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Those Hamilton Sisters
An irresistible story of family, secrets and love.
Will their mother's scandalous past decide their futures?
The Sunday train which snaked into Noah Vale that verdant, midwinter afternoon brought with it fire, sending an inferno of small-town gossip roaring up the valley...
Beautiful, irrepressible Esther Hamilton had a reputation in the small Queensland town of Noah Vale. That was until she ran away, twenty years ago, under a cloud of shame. It's now 1955 and following their mother's death, the Hamilton sisters - Sonnet, Fable and little Novella Plum - have returned to Noah Vale to live near their aunt and uncle.
Sonnet, twenty years old and legal guardian to her siblings, has never stepped foot in Noah Vale, yet has been the talk of the town for decades. Fable, at twelve-years-old, is a talented artist and lovelier than even her heartbreaking mother had been. And three year old Plum is just a little girl who's lost her mother and been taken away from the only home she's ever known.
As the years pass, the three sisters settle into their new life, working in the town, going to school and swimming in the perfect waterfalls nearby. But suspicion and judgment continue to follow the Hamilton sisters wherever they go. In a small town where everyone thinks they know everything about each other, it's hard to escape the past. And when Fable falls in love with Noah Vale's golden boy, is history destined to repeat itself?
Those Hamilton Sisters is a warm, captivating and irresistible story of love, family, secrets and finding your place in the world. For readers of Lucinda Riley and Kate Morton.
Will their mother's scandalous past decide their futures?
The Sunday train which snaked into Noah Vale that verdant, midwinter afternoon brought with it fire, sending an inferno of small-town gossip roaring up the valley...
Beautiful, irrepressible Esther Hamilton had a reputation in the small Queensland town of Noah Vale. That was until she ran away, twenty years ago, under a cloud of shame. It's now 1955 and following their mother's death, the Hamilton sisters - Sonnet, Fable and little Novella Plum - have returned to Noah Vale to live near their aunt and uncle.
Sonnet, twenty years old and legal guardian to her siblings, has never stepped foot in Noah Vale, yet has been the talk of the town for decades. Fable, at twelve-years-old, is a talented artist and lovelier than even her heartbreaking mother had been. And three year old Plum is just a little girl who's lost her mother and been taken away from the only home she's ever known.
As the years pass, the three sisters settle into their new life, working in the town, going to school and swimming in the perfect waterfalls nearby. But suspicion and judgment continue to follow the Hamilton sisters wherever they go. In a small town where everyone thinks they know everything about each other, it's hard to escape the past. And when Fable falls in love with Noah Vale's golden boy, is history destined to repeat itself?
Those Hamilton Sisters is a warm, captivating and irresistible story of love, family, secrets and finding your place in the world. For readers of Lucinda Riley and Kate Morton.
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2021
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499 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 22, 2021
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
This was yet another book I didn’t want to end, I literally couldn’t put it down. Those Hamilton Sisters was vividly told and mesmerising as I found myself transported to the heat and tropical environment of a small town called Noah Vale near Carins. The plot encompassed drama, secrets, lust, scandal and a touch of the whimsical.
Those Hamilton Sisters is a historical family saga set in the 1950’s in far North tropical Queensland. It’s now the year 1955 and the three Hamilton sisters, Sonet, aged 20, Fable, 12 and little Novella Plum, 3 have returned to Noah Vale to forge a new life after the death of their mother Esther in their inherited abandoned cottage. Sonnet finds herself in the position of guardian to her sisters, while their Aunt Olive and Uncle Gav live close by.
The unforgiving townsfolk will not allow the sisters to forget their mother’s scandalous past, memories in a small town go back a long way! Their mother fled Noah Vale when she was aged twenty in utter shame. The sisters are met with disdain and harshly judged by the town community for their mothers sins. Fable is subjected to small town gossip and cruelty as she newly attends secondary school in Noah Vale but she finds solace in the beauty of the rainforest, daydreaming and with her sketching.
Sonny and Fable are independent women and wonderful characters, they are the high spirited female leads in this story and rise in the face of adversity.
I found this book a remarkable achievement as this is author Averil Kenny's debut novel. Averil you should be proud, the writing is positively enchanting and the story a page turner. A new Aussie author to look out for!
I wish to thank Better Reading & Echo Publishing for an advanced copy of the book to review
This was yet another book I didn’t want to end, I literally couldn’t put it down. Those Hamilton Sisters was vividly told and mesmerising as I found myself transported to the heat and tropical environment of a small town called Noah Vale near Carins. The plot encompassed drama, secrets, lust, scandal and a touch of the whimsical.
Those Hamilton Sisters is a historical family saga set in the 1950’s in far North tropical Queensland. It’s now the year 1955 and the three Hamilton sisters, Sonet, aged 20, Fable, 12 and little Novella Plum, 3 have returned to Noah Vale to forge a new life after the death of their mother Esther in their inherited abandoned cottage. Sonnet finds herself in the position of guardian to her sisters, while their Aunt Olive and Uncle Gav live close by.
The unforgiving townsfolk will not allow the sisters to forget their mother’s scandalous past, memories in a small town go back a long way! Their mother fled Noah Vale when she was aged twenty in utter shame. The sisters are met with disdain and harshly judged by the town community for their mothers sins. Fable is subjected to small town gossip and cruelty as she newly attends secondary school in Noah Vale but she finds solace in the beauty of the rainforest, daydreaming and with her sketching.
Sonny and Fable are independent women and wonderful characters, they are the high spirited female leads in this story and rise in the face of adversity.
I found this book a remarkable achievement as this is author Averil Kenny's debut novel. Averil you should be proud, the writing is positively enchanting and the story a page turner. A new Aussie author to look out for!
I wish to thank Better Reading & Echo Publishing for an advanced copy of the book to review
April 28, 2021
I think 2021 will go down as the year of the debut. The ones I have read lately have all been amazing and diverse in content and writing style. I love that there is so much talent yet to be discovered! Those Hamilton Sisters is no exception.
Averil Kenny's writing is lyrical and poetic. The setting of Far Northern Queensland is ethereal and haunting. Kenny has captured the wonder and seclusion of the area with perfection. She also highlights the danger of the wild storms, cyclones and floods and the relentless heat and humidity of a northern summer. I loved how the characters welcomed these dramatic changes in weather. It was a part of their life to celebrated not endured.
It's 1955, a time of conservative social values. Sonnet, Fable and Novella-Plum arrive in Noah Vale, recently orphaned, they will be living in a small cottage previously owned by their mother. Their Aunt Olive had inherited the family home after their mother was disowned and cast out of the town.
Sonnet, fiercely independent, capable and outspoken is the surrogate mother to Fable and Plum. Fable is wistful and dreamy, a budding artist, she is rejected by the other girls her age and spends her time in the rainforest sketching and running wild with the boys. Aunt Olive wants nothing more than to smother the girls with love but first she must break through Sonnet's defenses.
The story has its villains and heroes with each character richly drawn and integral to the overall story.
Averil Kenny has given her readers a coming of age story that incorporates small-town minds, a mother's legacy, misogyny, first love and above all, family.
The novel, spanning ten years, is written in three parts each headed by a quote from Jane Austen's Persuasion. It is then broken down into short chapters that reflect on important events in the girls' lives.
Those Hamilton Sisters is a sobering story of love, legacies and the strive for acceptance. This is one debut novel not to be missed!
*I received my copy from the publisher
Averil Kenny's writing is lyrical and poetic. The setting of Far Northern Queensland is ethereal and haunting. Kenny has captured the wonder and seclusion of the area with perfection. She also highlights the danger of the wild storms, cyclones and floods and the relentless heat and humidity of a northern summer. I loved how the characters welcomed these dramatic changes in weather. It was a part of their life to celebrated not endured.
It's 1955, a time of conservative social values. Sonnet, Fable and Novella-Plum arrive in Noah Vale, recently orphaned, they will be living in a small cottage previously owned by their mother. Their Aunt Olive had inherited the family home after their mother was disowned and cast out of the town.
Sonnet, fiercely independent, capable and outspoken is the surrogate mother to Fable and Plum. Fable is wistful and dreamy, a budding artist, she is rejected by the other girls her age and spends her time in the rainforest sketching and running wild with the boys. Aunt Olive wants nothing more than to smother the girls with love but first she must break through Sonnet's defenses.
The story has its villains and heroes with each character richly drawn and integral to the overall story.
Averil Kenny has given her readers a coming of age story that incorporates small-town minds, a mother's legacy, misogyny, first love and above all, family.
The novel, spanning ten years, is written in three parts each headed by a quote from Jane Austen's Persuasion. It is then broken down into short chapters that reflect on important events in the girls' lives.
Those Hamilton Sisters is a sobering story of love, legacies and the strive for acceptance. This is one debut novel not to be missed!
*I received my copy from the publisher
April 6, 2021
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The book opens in 1955 when three sisters, 20yo Sonnet, 12yo Fable and 3yo Novella are arriving in their mothers hometown after her death. All theee were born out of wedlock and her mother had left the town in disgrace. The girls return to gossip, nastiness and plenty of small town prejudice. As they grow up the book follows their lives and loves and we learn a little about their mother, Esther.
It’s set in North Queensland and the rainforest environment and weather including cyclones is very much a part of the story. The book is well written, and mostly well paced (it dragged a little for me in the second half although the ending is excellent!). Reading about the sisters as they overcome the scandals and gossip and find love and a home was a definite pleasure!
It’s set in North Queensland and the rainforest environment and weather including cyclones is very much a part of the story. The book is well written, and mostly well paced (it dragged a little for me in the second half although the ending is excellent!). Reading about the sisters as they overcome the scandals and gossip and find love and a home was a definite pleasure!
July 14, 2021
In 1955, the Hamilton sisters, Sonnet, Fable and Plum, are leaving Canberra and moving to Noah Vale a small town in rural Queensland. Sonnet is twenty, she’s her younger sister’s legal guardian and she’s very independent. Heartwood cottage is their new home, the original dwelling on Hamilton land, it’s been empty for years and Sonnet can see it has potential.
Fable is twelve, she’s a talented artist, a budding beauty and little Plum is three, and misses her mum. The girls have the support of their mother’s sister Aunty Olive and her husband Uncle Gavin and they live next door.
Australian small towns are harsh places, Noah Vale is no exception and everyone remembers why Esther Hamilton left town over twenty years ago. Fable starts school, each day she returns home looking more dejected and by the weekend Sonnet’s determined to find out what’s going on? The kids at school have been saying terrible things about Esther, it’s the first of many battles for the Hamilton sisters, and the locals assume they will all turn out to be just like their mother.
Fable endures school, she finds comfort in her drawing, exploring the beautiful rain forest and it’s a magical place. When Fable falls in love with the most eligible bachelor in Noah Vale, will she make the same mistake her mother did and will it have the same repercussions?
Those Hamilton Sisters is a story about three sisters, they have their own personalities, strengths and they love each other. With the support, guidance, and kindness shown by Aunty Olive, Uncle Gavin, Alfred Shearer, Kate Hardy and Dr Jake Fairley. Noah Vale becomes more than a place to live, it’s their home and Sonnet, Fable and Plum are proud to be the daughters of Esther Hamilton.
A delightful debut novel by Averil Kenny and five stars from me.
Fable is twelve, she’s a talented artist, a budding beauty and little Plum is three, and misses her mum. The girls have the support of their mother’s sister Aunty Olive and her husband Uncle Gavin and they live next door.
Australian small towns are harsh places, Noah Vale is no exception and everyone remembers why Esther Hamilton left town over twenty years ago. Fable starts school, each day she returns home looking more dejected and by the weekend Sonnet’s determined to find out what’s going on? The kids at school have been saying terrible things about Esther, it’s the first of many battles for the Hamilton sisters, and the locals assume they will all turn out to be just like their mother.
Fable endures school, she finds comfort in her drawing, exploring the beautiful rain forest and it’s a magical place. When Fable falls in love with the most eligible bachelor in Noah Vale, will she make the same mistake her mother did and will it have the same repercussions?
Those Hamilton Sisters is a story about three sisters, they have their own personalities, strengths and they love each other. With the support, guidance, and kindness shown by Aunty Olive, Uncle Gavin, Alfred Shearer, Kate Hardy and Dr Jake Fairley. Noah Vale becomes more than a place to live, it’s their home and Sonnet, Fable and Plum are proud to be the daughters of Esther Hamilton.
A delightful debut novel by Averil Kenny and five stars from me.
October 29, 2021
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Those Hamilton Sisters by Averil Kenny. (2021).
The beautiful Esther Hamilton had a reputation in the small town of Noah Vale, and ended up running away twenty years ago under a cloud of shame. It's now 1955 and following their mother's death, the Hamilton sisters have returned to live near their aunt and uncle. The eldest, Sonnet, has her mum's fiery hair and independence. The middle, Fable, is a gifted artist and dreamer. And the youngest, Plum, is anxious to please and notices everything. As the years pass, the sisters settle into small-town life but are followed by suspicion and judgement. And when Fable falls in love with Noah Vale's golden boy, is history destined to repeat itself?
Wow, what a well-written debut for this author! The author paints the picture of this small town and its surroundings so well that it felt like I was there. The descriptions of the nature are particularly stunning. The narrative primarily alternates between the perspectives of Sonnet and Fable, who have travelled with their baby sister Novella Plum to their mother Esther's hometown. Given the time period of the book, it is realistic but still very sad that the girls are immediately looked down upon by the town purely for their mother's actions before they were even born. I loved Sonnet and Fable, who had completely different personalities and yet both had such strength, intelligence and independence. They had such courage in facing down the nasty gossips and judgemental residents, and I was cheering them on while hoping life would eventually become easier for them.
Overall: an amazing debut for the author, and I highly recommend for fans of historical fiction family sagas/family domestic dramas.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Those Hamilton Sisters by Averil Kenny. (2021).
The beautiful Esther Hamilton had a reputation in the small town of Noah Vale, and ended up running away twenty years ago under a cloud of shame. It's now 1955 and following their mother's death, the Hamilton sisters have returned to live near their aunt and uncle. The eldest, Sonnet, has her mum's fiery hair and independence. The middle, Fable, is a gifted artist and dreamer. And the youngest, Plum, is anxious to please and notices everything. As the years pass, the sisters settle into small-town life but are followed by suspicion and judgement. And when Fable falls in love with Noah Vale's golden boy, is history destined to repeat itself?
Wow, what a well-written debut for this author! The author paints the picture of this small town and its surroundings so well that it felt like I was there. The descriptions of the nature are particularly stunning. The narrative primarily alternates between the perspectives of Sonnet and Fable, who have travelled with their baby sister Novella Plum to their mother Esther's hometown. Given the time period of the book, it is realistic but still very sad that the girls are immediately looked down upon by the town purely for their mother's actions before they were even born. I loved Sonnet and Fable, who had completely different personalities and yet both had such strength, intelligence and independence. They had such courage in facing down the nasty gossips and judgemental residents, and I was cheering them on while hoping life would eventually become easier for them.
Overall: an amazing debut for the author, and I highly recommend for fans of historical fiction family sagas/family domestic dramas.
February 28, 2022
Three and a half stars.
Even years after the event, scandal about the beautiful Esther Hamilton continues to circulate through The North Queensland sugar town of Noah Vale. In 1955 Ester’s three daughters, Sonnet, Fable and Novella Plum, usually known as Plum, have arrived in Noah Vale after the death of their mother. Esther’s sister Olive is there to meet them, expecting the girls to come to her large home at Heartwood. Twenty year old Sonnet has other ideas. As self appointed custodian of the younger two, Fable 12 and 3 year old Plum, Sonnet insists they go directly to the cottage left them by their mother.
Over the years Sonnet and Olive often end up in conflict about how to raise the girls plus the Hamilton girls are subjected to innuendo, gossip, and nasty comments.
I enjoyed the some aspects of this book more than others. The setting is extremely well done. At times I felt like smacking Sonnet and Fable for some of the decisions they make, which only goes to show how well written and real they are. Sonnet too often oversteps in her role as caretaker of the two younger ones which breeds resentment and rebellion from Fable. An interesting read as secrets are uncovered.
Even years after the event, scandal about the beautiful Esther Hamilton continues to circulate through The North Queensland sugar town of Noah Vale. In 1955 Ester’s three daughters, Sonnet, Fable and Novella Plum, usually known as Plum, have arrived in Noah Vale after the death of their mother. Esther’s sister Olive is there to meet them, expecting the girls to come to her large home at Heartwood. Twenty year old Sonnet has other ideas. As self appointed custodian of the younger two, Fable 12 and 3 year old Plum, Sonnet insists they go directly to the cottage left them by their mother.
Over the years Sonnet and Olive often end up in conflict about how to raise the girls plus the Hamilton girls are subjected to innuendo, gossip, and nasty comments.
I enjoyed the some aspects of this book more than others. The setting is extremely well done. At times I felt like smacking Sonnet and Fable for some of the decisions they make, which only goes to show how well written and real they are. Sonnet too often oversteps in her role as caretaker of the two younger ones which breeds resentment and rebellion from Fable. An interesting read as secrets are uncovered.
March 20, 2022
I wrote the book I wanted to read, and I hope you’ll fall in love with it too!
x Averil
x Averil
March 15, 2022
I’m walking away from this book with joy in my heart and a smile on my lips.
I fell in love with the Hamilton sisters and found myself cheering them along as they strove to set themselves free from both their mother’s scandalous past and the judging eyes of small town 1950s Australia.
Set amongst a true to life depiction of both the beauty and challenges of rainforest life this story is a portrait of young women doing what they do best: overcoming!
A perfect first novel for a new voice in Australian fiction. I can’t wait to read what comes next...
May 6, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘Whatever happened next, they’d face it together. It was what Hamilton sisters did.’
Averil Kenny is a new talent in the Australian historical fiction field and her debut novel, Those Hamilton Sisters was published by Echo Publishing in March. A chronicle of the lives, love, joys and heartbreak of three sisters, Those Hamilton Sisters envelopes the reader in a nostalgic family drama.
Situated in the sultry far north Queensland township of Noah Vale, Those Hamilton Sisters examines the weight of small-town gossip and public shame. Over twenty years ago, a stunning young woman named Esther Hamilton had to leave her home town due to public scorn. Over two decades later, Esther’s three daughters return to Noah Vale, following the loss of their mother. Under the close care of their aunt and uncle, the sisters set up a cottage in this judgmental community. However, it soon becomes clear that the town hasn’t forgotten mistakes of the past and the Hamilton girls face further judgment from the residents of Noah Vale. As each sister embraces their new life in Noah Vale, the legacy of their mother’s past mistakes continues to haunt each of them. Can the Hamilton sisters create a promising new future for themselves?
I was immediately attracted to this title, I love a good Aussie historical family saga, so Averil Kenny’s debut caught my eye. I really enjoyed all Those Hamilton Sisters had to offer, it is an accomplished story for a first-time novelist.
The setting is excellent feature of Those Hamilton Sisters. Grounded in the fictional far north Queensland area of Noah Vale, the atmosphere is thick with tension, speculation and conjecture. There were a number of instances while I was reading this book that I felt heavy headed, tense and on edge. Those Hamilton Sisters is an emotional and intense novel, showcasing just how significant past mistakes can impact future generations. My heart went out to the Hamilton girls, the shame, prejudice and judgment they faced was devastating at times. However, Kenny does a great job of depicting the typical morals and societal attitudes of this era. These were hard times indeed.
During the course of Those Hamilton Sisters we spend time with each sister, though I did feel that I knew less about the youngest Hamilton sister, Plum. Fable and Sonnet are the two older sisters and I felt they were both very well rendered. I enjoyed following their individual pathways. I also found my interest was directed towards finding out more about Esther, the mother of the sisters. Esther’s story was intriguing, but also upsetting. Kenny attacks the dynamics of a sisterly relationship very well and I loved seeing how the sisters provided an unconditional form of support for each other. Kenny works hard to present a good combination of positive and negative characters. The contributions of all the characters both main and periphery add plenty of activity to this unfolding tale.
I really liked the structure of Those Hamilton Sisters. We follow the Hamilton family for around a ten-year duration, with some memory inserts back to Esther Hamilton’s past twenty years earlier. Each new chapter is headed by a year and location, which aided my reading experience. Kenny’s book is divided into four clear parts and the book moves at an even pace. Flow wise, I found no dips in my attention at all and I was immersed from the open to the close of Averil Kenny’s debut composition. The characters were memorable, but I found the quaint and fanciful atmosphere of this novel to be its starring feature.
Those Hamilton Sisters held me transfixed for an afternoon and evening, while enjoyed the gentle company of Esther, Sonnet, Fable and Plum. Those Hamilton Sisters heralds the beginning of a promising new career for author Averil Kenny.
*Thanks extended to Echo Publishing for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Those Hamilton Sisters is book #37 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘Whatever happened next, they’d face it together. It was what Hamilton sisters did.’
Averil Kenny is a new talent in the Australian historical fiction field and her debut novel, Those Hamilton Sisters was published by Echo Publishing in March. A chronicle of the lives, love, joys and heartbreak of three sisters, Those Hamilton Sisters envelopes the reader in a nostalgic family drama.
Situated in the sultry far north Queensland township of Noah Vale, Those Hamilton Sisters examines the weight of small-town gossip and public shame. Over twenty years ago, a stunning young woman named Esther Hamilton had to leave her home town due to public scorn. Over two decades later, Esther’s three daughters return to Noah Vale, following the loss of their mother. Under the close care of their aunt and uncle, the sisters set up a cottage in this judgmental community. However, it soon becomes clear that the town hasn’t forgotten mistakes of the past and the Hamilton girls face further judgment from the residents of Noah Vale. As each sister embraces their new life in Noah Vale, the legacy of their mother’s past mistakes continues to haunt each of them. Can the Hamilton sisters create a promising new future for themselves?
I was immediately attracted to this title, I love a good Aussie historical family saga, so Averil Kenny’s debut caught my eye. I really enjoyed all Those Hamilton Sisters had to offer, it is an accomplished story for a first-time novelist.
The setting is excellent feature of Those Hamilton Sisters. Grounded in the fictional far north Queensland area of Noah Vale, the atmosphere is thick with tension, speculation and conjecture. There were a number of instances while I was reading this book that I felt heavy headed, tense and on edge. Those Hamilton Sisters is an emotional and intense novel, showcasing just how significant past mistakes can impact future generations. My heart went out to the Hamilton girls, the shame, prejudice and judgment they faced was devastating at times. However, Kenny does a great job of depicting the typical morals and societal attitudes of this era. These were hard times indeed.
During the course of Those Hamilton Sisters we spend time with each sister, though I did feel that I knew less about the youngest Hamilton sister, Plum. Fable and Sonnet are the two older sisters and I felt they were both very well rendered. I enjoyed following their individual pathways. I also found my interest was directed towards finding out more about Esther, the mother of the sisters. Esther’s story was intriguing, but also upsetting. Kenny attacks the dynamics of a sisterly relationship very well and I loved seeing how the sisters provided an unconditional form of support for each other. Kenny works hard to present a good combination of positive and negative characters. The contributions of all the characters both main and periphery add plenty of activity to this unfolding tale.
I really liked the structure of Those Hamilton Sisters. We follow the Hamilton family for around a ten-year duration, with some memory inserts back to Esther Hamilton’s past twenty years earlier. Each new chapter is headed by a year and location, which aided my reading experience. Kenny’s book is divided into four clear parts and the book moves at an even pace. Flow wise, I found no dips in my attention at all and I was immersed from the open to the close of Averil Kenny’s debut composition. The characters were memorable, but I found the quaint and fanciful atmosphere of this novel to be its starring feature.
Those Hamilton Sisters held me transfixed for an afternoon and evening, while enjoyed the gentle company of Esther, Sonnet, Fable and Plum. Those Hamilton Sisters heralds the beginning of a promising new career for author Averil Kenny.
*Thanks extended to Echo Publishing for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Those Hamilton Sisters is book #37 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
April 9, 2021
Averil Kenny's debut novel Those Hamilton Sisters bursts on to the literary scene with a heart-warming and at times heart-wrenching story of love, loss and lust.
The aforementioned sisters; Sonnet, Fable and Novella Plum, return to their recently deceased mothers home town of Noah Vale to live with their overbearing, but well-meaning Aunt and Uncle. Unbeknown to the sisters is the scandal their mother left behind 20 years prior. If you have ever lived in a small town before, you know how rife with gossip and judgement a small town can be *Stares pointedly at Delia*.
Those Hamilton Sisters (aptly named), is fundamentally a coming of age story, except our heroines have extra hurtles to deal with; their mothers reputation, small town dynamics, sexism, cyclones, and snakes *Stares pointedly at Delia*.
This book was truely stunning, with vivid imagery that instantly transported me to the lush tropics, leaving me with an achy feeling to venture into the wild and attempt to discover my very own "Faerie Falls".
If you're into strong female leads, luxuriant tropical backdrops, mesmerising writing and truely memorable characters, then this is the book for you.
April 26, 2021
Wow. What a masterpiece! If you can read books and like amazing ones, then this is for you!
I spent most of my childhood growing up in far north Queensland, so there was a lot that was familiar to me: the landscape, the wildlife, the weather and stubborn sisters.
But there was also much that was unknown to me: a strong feminine perspective of society's treatment of women in mid century Australia, the scrutiny of small town life and magical dreamings inspired by beautiful natural surroundings.
This book is written by a modern day Australian Jane Austen, with descriptions as alive and eloquent as Thomas Hardy's. I knew how I wanted the story to go and how I thought it should end. But instead I was supremely grateful for an author who knew better how to reveal this satisfying story and the compelling characters that inhabited it.
I can't wait for more from the author
I spent most of my childhood growing up in far north Queensland, so there was a lot that was familiar to me: the landscape, the wildlife, the weather and stubborn sisters.
But there was also much that was unknown to me: a strong feminine perspective of society's treatment of women in mid century Australia, the scrutiny of small town life and magical dreamings inspired by beautiful natural surroundings.
This book is written by a modern day Australian Jane Austen, with descriptions as alive and eloquent as Thomas Hardy's. I knew how I wanted the story to go and how I thought it should end. But instead I was supremely grateful for an author who knew better how to reveal this satisfying story and the compelling characters that inhabited it.
I can't wait for more from the author
December 18, 2021
4.5 stars for an excellent historical-fiction novel by debut author Averil Kenny.
For a long book, this did not seem like a long read! I couldn't put it down. 'Those Hamilton Sisters' had me engulfed in their story from the beginning, and I loved the vivid and mesmerising setting of tropical Far-North Queensland, in the small town of Noah Vale, near Cairns.
The historical family saga is set in the 1950s, but it goes back and forth in time periods, telling the tale of the family's disgrace. The three 'bastard' Hamilton sisters, Sonnet (20), Fable (12) and three-year-old Novella Plum, return to the small town after the death of their mother, Esther. Sonnet is guardian to her sisters, and struggles along with the help of estranged Aunt Olive and Uncle Gav, who live close by.
The townsfolk are unrelenting and unforgiving in their judgment. The girl's return reignites their mother's scandalous past, and misdeeds are not forgotten. The sisters are harshly judged for their mother's sins. The plot deals with drama, secrets, scandal and forgiveness. The female characters are strong, positive, independent and powerfully depicted - I loved this about the read. I also loved that the novel seemed complete, with all the threads coming together beautifully. Some traits, values and attitudes seemed a little modern (given the setting), but this is all I can fault.
A new Aussie author to look out for!
For a long book, this did not seem like a long read! I couldn't put it down. 'Those Hamilton Sisters' had me engulfed in their story from the beginning, and I loved the vivid and mesmerising setting of tropical Far-North Queensland, in the small town of Noah Vale, near Cairns.
The historical family saga is set in the 1950s, but it goes back and forth in time periods, telling the tale of the family's disgrace. The three 'bastard' Hamilton sisters, Sonnet (20), Fable (12) and three-year-old Novella Plum, return to the small town after the death of their mother, Esther. Sonnet is guardian to her sisters, and struggles along with the help of estranged Aunt Olive and Uncle Gav, who live close by.
The townsfolk are unrelenting and unforgiving in their judgment. The girl's return reignites their mother's scandalous past, and misdeeds are not forgotten. The sisters are harshly judged for their mother's sins. The plot deals with drama, secrets, scandal and forgiveness. The female characters are strong, positive, independent and powerfully depicted - I loved this about the read. I also loved that the novel seemed complete, with all the threads coming together beautifully. Some traits, values and attitudes seemed a little modern (given the setting), but this is all I can fault.
A new Aussie author to look out for!
June 7, 2021
It’s been a while since my last historical fiction read, but Those Hamilton Sisters reminded me why I love the genre so much. I don’t know about you, but I just love being transported to another time and/or place when I read.
This book is set in the 1950s in a small town in FNQ called Noah Vale. The rainforest and cane fields make for a stunning backdrop to the story, which is about three sisters who return to their mother’s home town after her passing, to live near their aunt and uncle. Their mother left home twenty years ago under a cloud of shame, and her daughters seem destined to be stigmatised for their mother’s scandalous past.
A warm and moving story about love, family and secrets, and filled with characters you can’t help but fall in love with, those Hamilton Sisters would be perfect for anyone who enjoys family sagas.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Echo Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is set in the 1950s in a small town in FNQ called Noah Vale. The rainforest and cane fields make for a stunning backdrop to the story, which is about three sisters who return to their mother’s home town after her passing, to live near their aunt and uncle. Their mother left home twenty years ago under a cloud of shame, and her daughters seem destined to be stigmatised for their mother’s scandalous past.
A warm and moving story about love, family and secrets, and filled with characters you can’t help but fall in love with, those Hamilton Sisters would be perfect for anyone who enjoys family sagas.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Echo Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 7, 2021
‘What does the future hold?’
Three sisters, orphaned after their mother’s death, arrive in Noah Vale, in tropical Queensland, where their aunt lives. It is 1955, and the girls are about to encounter all the gossip and small-minded prejudice that their mother Esther fled from when pregnant, over 20 years earlier. Sonnet (20), Fable (12) and Novella (known as Plum) (3) were all born out of wedlock. Their aunt Olive wants to help, but Sonnet is fiercely independent of herself and her sisters.
The story unfolds over the next ten years with each of the sisters overcoming the legacy of prejudice to find their own place in the world. Ms Kenny brings her characters to life, especially Sonnet and Fable. Gradually we learn more about their mother Esther, about her hopes and ambitions for herself and for her daughters. I finished the novel wanting more, especially as Plum’s journey to adulthood was just beginning.
I really enjoyed this novel, with its wonderful descriptions of place and the clear-eyed depiction of the challenges that the sisters faced, trying to make their own ways in a town where they were judged according to the past.
An accomplished debut novel.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Three sisters, orphaned after their mother’s death, arrive in Noah Vale, in tropical Queensland, where their aunt lives. It is 1955, and the girls are about to encounter all the gossip and small-minded prejudice that their mother Esther fled from when pregnant, over 20 years earlier. Sonnet (20), Fable (12) and Novella (known as Plum) (3) were all born out of wedlock. Their aunt Olive wants to help, but Sonnet is fiercely independent of herself and her sisters.
The story unfolds over the next ten years with each of the sisters overcoming the legacy of prejudice to find their own place in the world. Ms Kenny brings her characters to life, especially Sonnet and Fable. Gradually we learn more about their mother Esther, about her hopes and ambitions for herself and for her daughters. I finished the novel wanting more, especially as Plum’s journey to adulthood was just beginning.
I really enjoyed this novel, with its wonderful descriptions of place and the clear-eyed depiction of the challenges that the sisters faced, trying to make their own ways in a town where they were judged according to the past.
An accomplished debut novel.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
April 4, 2021
Beautifully written, it is lyrical and truly evocative of the setting in tropical North Queensland. The story lifts you up and carries you along. I read it one gulp but the story and the characters are still lingering with me.
November 26, 2021
Novel set in rural QUEENSLAND
It is 1955 and in Noah Vale, rural Queensland, memories are long and minds are narrow. The Hamilton sisters, twenty-year-old Sonnet, twelve-year-old Fable and three-year-old Plum have been recently orphaned and have come to live in the small cottage formerly owned by their mother, Esther. It is twenty years since their mother was driven out of the place in shame, but it quickly becomes evident that the townsfolk remember her story all too well and also are more than content to make Esther’s daughters suffer for it. The Hamilton sisters have the support of their Aunt Olive and Uncle Gav although Sonnet, strong, capable and independent, has taken on the role of mother to her siblings and strenuously resists their offers of help. To make matters worse, none of the girls know the true story of what happened to their mother all those years ago and, part of the fascination of this novel, is the way in which we discover the back story bit by bit just as Sonnet does.
Averil Kenny’s debut novel is set, in part, in the fictional small town, Noah Vale and also in the sugar cane plantations and rainforest that surround it. The author’s prose style is full of imagery and quite lyrical particularly when she is describing the haunting and magical rainforest. She manages to convey a real sense of the seclusion of the place and a feeling of wonder at the beauty of landscape, flora and fauna, so much so that you find yourself believing this this must surely be one of the last, unspoilt places on earth. Page after page is filled with fabulous creatures: exotic butterflies and birds but also gigantic spiders, poisonous snakes and the utterly terrifying cassowary. It is very evident that the rainforest is a place the author knows and loves, but it is certainly not a romanticised picture – she leaves us in little doubt about the drawbacks too – the cyclones, floods and punishing heat and humidity.
This is truly masterful writing – so much so that it’s hard to believe it is a debut novel. The characterisation is superb. These are fully rounded characters, particularly Sonnet and Fable. Kenny clearly understands human psychology, particularly the effects of loss and inadequate parenting. Sonnet is a creature of great depth, admirable in her strength, infuriating in her inflexibility and the novel’s ten-year span allows the reader to see her grow and change.
The writer’s understanding of children and their potential to be the cruellest of bullies is evident in some of the extremely powerful scenes in this novel and the stultifying atmosphere of a small town and 1950’s attitudes are brilliantly conveyed.
This is an outstanding debut novel. It’s got the lot – all of the above and a stonking plot too. I certainly didn’t predict some of the revelations towards the end. As for setting, as soon as the world opens up again, I’m saving up and heading for Queensland to see that rainforest before it’s gone!
It is 1955 and in Noah Vale, rural Queensland, memories are long and minds are narrow. The Hamilton sisters, twenty-year-old Sonnet, twelve-year-old Fable and three-year-old Plum have been recently orphaned and have come to live in the small cottage formerly owned by their mother, Esther. It is twenty years since their mother was driven out of the place in shame, but it quickly becomes evident that the townsfolk remember her story all too well and also are more than content to make Esther’s daughters suffer for it. The Hamilton sisters have the support of their Aunt Olive and Uncle Gav although Sonnet, strong, capable and independent, has taken on the role of mother to her siblings and strenuously resists their offers of help. To make matters worse, none of the girls know the true story of what happened to their mother all those years ago and, part of the fascination of this novel, is the way in which we discover the back story bit by bit just as Sonnet does.
Averil Kenny’s debut novel is set, in part, in the fictional small town, Noah Vale and also in the sugar cane plantations and rainforest that surround it. The author’s prose style is full of imagery and quite lyrical particularly when she is describing the haunting and magical rainforest. She manages to convey a real sense of the seclusion of the place and a feeling of wonder at the beauty of landscape, flora and fauna, so much so that you find yourself believing this this must surely be one of the last, unspoilt places on earth. Page after page is filled with fabulous creatures: exotic butterflies and birds but also gigantic spiders, poisonous snakes and the utterly terrifying cassowary. It is very evident that the rainforest is a place the author knows and loves, but it is certainly not a romanticised picture – she leaves us in little doubt about the drawbacks too – the cyclones, floods and punishing heat and humidity.
This is truly masterful writing – so much so that it’s hard to believe it is a debut novel. The characterisation is superb. These are fully rounded characters, particularly Sonnet and Fable. Kenny clearly understands human psychology, particularly the effects of loss and inadequate parenting. Sonnet is a creature of great depth, admirable in her strength, infuriating in her inflexibility and the novel’s ten-year span allows the reader to see her grow and change.
The writer’s understanding of children and their potential to be the cruellest of bullies is evident in some of the extremely powerful scenes in this novel and the stultifying atmosphere of a small town and 1950’s attitudes are brilliantly conveyed.
This is an outstanding debut novel. It’s got the lot – all of the above and a stonking plot too. I certainly didn’t predict some of the revelations towards the end. As for setting, as soon as the world opens up again, I’m saving up and heading for Queensland to see that rainforest before it’s gone!
February 17, 2022
I’m not sure why I didn’t like this book as much as everyone else. Perhaps it was because it felt too romanticised, every character was too good looking, the environment too magical, personalities too exaggerated.
It is an epic novel, sprawling across at least a decade of the Hamilton sisters’ lives and I struggled with that too - in telling such a long plot, I feel like details were lost, characters undeveloped. Until the very end, Plum is but a supporting character rather than one of the titular sisters. In exploring modern themes, I feel the authenticity of life in 1950s/60s has been lost to some extent.
But on the plus side the northern Queensland setting was unique and atmospheric and there were intriguing aspects of many of the Hamilton women as they grow and evolve as women and in their relationships. I most enjoyed the parts of Fable as a teenager hanging out in the glade. But over all I did struggle to get through this book - towards the end it really dragged for me, contrary to many other reviews that said they couldn’t put it down. I think in the end I just wanted more authenticity.
It is an epic novel, sprawling across at least a decade of the Hamilton sisters’ lives and I struggled with that too - in telling such a long plot, I feel like details were lost, characters undeveloped. Until the very end, Plum is but a supporting character rather than one of the titular sisters. In exploring modern themes, I feel the authenticity of life in 1950s/60s has been lost to some extent.
But on the plus side the northern Queensland setting was unique and atmospheric and there were intriguing aspects of many of the Hamilton women as they grow and evolve as women and in their relationships. I most enjoyed the parts of Fable as a teenager hanging out in the glade. But over all I did struggle to get through this book - towards the end it really dragged for me, contrary to many other reviews that said they couldn’t put it down. I think in the end I just wanted more authenticity.
February 27, 2021
I have read a lot of what I call "chocolate" books lately. Sweet, under nourishing devourable books that take me away from things I don't want to see. This book is *not* a chocolate book. It's a tiny hardly known tropical fruit with an unexpected not quite placeable flavour that makes you want to go striding off into the jungle to find more.
April 10, 2021
My fridge is bare, my house is a mess and I'm behind in my work. And it's all this book's fault! The more engrossed I became in this story, the harder it was to put down. This debut novel by Averil Kenny is a historical family saga, set in 1950s Australia, that had me gripped from the first chapter.
After their mother's death, the three Hamilton sisters return to the small town their mother fled from under a cloud of shame. They are met with contempt and disdain from a community that has not forgotten or forgiven their mother for her scandalous past. With the unwavering love and support of their aunt and uncle, the spirited sisters are determined to build a new life for themselves and a new reputation for the Hamilton family name. As townsfolk conspire against them, secrets revealed and an undeniable connection to their mother's birthplace strengthen their resolve to set down permanent roots. But will forbidden love see history repeat itself? And will this secretive town finally give up the missing pieces from their mother's past?
The plot is masterful, the characters so real and alive on the page, including the lush tropical setting which is written about so vibrantly. Each sister is a joy to get to know and among the cast of awful characters - and there are many - are a few gems (thankfully) who are on the side of the Hamilton girls.
I can easily see this book being adapted to a mini TV series. Scandal, drama, unrequited love, secrets, grief, mystery, romance and power - it's all here! Five stars from me. I loved it.
After their mother's death, the three Hamilton sisters return to the small town their mother fled from under a cloud of shame. They are met with contempt and disdain from a community that has not forgotten or forgiven their mother for her scandalous past. With the unwavering love and support of their aunt and uncle, the spirited sisters are determined to build a new life for themselves and a new reputation for the Hamilton family name. As townsfolk conspire against them, secrets revealed and an undeniable connection to their mother's birthplace strengthen their resolve to set down permanent roots. But will forbidden love see history repeat itself? And will this secretive town finally give up the missing pieces from their mother's past?
The plot is masterful, the characters so real and alive on the page, including the lush tropical setting which is written about so vibrantly. Each sister is a joy to get to know and among the cast of awful characters - and there are many - are a few gems (thankfully) who are on the side of the Hamilton girls.
I can easily see this book being adapted to a mini TV series. Scandal, drama, unrequited love, secrets, grief, mystery, romance and power - it's all here! Five stars from me. I loved it.
February 5, 2023
"Sterne über Noah Valley" klang nach einem interessanten Roman in einem interessanten Setting. Doch leider hat mich das Buch ein wenig enttäuscht.
Zu Beginn lernen wir die drei Hamilton Schwestern, die nach dem Tod ihrer Mutter in deren Heimat nach Noah Valley zurückkehren. Sie stehen unter dem Schatten ihrer Mutter, die den Ort nach einem großen Skandal verlassen hat. Man begleitet die Schwestern durch die Jahre und begleitet ihre Entwicklung zu erwachsenen Frauen.
Die Geschichte klang eigentlich recht interessant, aber ich habe irgendwie keinen richtigen Zugang zu den Charakteren und der Handlung bekommen. Die Handlung war teilweise ein wenig zäh und konnte mich leider nur wenig begeistern. Die Schwestern waren mir leider auch nicht so richtig sympathisch, so dass ich mit ihnen nicht wirklich mitfiebern konnte.
Ich muss sagen, dass ich von der Geschichte mehr erwartet habe und gehofft habe, dass mich das Buch mehr packen kann.
Zu Beginn lernen wir die drei Hamilton Schwestern, die nach dem Tod ihrer Mutter in deren Heimat nach Noah Valley zurückkehren. Sie stehen unter dem Schatten ihrer Mutter, die den Ort nach einem großen Skandal verlassen hat. Man begleitet die Schwestern durch die Jahre und begleitet ihre Entwicklung zu erwachsenen Frauen.
Die Geschichte klang eigentlich recht interessant, aber ich habe irgendwie keinen richtigen Zugang zu den Charakteren und der Handlung bekommen. Die Handlung war teilweise ein wenig zäh und konnte mich leider nur wenig begeistern. Die Schwestern waren mir leider auch nicht so richtig sympathisch, so dass ich mit ihnen nicht wirklich mitfiebern konnte.
Ich muss sagen, dass ich von der Geschichte mehr erwartet habe und gehofft habe, dass mich das Buch mehr packen kann.
March 8, 2024
I absolutely adored Those Hamilton Sisters by Averil Kenny. The story begins in 1955 and spans ten years in the lives of sisters Sonnet, Fable, and Novella-Plum. After their mother’s death, the three sisters move to their mother’s childhood home of Noah Vale, in tropical North Queensland. They are outcasts in the small closeknit community but have their Aunt Olive and Uncle Gavin for support. The girls are subject to small town gossip, scandals and secrets but try not to let the townsfolk wear them down. This is a beautifully written story that was both heartbreaking and uplifting. Thanks to Better Reading and the author for my preview copy.
September 18, 2021
I can’t wait to read what Averil Kenny writes next. I was absolutely transported to Far North Queensland in the 50s. I could feel the drops of rain Sonnet ignored. I loved it. I am a huge LM Montgomery devotee and can recognise a kindred spirit when I see one. I don’t think I’ll ever forget Olive and her faerie ring. Sonnet and Fable are such strong characters, you knew them so well and knew exactly how they would react, it was wonderful. I don’t really see the Kate Morton similarities, but this is definitely an author I can’t wait to read more of
April 11, 2021
I loved this book, it's one of those stories that you rush through reading because you can't wait to find out what's going to happen, but you equally don't want to read too quickly because then it will be over. Having finished it all too quickly I'm now missing my new friends Sonnet & Fable and have found myself wondering what they are doing now. This book is a wonderful debut novel from a fabulous writer, I'm very much looking forward to what may come next from Averil Kenny.
March 19, 2022
I wrote the book I wanted to read, and I hope you love it too.
x Averil
x Averil
July 14, 2022
My gawd .. my new fave author ..
Already have her next book on auto buy on release day
I’ve never read a book based in tropical northern Queensland n i wanna go now .. I want to see what I read
Author: you are great 🥰🥰
Already have her next book on auto buy on release day
I’ve never read a book based in tropical northern Queensland n i wanna go now .. I want to see what I read
Author: you are great 🥰🥰
April 12, 2021
Thank you Echo Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
The progeny of ill fated and illicit liaisons return to an insular and unforgiving small town where the reputation of their fallen mother is still topical.
To forge a new life, pick up the pieces after grief and understand the past is the only key to move forward.
The bond and unity of sisters is an amazing dynamic especially when the odds are stacked against them.
The Hamilton girls return to Noah Vale after losing their mother, the sole parent in their lives.
Back to a town where they had an Aunt, a bequeathed cottage and a notoriety.
A scandalous shadow hovering over them at each turn as they try to live life.
Sonnet the oldest has to look out for her much younger sisters and has a prickly, abrasive and forthright approach.
The relationships, the interactions and journey through adolescence for the middle girl, Fable capture the 1960’s lifestyle and attitudes sublimely.
The relationship they have with their Aunt and Uncle adds more flavour and creates dynamics.
Aunt Olive being one of the most steadfast and solid characters I’ve met.
This family saga set in far North Queensland not only offers a sultry climate as it explores a myriad emotions, loyalties and impacts the past can have.
A plethora of characters that will satisfy any platter, dish up drama, intrigue and romance.
The innocent should not have to right the wrongs of their forebears.
Transplant yourself back into this era and enjoy a story that will draw you in, a family drama that has it all.
I look forward to Averil’s next book.
The progeny of ill fated and illicit liaisons return to an insular and unforgiving small town where the reputation of their fallen mother is still topical.
To forge a new life, pick up the pieces after grief and understand the past is the only key to move forward.
The bond and unity of sisters is an amazing dynamic especially when the odds are stacked against them.
The Hamilton girls return to Noah Vale after losing their mother, the sole parent in their lives.
Back to a town where they had an Aunt, a bequeathed cottage and a notoriety.
A scandalous shadow hovering over them at each turn as they try to live life.
Sonnet the oldest has to look out for her much younger sisters and has a prickly, abrasive and forthright approach.
The relationships, the interactions and journey through adolescence for the middle girl, Fable capture the 1960’s lifestyle and attitudes sublimely.
The relationship they have with their Aunt and Uncle adds more flavour and creates dynamics.
Aunt Olive being one of the most steadfast and solid characters I’ve met.
This family saga set in far North Queensland not only offers a sultry climate as it explores a myriad emotions, loyalties and impacts the past can have.
A plethora of characters that will satisfy any platter, dish up drama, intrigue and romance.
The innocent should not have to right the wrongs of their forebears.
Transplant yourself back into this era and enjoy a story that will draw you in, a family drama that has it all.
I look forward to Averil’s next book.
July 11, 2021
Loved this story & even more so knowing it's the 1st book by this author.
Can't wait to read more of her books in the future.
Such an intriguing story of the growth of 3 very different sisters, overcoming loss but with determination & misunderstood support.
Can't wait to read more of her books in the future.
Such an intriguing story of the growth of 3 very different sisters, overcoming loss but with determination & misunderstood support.
April 14, 2021
Thankyou to Better Reading and the author for my ARC copy of this novel.
Those Hamilton Sisters may be Averil Kenny’s first novel but she now has a lifelong fan in me. This was one of the most beautiful, enthralling and well written historical fictions I have read and it filled me with pure joy.
A heart-warming and heart-breaking story following the lives of the recently orphaned Hamilton sisters, 20yr old Sonnet, 12yr old Fable and 3yr old Novella lovingly called Plum.
Born out of wedlock to a mother that was run out of town, after her death the Hamilton Sisters return to the tiny town of Noah Vale in the lush Queensland tropics to start a new life for themselves. The sisters know little of the scandal that surrounded their mother but are greeted and followed by gossip and small town prejudice, however they are determined to build a new reputation for the Hamilton family.
The story follows the sisters over the next 10 years and is an undeniably beautiful coming of age tale. We watch as the sisters evolve into individual young women with their own emotions, problems and tales of love, lust and loss but throughout all they all have an unfaltering emotional connection with their mothers birthplace and her presence in the town.
Eloquent description and vivid imagery bring the far north Queensland scenery to life and the humid heat and heavy downpours described present a visceral feeling to all those who have experienced life in the tropics. Kenny’s writing is beyond amazing, transporting the reader into the scenery and into the lives of the Hamilton Sisters.
This novel also provides an exploration into society's treatment of women in mid-century Australia, fitting as we are currently in a societal turmoil surrounding the treatment of women particularly in the workplace and government currently.
Kenny exposes the difference in treatment towards male and female sexuality and provides strong supportive male characters to highlight the injustice suffered by the female characters by men who see themselves as victims of scandalous women looking to trap them and ruin their lives.
I was honestly enchanted by this book, the setting, the characters, the heartfelt tales, just everything.
Averil Kenny is an amazing new voice in Australian historical fiction and Those Hamilton Sisters is due to be released in time for Mothers Day (AU) this May, I would highly recommend to lovers of Australian fiction, historical fictions or dramas and yes I definitely would recommend buying this book for your mum/ grandma/ sister but only if they'll let you read it first!
Those Hamilton Sisters may be Averil Kenny’s first novel but she now has a lifelong fan in me. This was one of the most beautiful, enthralling and well written historical fictions I have read and it filled me with pure joy.
A heart-warming and heart-breaking story following the lives of the recently orphaned Hamilton sisters, 20yr old Sonnet, 12yr old Fable and 3yr old Novella lovingly called Plum.
Born out of wedlock to a mother that was run out of town, after her death the Hamilton Sisters return to the tiny town of Noah Vale in the lush Queensland tropics to start a new life for themselves. The sisters know little of the scandal that surrounded their mother but are greeted and followed by gossip and small town prejudice, however they are determined to build a new reputation for the Hamilton family.
The story follows the sisters over the next 10 years and is an undeniably beautiful coming of age tale. We watch as the sisters evolve into individual young women with their own emotions, problems and tales of love, lust and loss but throughout all they all have an unfaltering emotional connection with their mothers birthplace and her presence in the town.
Eloquent description and vivid imagery bring the far north Queensland scenery to life and the humid heat and heavy downpours described present a visceral feeling to all those who have experienced life in the tropics. Kenny’s writing is beyond amazing, transporting the reader into the scenery and into the lives of the Hamilton Sisters.
This novel also provides an exploration into society's treatment of women in mid-century Australia, fitting as we are currently in a societal turmoil surrounding the treatment of women particularly in the workplace and government currently.
Kenny exposes the difference in treatment towards male and female sexuality and provides strong supportive male characters to highlight the injustice suffered by the female characters by men who see themselves as victims of scandalous women looking to trap them and ruin their lives.
I was honestly enchanted by this book, the setting, the characters, the heartfelt tales, just everything.
Averil Kenny is an amazing new voice in Australian historical fiction and Those Hamilton Sisters is due to be released in time for Mothers Day (AU) this May, I would highly recommend to lovers of Australian fiction, historical fictions or dramas and yes I definitely would recommend buying this book for your mum/ grandma/ sister but only if they'll let you read it first!
April 10, 2021
I enjoyed this beautiful novel, by Averil Kenny, from the moment I started. A book lover, I was enchanted by the three sisters and their names, Sonnet, Fable and Novella Plum, and the staunch way they returned to the country Queensland town that their beloved mother had been run out of many years before. The three girls, plus the other main characters in the novel, all had a way of enchanting the reader to them, through Kenny's rich, prose-style language and the heartfelt tales that each of them shared through the book. The stories of the Hamilton girls, and those close to them, woven throughout the book, tugged on the heartstrings on many occasion. I found this book to be well paced, although it did drag a little for me in the second half. However, I would recommend this enchanting story to anyone who enjoys family stories entwined with relationships, love and life's ups and downs. Kenny ought to be proud of her first novel.
April 15, 2022
It is 1955 and after the death of their mother, the three Hamilton sisters return to her home town of Noah and to their inherited cottage. The residents of Noah however will not let the sisters escape their mother’s scandalous behaviour, a past that caused her to leave the town twenty years earlier.
Throughout the novel the author’s artful use of rich language features creates such powerful imagery that truly immerses the reader in tropical far north Queensland.
Throughout the novel the author’s artful use of rich language features creates such powerful imagery that truly immerses the reader in tropical far north Queensland.
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