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Elizabeth Macarthur’s Letters
These letters were the starting point for Kate Grenville’s bestselling novel A Room Made of Leaves. They inspired the portrait of her imagined Elizabeth Macarthur: shrewd, subtle, passionate. And they offer a glimpse into the complex inner life of one of our most powerful foremothers. Yet, until now, a general reader could only access a handful of them.
This book offers an edited selection, with commentary from Grenville, of the many letters Elizabeth Macarthur wrote ‘home’ from colonial Sydney over her long life—letters in which we can hear the voice of a remarkable woman. Circumstances confronted her with huge challenges, but also gave her opportunities unknown to most women of the time. It was a life of tumult, of griefs and joys—all faced with spirit, and recorded in this lively and engaging correspondence.
This book offers an edited selection, with commentary from Grenville, of the many letters Elizabeth Macarthur wrote ‘home’ from colonial Sydney over her long life—letters in which we can hear the voice of a remarkable woman. Circumstances confronted her with huge challenges, but also gave her opportunities unknown to most women of the time. It was a life of tumult, of griefs and joys—all faced with spirit, and recorded in this lively and engaging correspondence.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published March 29, 2022
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89 people want to read
About the author
Kate Grenville
39 books835 followersKate Grenville is one of Australia's best-known authors. She's published eight books of fiction and four books about the writing process. Her best-known works are the international best-seller The Secret River, The Idea of Perfection, The Lieutenant and Lilian's Story (details about all Kate Grenville's books are elsewhere on this site). Her novels have won many awards both in Australia and the UK, several have been made into major feature films, and all have been translated into European and Asian languages.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 3, 2022
3.5★s
Elizabeth Macarthur’s Letters is a collection of sixty-five letters written by the wife of John Macarthur and edited by award-winning, best-selling Australian author, Kate Grenville, who cites these letters as her inspiration for her novel, A Room Made Of Leaves.
Grenville has taken a small selection of Elizabeth’s voluminous correspondence, these the sixty years from when she first travelled to New South Wales up to her death. They are letters to family and friends, but only one are written to her husband. Grenville has “pruned” them heavily and regularised the spelling, for which most readers will be very grateful.
Preceding the letters is an outline of Elizabeth Macarthur’s life, and particulars of her children and grandchildren. Each letter is prefaced by Grenville’s comments. Letters to Elizabeth’s mother often gloss over certain events and situations, or omit them altogether, as might be expected from a daughter wishing to save her very distant mother worry; letters to friends, and her account of the voyage to NSW are much more frank; Elizabeth tailors the tone and content of her letters to the recipient, but also bears in mind when a letter might be more widely read.
The attitudes, as evidenced in these letters, towards convicts, slaves and the indigenous population, while unenlightened and far from admirable, are in keeping with those of the times, although her attitude changes somewhat, as her situation does.
With regards her new home, Elizabeth touches on a myriad of subjects: botany, the lack of suitable female friends, the summer heat, excursions to the surrounds, the native population, their moves to Parramatta and later, Camden, business, politics, and gossip about acquaintances.
This is a book that will likely appeal to readers of the novel the letters inspired, and those with a fervent interest in eighteenth and nineteenth Century NSW history; others may find themselves tempted to skim. What is apparent from each of Grenville’s prefaces is the depth of her research.
This unbiased review is from an unsolicited copy provided by Text Publishing.
Elizabeth Macarthur’s Letters is a collection of sixty-five letters written by the wife of John Macarthur and edited by award-winning, best-selling Australian author, Kate Grenville, who cites these letters as her inspiration for her novel, A Room Made Of Leaves.
Grenville has taken a small selection of Elizabeth’s voluminous correspondence, these the sixty years from when she first travelled to New South Wales up to her death. They are letters to family and friends, but only one are written to her husband. Grenville has “pruned” them heavily and regularised the spelling, for which most readers will be very grateful.
Preceding the letters is an outline of Elizabeth Macarthur’s life, and particulars of her children and grandchildren. Each letter is prefaced by Grenville’s comments. Letters to Elizabeth’s mother often gloss over certain events and situations, or omit them altogether, as might be expected from a daughter wishing to save her very distant mother worry; letters to friends, and her account of the voyage to NSW are much more frank; Elizabeth tailors the tone and content of her letters to the recipient, but also bears in mind when a letter might be more widely read.
The attitudes, as evidenced in these letters, towards convicts, slaves and the indigenous population, while unenlightened and far from admirable, are in keeping with those of the times, although her attitude changes somewhat, as her situation does.
With regards her new home, Elizabeth touches on a myriad of subjects: botany, the lack of suitable female friends, the summer heat, excursions to the surrounds, the native population, their moves to Parramatta and later, Camden, business, politics, and gossip about acquaintances.
This is a book that will likely appeal to readers of the novel the letters inspired, and those with a fervent interest in eighteenth and nineteenth Century NSW history; others may find themselves tempted to skim. What is apparent from each of Grenville’s prefaces is the depth of her research.
This unbiased review is from an unsolicited copy provided by Text Publishing.
November 26, 2022
Interesting snippets of Elizabeth Macarthur's letters and an interesting interpretation of the slightly coded nature of them. Kate Grenville, sees irony, slight deception and cushioning when conveying the difficulties of her life to her correspondents back in England from her home in colonial NSW.
Reading between the lines is how Kate Grenville came to the idea of her novel A Room Made of Leaves which she was originally thinking of calling "Do Not Believe too Quickly", which has quite some relevance in today's world.
Reading between the lines is how Kate Grenville came to the idea of her novel A Room Made of Leaves which she was originally thinking of calling "Do Not Believe too Quickly", which has quite some relevance in today's world.
February 6, 2023
I’m thankful for Grenville in bringing us Elizabeth’s letters, or extracts of them. I don’t agree with all of Grenville’s judgements and conclusions, especially on Elizabeth’s view of and relationship with her husband. Maybe she liked his powerful and aggressive nature? Maybe she agreed with his early decisions and actions? I do wonder if the hell of being stuck below deck while pregnant and with a baby on the journey out was what stopped her ever returning to England?
July 30, 2022
Being raised in the Macarthur area, having John Macarthur on a pedestal it has been an interesting read for me. It makes me ponder ‘how factual is any history?’
I am so pleased I read Elizabeth’s letters.
I am so pleased I read Elizabeth’s letters.
March 12, 2023
So my obsession with Elizabeth Macarthur and early Australian colonial life continues. I've read Room Made Of Leaves, and I think this book backs up Kate Grenville's interpretation of 'what could have been' nicely.
Each letter selected for inclusion is its own 'chapter'. To introduce the letter, Kate adds her own interpretation of what it means, including what the societal context is likely to be. Its interesting that in letters to her own children, she often signs of with her name or initials. Not 'Mother', a familial nickname or the like, yet the love and concern she has when writing to those children - in particular her sons who were living overseas as adults is very much evident. The letter to John (the son) was heartbreaking to realise that she had last seen him as a boy when taken by his father to England for education, yet this letter was written to the middle aged man. One of the next letters, speaks of his death in England.
Similarly, the remarks starting many of the letters describing that this letter is to be sent via the ship name or "Captain So and So" will take these letters with him when he travels back to home, emphasises just how isolated the colony was with regards to communication. The comments she made about being unable to read back a letter written at night 'by lamplight?' as she grew older, also hints at the deprivations she would have endured, which are so easily corrected in 21st century society.
As Kate points out, there is much that was written in a kind of 'code' and probably much that was left out or deliberately over or under emphasised to put herself and her family in a good light. The impression is certainly given that letters were shared and the strong possibility that others, mainly her husband John, certainly knew and perhaps gave approproval of what could be said. A situation which would be intolerable now. As the author has stated, when John Macarthur died, she received nothing in his will, expect for the provision that she could remain living at Elizabeth Farm. A situation she would have accepted as it was the societal norm of the time.
Ignoring for a moment that Elizabeth Macarthur is one of the more important females in Australian colonial history. This book of letters is also important in that is gives an understanding of life for some women in the early years of settlement.
Each letter selected for inclusion is its own 'chapter'. To introduce the letter, Kate adds her own interpretation of what it means, including what the societal context is likely to be. Its interesting that in letters to her own children, she often signs of with her name or initials. Not 'Mother', a familial nickname or the like, yet the love and concern she has when writing to those children - in particular her sons who were living overseas as adults is very much evident. The letter to John (the son) was heartbreaking to realise that she had last seen him as a boy when taken by his father to England for education, yet this letter was written to the middle aged man. One of the next letters, speaks of his death in England.
Similarly, the remarks starting many of the letters describing that this letter is to be sent via the ship name or "Captain So and So" will take these letters with him when he travels back to home, emphasises just how isolated the colony was with regards to communication. The comments she made about being unable to read back a letter written at night 'by lamplight?' as she grew older, also hints at the deprivations she would have endured, which are so easily corrected in 21st century society.
As Kate points out, there is much that was written in a kind of 'code' and probably much that was left out or deliberately over or under emphasised to put herself and her family in a good light. The impression is certainly given that letters were shared and the strong possibility that others, mainly her husband John, certainly knew and perhaps gave approproval of what could be said. A situation which would be intolerable now. As the author has stated, when John Macarthur died, she received nothing in his will, expect for the provision that she could remain living at Elizabeth Farm. A situation she would have accepted as it was the societal norm of the time.
Ignoring for a moment that Elizabeth Macarthur is one of the more important females in Australian colonial history. This book of letters is also important in that is gives an understanding of life for some women in the early years of settlement.
February 8, 2023
This was an interesting insight into the life of one of Australia’s early pioneers and her family. I appreciated editor Grenville's explanation / introduction to each letter but don’t know that I would have agreed with a couple of the assumptions contained therein. Having said that Grenville is the supreme researcher and this shows in her ability to bring convincing authenticity to her fiction writing based on such diligent investigations.
No doubt Elizabeth Macarthur had a most difficult time both en route to Australia and throughout here life as an early settler. Now I need to read Grenville's novel 'A room made of leaves' which used these letters as insight into Elizabeth Macarthur and her life. Dealing with losing children (through illness and being sent back to England for education), establishing a farm in a new country and having an influential husband with some serious health issues all gave Elizabeth incredible challenges, fortitude and even much gratitude for her situation.
No doubt Elizabeth Macarthur had a most difficult time both en route to Australia and throughout here life as an early settler. Now I need to read Grenville's novel 'A room made of leaves' which used these letters as insight into Elizabeth Macarthur and her life. Dealing with losing children (through illness and being sent back to England for education), establishing a farm in a new country and having an influential husband with some serious health issues all gave Elizabeth incredible challenges, fortitude and even much gratitude for her situation.
May 17, 2022
A curated collection of letters from Elizabeth MacArthur, mostly to her son Edward in London. Each letter is annotated by Kate to give you perspective and background information. You can also see the obvious inspiration for Kate’s recent novels.
The letters provide a personal snapshot of life in Australia as settlement expands, but sadly with very little consideration, support or compassion for our indigenous population.
The letters provide a personal snapshot of life in Australia as settlement expands, but sadly with very little consideration, support or compassion for our indigenous population.
May 25, 2022
A curated collection of letters from Elizabeth MacArthur, mostly to her son Edward in London. Each letter is annotated by Kate to give you perspective and background information. You can also see the obvious inspiration for Kate’s recent novels.
The letters provide a personal snapshot of life in Australia as settlement expands, but sadly with very little consideration, support or compassion for our indigenous population.
Read by Suzie
The letters provide a personal snapshot of life in Australia as settlement expands, but sadly with very little consideration, support or compassion for our indigenous population.
Read by Suzie
September 14, 2023
An interesting insight
Elizabeth Macarthur’s Letters provides insight into the challenges of being a colonial wife to a complex and troubled man. While her letters provide some insight into the lifestyle of the times, they don’t really make for fascinating reading and in parts are quite dull and repetitive.
Elizabeth Macarthur’s Letters provides insight into the challenges of being a colonial wife to a complex and troubled man. While her letters provide some insight into the lifestyle of the times, they don’t really make for fascinating reading and in parts are quite dull and repetitive.
September 25, 2022
Such an interesting read about the Mother of Australian wool. Elizabeth was a very courageous, resilient and devoted woman. A story of courage and expose on early Australian settler life in NSW.
Thanks Tegan Bell.
Thanks Tegan Bell.
January 8, 2023
Loved it!
December 5, 2023
I only wish I had read this before I read Grenville's more famous work "A room made of leaves". It would then have made more sense of the novel, which was great, only to be disappointed at the end.
Read
May 24, 2023The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of Elizabeth Macarthur’s Letters
'Grenville’s editorial asides allow the reader to glimpse something of the possible reality that lies beneath, and offer a window into the complexity of Grenville’s relationship with this compelling, difficult and sometimes “unattractive” muse.'
Kirsten Tranter, Guardian
‘More than 250 years after she was born, Elizabeth finally speaks in her own voice, no longer ventriloquized through a novelist’s imagination...Grenville provides a short introduction to each letter, and the vivid energy of the volume derives from the fascinating dialogue between these two voices: the colonial wife, writing to family and friends alike in achingly constrained prose; and the contemporary novelist who is by turns obsessed, compelled, and discomforted by her enigmatic subject…[A] compelling perspective.’
Guardian
‘[Elizabeth Macarthur’s Letters] gives insight into Grenville’s writing process and narrative decisions…In A Room Made of Leaves, Grenville took Elizabeth’s letters as starting inspiration. She could imagine the woman Elizabeth might have been and who Grenville wanted her to be. In doing so, she could bring Elizabeth into line with contemporary cultural values. But in the Letters, Grenville must instead rely on her own accompanying voice, which is witheringly clear.’
Conversation
‘A life of tumult, of griefs and joys—all faced with spirit, and recorded in this engaging correspondence.’
Australian
‘An intriguing compendium.’
Australian Women’s Weekly
‘This book should be read as a companion to A Room Made of Leaves. Enjoy the fiction, then get to know the real woman.’
Good Reading Magazine
'Grenville’s editorial asides allow the reader to glimpse something of the possible reality that lies beneath, and offer a window into the complexity of Grenville’s relationship with this compelling, difficult and sometimes “unattractive” muse.'
Kirsten Tranter, Guardian
‘More than 250 years after she was born, Elizabeth finally speaks in her own voice, no longer ventriloquized through a novelist’s imagination...Grenville provides a short introduction to each letter, and the vivid energy of the volume derives from the fascinating dialogue between these two voices: the colonial wife, writing to family and friends alike in achingly constrained prose; and the contemporary novelist who is by turns obsessed, compelled, and discomforted by her enigmatic subject…[A] compelling perspective.’
Guardian
‘[Elizabeth Macarthur’s Letters] gives insight into Grenville’s writing process and narrative decisions…In A Room Made of Leaves, Grenville took Elizabeth’s letters as starting inspiration. She could imagine the woman Elizabeth might have been and who Grenville wanted her to be. In doing so, she could bring Elizabeth into line with contemporary cultural values. But in the Letters, Grenville must instead rely on her own accompanying voice, which is witheringly clear.’
Conversation
‘A life of tumult, of griefs and joys—all faced with spirit, and recorded in this engaging correspondence.’
Australian
‘An intriguing compendium.’
Australian Women’s Weekly
‘This book should be read as a companion to A Room Made of Leaves. Enjoy the fiction, then get to know the real woman.’
Good Reading Magazine
June 9, 2022
This is the companion for me, to A Room Made of Leaves by Kate Grenville, a fictionalised account of the life of John MacArthur's wife Elizabeth. That was a great read but took liberties with history in representing Elizabeth's views on her home in the new Colony in Australia, as it would become known. Her letters often are a type of fiction as she writes to her children and friends and family in distant places and tells an edited view of her husband's machinations which have been observed and remarked upon in a much less flattering light by others.
It gives an edited view of her life as the letters are selected, but they are her actual words and as such of great interest.
This book does show the editorial decisions Kate Grenville took in her story; Elizabeth had much more modern views on the native people, social norms and her place in the colony than the actual EM.
Her story is worth reading for those interested in the history of colonization in Australia, and it makes clear why Kate Grenville chose her topic initially.
Highly recommended for the audience noted
It gives an edited view of her life as the letters are selected, but they are her actual words and as such of great interest.
This book does show the editorial decisions Kate Grenville took in her story; Elizabeth had much more modern views on the native people, social norms and her place in the colony than the actual EM.
Her story is worth reading for those interested in the history of colonization in Australia, and it makes clear why Kate Grenville chose her topic initially.
Highly recommended for the audience noted
June 5, 2022
Selected correspondence written by Elizabeth Macarthur - wife of an important Australian entrepreneur from the early days of white settlement. Her husband's thoughts and deeds have been well documented in the history books but Elizabeth is not well known.
Her letters are a tantalising insight into her feelings. The author describes the context of each letter and gives her analysis of the meaning and import of each letter. The letters like most letters can't always be taken at face value. They tend to put a positive gloss on events and leave out embarrassing details, much as modern Facebook pages do. Much reading between the lines is required and the author is happy to meet this need. The author is quick to admit that her analyses may not always be correct.
An interesting glimpse of a little-known historical figure.
Her letters are a tantalising insight into her feelings. The author describes the context of each letter and gives her analysis of the meaning and import of each letter. The letters like most letters can't always be taken at face value. They tend to put a positive gloss on events and leave out embarrassing details, much as modern Facebook pages do. Much reading between the lines is required and the author is happy to meet this need. The author is quick to admit that her analyses may not always be correct.
An interesting glimpse of a little-known historical figure.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews