. Rebecca Wilson is the first to uncover the full story of Kate Kelly's tumultuous life. It will surprise anyone who thought they already knew the story of Australia's most famous outlaw.'Rarely told in full, this is the fascinating life of one of the great characters in one of our greatest stories.' -
June 23, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed reading another book about the Kelly family. It was quite interesting to see yet another side of the story, through the lens of his younger sister and how his behaviours affected her and her life. This has been a LONG "unit study" obsession of mine started by the first studies of Ned Kelly I did with my oldest son. Regardless of whether you believe Ned Kelly was a hardened criminal or someone hard done by through life experiences and a corrupt police and judicial system, the story is fascinating. I have made a point to read books that fall on both sides of the story to try to get a more complete picture. One more book to read (about his mother) and I might have satiated my thirst for information about him and his family.
January 2, 2023
This was quite an enjoyable book but felt at times it wandered away from the subject matter and probably should have been a lot shorter. There was a lot of padding with extraneous information that I felt didn’t add to the story of Kate.
Also, we know that the behaviour of people in those days was not what would be acceptable now, plus the references to the original First Nations owners naming of places, whilst well intentioned I’m sure, felt a little like it was added to seem politically correct, again not adding to the story at hand.
Overall, an interesting insight into what was an extraordinarily traumatised life
Also, we know that the behaviour of people in those days was not what would be acceptable now, plus the references to the original First Nations owners naming of places, whilst well intentioned I’m sure, felt a little like it was added to seem politically correct, again not adding to the story at hand.
Overall, an interesting insight into what was an extraordinarily traumatised life
April 8, 2022
Was really looking forward to reading however couldn't even finish and just skimmed the rest.
This book is historical fiction, so much to the point where you cannot rely on anything at all as fact. Once I read Fitzpatrick was having an affair with Kate and was the Father of her child, I knew the author was turning speculation into facts. Kate later gets shot by Police, which isn't backed up at all by any facts.
It's such a shame that after all the research the author has done that a fictional account is what has since been written.
This book is historical fiction, so much to the point where you cannot rely on anything at all as fact. Once I read Fitzpatrick was having an affair with Kate and was the Father of her child, I knew the author was turning speculation into facts. Kate later gets shot by Police, which isn't backed up at all by any facts.
It's such a shame that after all the research the author has done that a fictional account is what has since been written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 11, 2021I feel like my schooling failed me, as not only did I have no idea that Ned Kelly had a sister, Kate, but I don't recall ever learning anything about the Kelly Gang. Perhaps the state borders have something to do with that?
It was fascinating to read of the woman - or one of the women - behind the infamous gang. A thought-provoking read, I was particularly intrigued by Kate's brief brush with fame on the entertainment circuit.
It was fascinating to read of the woman - or one of the women - behind the infamous gang. A thought-provoking read, I was particularly intrigued by Kate's brief brush with fame on the entertainment circuit.
October 26, 2021
We Aussies are taught the legend of Ned Kelly from a young age and the debate still rages on - criminal or political prisoner.
The discrimination and injustice that occurs then follows this family, is shocking. As is the handling of Kate, her eventual demise and inquest.
History is constantly being rewritten as new evidence comes to light. I certainly believe that Ned and his whole family deserve an offical pardon with apology.
The discrimination and injustice that occurs then follows this family, is shocking. As is the handling of Kate, her eventual demise and inquest.
History is constantly being rewritten as new evidence comes to light. I certainly believe that Ned and his whole family deserve an offical pardon with apology.
July 12, 2022
I was excited to read this one but the execution let it down in my opinion. I really enjoyed the beginning and end of the story but the middle felt very disjointed and didn’t flow. It almost felt like two different books. One was a beautifully written story, and the middle was a strange mix of story and facts mashes together.
Overall I enjoyed reading a different take on the Kelly story but definitely not my favourite Kelly book.
Overall I enjoyed reading a different take on the Kelly story but definitely not my favourite Kelly book.
August 25, 2021
The title of the book states, “the true story of” but I do question how much of it was completely accurate given the style in which it was written. I still enjoyed it for the most part, even though it lost my interest at times.
It would have been interesting to hear a bit more about the kids after they left with Jim and how their lives got to where they did.
It would have been interesting to hear a bit more about the kids after they left with Jim and how their lives got to where they did.
February 2, 2023
It was so easy to read and well written it never got boring like many books do. I finished it quite fast, and many books I don't even get through. This was the first book I read in over a year. Definitely get this one, it's very interesting about womens lives in the 1800s. As a Victorian it's good to learn about the history of VIC.
June 24, 2023
A fascinating & well-researched book on the life of Kate Kelly, Ned's younger sister. Based on historical records, the author brings the story to life with imagined conversations & interactions. In this sense it is more an historical novel than a work of pure historical biography. Even so, her story adds another dimension to our understanding of the Kelly family and their motivations at the time.
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