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Black Bones, Red Earth
A historical drama set in the unforgiving landscape of the Australian outback during the 1950s, the story follows the life of Katherine, an English child migrant who is consigned to an austere life on an isolated property beyond Broken Hill. There is little love in Katherine's life until Aboriginal station hands offer their friendship, but love comes at a deadly price.
Part two brings listeners to the modern-day English Lake District before taking us back to Australia for the story's climax. Inspired by the true experiences of family and friends closest to the author, Black Bones, Red Earth is a story of hope, love, sacrifice and resilience.
Beautifully read by Australian actress, Sandy Gore, star of television, film and stage, this heart wrenching tale is the sometimes harrowing, yet ultimately uplifting story of a child's search for love, and a woman's test of faith. Katherine's journey is an emotional roller-coaster with a deeply satisfying ending.
Part two brings listeners to the modern-day English Lake District before taking us back to Australia for the story's climax. Inspired by the true experiences of family and friends closest to the author, Black Bones, Red Earth is a story of hope, love, sacrifice and resilience.
Beautifully read by Australian actress, Sandy Gore, star of television, film and stage, this heart wrenching tale is the sometimes harrowing, yet ultimately uplifting story of a child's search for love, and a woman's test of faith. Katherine's journey is an emotional roller-coaster with a deeply satisfying ending.
Audiobook
First published February 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 11, 2023
Black Bones, Red Earth by Lee Richie is NOT a book to be missed!
It is a masterpiece of vivid and raw emotional storytelling on so many levels that I found it impossible not to become completely intertwined and invested in this story from the first to the last sentence.
From a little girl’s recounting of the horrific life she experiences early on, through the “Golden Age” and every enthralling experience between, there is never a lull, never a lag in story pace. The extremely talented narrator Sandy Gore makes the audio version definitely the choice of format.
See short video here: https://www.goodreads.com/videos/1983...
No need to run through a synopsis - this story based on a true life account was written brilliantly, with moving, thought-provoking dialogue, presented and read in an unparalleled believable way that is rare to experience.
My vote would be Book of the Year in this genre (I hope it’s nominated), and if I could, I would give it MORE than 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Lee Richie for an AAC in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
It is a masterpiece of vivid and raw emotional storytelling on so many levels that I found it impossible not to become completely intertwined and invested in this story from the first to the last sentence.
From a little girl’s recounting of the horrific life she experiences early on, through the “Golden Age” and every enthralling experience between, there is never a lull, never a lag in story pace. The extremely talented narrator Sandy Gore makes the audio version definitely the choice of format.
See short video here: https://www.goodreads.com/videos/1983...
No need to run through a synopsis - this story based on a true life account was written brilliantly, with moving, thought-provoking dialogue, presented and read in an unparalleled believable way that is rare to experience.
My vote would be Book of the Year in this genre (I hope it’s nominated), and if I could, I would give it MORE than 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Lee Richie for an AAC in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
March 30, 2023
Lee Richie did amazing with this book. The story follows Katherine’s life growing up as an orphan and foster child in outback Australia where she has to overcome heartache in search for happiness and love. An absolute must read/listen of a heart-wrenching story. Loved it.
March 10, 2023
When Kathryn is taken from England and away from her brother Archie and sent to hidden Creek in Australia she thinks things can you get worse but they can and they do. The people she stays with Daisy in like one or the nicest people but as she grows into a beautiful young girl Locklin pays her more attention and although Daisy has her moments she’s mostly critical. Catherine find kindness where she can from the workers on the farm and especially from Ellen who was sent to care for the house when Daisy gets ill. She learns many things from the indigenous Australian culture and soaks it up. Although her wife can be very sad at times little does Catherine know things are going to get much worse. This is a book told over Catherine’s life and I found this book to be so interesting. They have key plot points that I want to say so bad but OMG if you love a good drama you need to read this book. They have a point in the book where Catherine is put in a situation and has to make a choice an OMG I don’t know what I would’ve done. I want so bad to say but just trust me this book is so good. I thought the first few chapters dragged on only because I wasn’t interested in Catherine’s young childhood but it’s just a short piece and then it gets so good! I enjoyed the narrator and thought you did a great job especially with the different accents and her character distinction was really good. This is such a great book. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
February 18, 2023
5⭐️ 🎧
I had the audiobook narrated by Sandy Gore, her distinctive character voices and the feeling that she imparts is excellent, it really added to the story for me.
An historical drama set in 1950’s outback Australia. It follows 10yr Katherine who is sent to live in a remote austere outback property.
Katherine’s story is heartbreaking in places, poignant in others, just lovely in others. You can’t help but love Kate. It describes how difficult life in the outback was at the time. An historical account of how Britain shipped off orphans to Australia who ended up being used as slave labour. It also explores the way the Australian government treated Indigenous people. The title seemed strange when I started, but it’s so apt, and clever. It’s far more than an historical account though. It’s got in-depth characters some lovable, others you will hate, as well as an endearing family story. It’s very emotional in places, very interesting throughout, it really grabbed me.
Although Kate’s time in Australia was a short period of time in her life it had a huge impact on her. I’m glad that the book didn’t spend a lot of time on her life in England.
If you enjoy historical fiction I think that you will love this, although I think it’s a storyline that will capture anyone. It’s one I’d highly recommend
I had the audiobook narrated by Sandy Gore, her distinctive character voices and the feeling that she imparts is excellent, it really added to the story for me.
An historical drama set in 1950’s outback Australia. It follows 10yr Katherine who is sent to live in a remote austere outback property.
Katherine’s story is heartbreaking in places, poignant in others, just lovely in others. You can’t help but love Kate. It describes how difficult life in the outback was at the time. An historical account of how Britain shipped off orphans to Australia who ended up being used as slave labour. It also explores the way the Australian government treated Indigenous people. The title seemed strange when I started, but it’s so apt, and clever. It’s far more than an historical account though. It’s got in-depth characters some lovable, others you will hate, as well as an endearing family story. It’s very emotional in places, very interesting throughout, it really grabbed me.
Although Kate’s time in Australia was a short period of time in her life it had a huge impact on her. I’m glad that the book didn’t spend a lot of time on her life in England.
If you enjoy historical fiction I think that you will love this, although I think it’s a storyline that will capture anyone. It’s one I’d highly recommend
April 1, 2023
The historical novel "Black Bones and Red Earth" reads like an autobiography. The first part begins when Katherine, at 8 years old, loses both of her parents. Her father abandoned her when a buzz bomb in London murdered her mother. There was an official proposal to move the vast majority of war orphans to Australia, with the promise that the large number of childless adults there would provide them with loving and secure homes. Regrettably, these kids had already been bought and sold as aboriginal slaves by the time they reached the Land Down Under.
Australian actor Sandy Gore read the novel with the same worn-out, unhappy attitude that Katherine had by this point in her long, laborious life. Rich characterizations by author Lee Richie convey a clearly thought-out authenticity. The production of this audiobook was excellent.
When Katherine is 78 years old, the second part begins. Now in England, she is content and joyful. Although she has kept her history private, it hasn't prevented the repercussions of her past naive decisions from reappearing, and the lies, deceptions, and terrors of that time nearly brought her to her knees. Even though the emotional wounds have mostly healed, the physical ones still exist. Complications are catastrophic when long-buried secrets are discovered.
I wasn't ready for the author to push me to such emotional lengths when I first started reading this book. I find it incredibly fulfilling when I can relate to the main character in a novel on a deep level. Yet I had to pause reading this novel multiple times to catch my breath since it is so masterfully crafted and thought-provoking. It has absolutely no issues, in my opinion. Do you believe this tragedy will have a satisfying ending? I appreciate BooksGoSocial Audio and NetGalley sending me this audiobook in advance for review. My opinion is both voluntary and honest.
Everyone interested in the difficulties people face in life and how they manage to live through them should read this book. I suggest listening to audio books to anyone who has trouble focusing on printed material or who has vision issues. Warning: Richie shows the cruel and oppressive violence employed to maintain the power of some preferred social groups. I advise searching for a different perspective if you are sensitive to this reality.
Australian actor Sandy Gore read the novel with the same worn-out, unhappy attitude that Katherine had by this point in her long, laborious life. Rich characterizations by author Lee Richie convey a clearly thought-out authenticity. The production of this audiobook was excellent.
When Katherine is 78 years old, the second part begins. Now in England, she is content and joyful. Although she has kept her history private, it hasn't prevented the repercussions of her past naive decisions from reappearing, and the lies, deceptions, and terrors of that time nearly brought her to her knees. Even though the emotional wounds have mostly healed, the physical ones still exist. Complications are catastrophic when long-buried secrets are discovered.
I wasn't ready for the author to push me to such emotional lengths when I first started reading this book. I find it incredibly fulfilling when I can relate to the main character in a novel on a deep level. Yet I had to pause reading this novel multiple times to catch my breath since it is so masterfully crafted and thought-provoking. It has absolutely no issues, in my opinion. Do you believe this tragedy will have a satisfying ending? I appreciate BooksGoSocial Audio and NetGalley sending me this audiobook in advance for review. My opinion is both voluntary and honest.
Everyone interested in the difficulties people face in life and how they manage to live through them should read this book. I suggest listening to audio books to anyone who has trouble focusing on printed material or who has vision issues. Warning: Richie shows the cruel and oppressive violence employed to maintain the power of some preferred social groups. I advise searching for a different perspective if you are sensitive to this reality.
April 9, 2023
First of all, I loved the audio narrator for this book.
This story follows an orphan named Katherine who is sent from her home in the UK to Australia. I loved the descriptions of rural Australia. This story explores racial issues and social justice. I was deeply invested in the characters and the end definitely made me tear up.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me access to this book. I really enjoyed it.
This story follows an orphan named Katherine who is sent from her home in the UK to Australia. I loved the descriptions of rural Australia. This story explores racial issues and social justice. I was deeply invested in the characters and the end definitely made me tear up.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me access to this book. I really enjoyed it.
March 30, 2023
What an amazing book. It is full of emotions, fantastic and horrible events. It blows my mind how First Nations were/are being treated. Things that were done and how they were treated (not just in Australia) is aweful.
The only con I have is that you can hear the turning of the pages in the recording. Other than that everything was great.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.
The only con I have is that you can hear the turning of the pages in the recording. Other than that everything was great.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.
March 27, 2023
I loved the narrator of this story of the harsh reality of orphans shipped out of England to be rid of a problem. Despite what seems like an obvious flaw in the plot, I really enjoyed the story. It shows racism in all its cruelty and injustice. Not all its victims can rise to the challenge like the characters here did. But it gives hope for a better world.
March 9, 2023
In the post-World War II era, Katharine and her elder brother Archie were transferred as orphans from the UK to Australia as part of the Home Children - child Migration programme conducted by Catholic Church-affiliated organisation.
After arriving in Australia, Kath is separated from her brother and assigned to live with a couple who had been promised a male kid as free labour on a remote outback property. Archie was not to be seen by Kath again.
There are numerous untold tales about how governments all across the world handled indigenous peoples. This memoir-styled book depicts the story of Kath, mis-treated and lonely only has who only has friendships with the aborigine labourers on the outback property where she lives. From them, she learns of their culture and, how along with their children, it was being stripped away from them.
Her narrative is heartbreaking; it follows her from a little, timid girl who is forced to forge her way into adulthood without assistance of her adopted .
This was an emotionally charged novel, but I would happily recommend this book to readers interested in historically accurate-based stories.
I would like to thank BooksGoSocial Audio and #NetGalley for sending me an E-advanced copy of #BlackBonesRedEarth in exchange for my own honest review. This book was due for release on February 24, 2020.
After arriving in Australia, Kath is separated from her brother and assigned to live with a couple who had been promised a male kid as free labour on a remote outback property. Archie was not to be seen by Kath again.
There are numerous untold tales about how governments all across the world handled indigenous peoples. This memoir-styled book depicts the story of Kath, mis-treated and lonely only has who only has friendships with the aborigine labourers on the outback property where she lives. From them, she learns of their culture and, how along with their children, it was being stripped away from them.
Her narrative is heartbreaking; it follows her from a little, timid girl who is forced to forge her way into adulthood without assistance of her adopted .
This was an emotionally charged novel, but I would happily recommend this book to readers interested in historically accurate-based stories.
I would like to thank BooksGoSocial Audio and #NetGalley for sending me an E-advanced copy of #BlackBonesRedEarth in exchange for my own honest review. This book was due for release on February 24, 2020.
March 9, 2023
I loved the narration of Sandy Gore, who brings out the characters, pain and joy.
At the age eight Katherine and her older brother, Archie, are shipped to Australia by the British authorities and allocated to guardians. But these guardians use them as child labour. Katherine is delivered to Lachlan and Daisy, who are two mean and uncaring people who don't want a girl. They wanted Archie. Lachlan and Daisy take her in because he doesn't want to be disgraced in the community. Katherine's life is one of hardship and abuse.
Katherine makes poor choices that set the tone for her future. After reaching rock bottom, Katherine's life takes control and her life turns around. She becomes a good wife and mother.
This book will have you crying, shouting and smiling. Brilliant.
At the age eight Katherine and her older brother, Archie, are shipped to Australia by the British authorities and allocated to guardians. But these guardians use them as child labour. Katherine is delivered to Lachlan and Daisy, who are two mean and uncaring people who don't want a girl. They wanted Archie. Lachlan and Daisy take her in because he doesn't want to be disgraced in the community. Katherine's life is one of hardship and abuse.
Katherine makes poor choices that set the tone for her future. After reaching rock bottom, Katherine's life takes control and her life turns around. She becomes a good wife and mother.
This book will have you crying, shouting and smiling. Brilliant.
February 24, 2023
I was in need of an audio book now that the days are getting longer and I am spending more time out in the garden. I downloaded Black Bones, Red Earth on a whim, and I am so glad that I did. Wow - what a well written and interesting story.
Set initially in the Australian Outback in the 1940s and 50s, then in modern day UK and Australia, Kathryn/Kate's story was compelling, heartbreaking and inspirational. I laughed and I cried. The author's understanding of the history, cultures and landscape was exceptionally good. I will definitely read any other books written by them.
The audio/narrator grew on me, I wasn't sure to begin with, but I can't now imagine anyone else speaking Kate's voice. I think it took a while as it was an older voice and Kate was just a child at the start. It works though - so stick with it if the voice doesn't initially jell.
I am so pleased that I listened to this lovely book, and I think it will make an amazing film/TV series. Book clubs should also embrace it - there is so much to discuss.
I have no hesitation in giving this lovely book FIVE stars.
Set initially in the Australian Outback in the 1940s and 50s, then in modern day UK and Australia, Kathryn/Kate's story was compelling, heartbreaking and inspirational. I laughed and I cried. The author's understanding of the history, cultures and landscape was exceptionally good. I will definitely read any other books written by them.
The audio/narrator grew on me, I wasn't sure to begin with, but I can't now imagine anyone else speaking Kate's voice. I think it took a while as it was an older voice and Kate was just a child at the start. It works though - so stick with it if the voice doesn't initially jell.
I am so pleased that I listened to this lovely book, and I think it will make an amazing film/TV series. Book clubs should also embrace it - there is so much to discuss.
I have no hesitation in giving this lovely book FIVE stars.
February 24, 2023
I received this book from Right Track Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This statement is always true. I’m not given compensation to discuss a book and I’m not told how to rate a book. I am given a book in exchange for my opinions on it, and I am truthful in all my reviews whether I loved them or not.
This was a very intriguing book. This book follows a young girl Katharine and her trials and tribulations throughout her life as being an orphan. Her and her brother are separated and the couple that "adopts" Katharine is just looking for free labor.
This book sounds more like a memoir than a fictional book. Being my first Audiobook, I feel that the narration was a little flat. I could not tell which character was speaking at the time.
Overall, a great, captivating story of a young girl and her life becoming friends with people she never expected to. Creating bonds and memories that would last a lifetime, even the conditions that she was in.
Thank you Right Track Publishing for the opportunity to listen and rate this book
This was a very intriguing book. This book follows a young girl Katharine and her trials and tribulations throughout her life as being an orphan. Her and her brother are separated and the couple that "adopts" Katharine is just looking for free labor.
This book sounds more like a memoir than a fictional book. Being my first Audiobook, I feel that the narration was a little flat. I could not tell which character was speaking at the time.
Overall, a great, captivating story of a young girl and her life becoming friends with people she never expected to. Creating bonds and memories that would last a lifetime, even the conditions that she was in.
Thank you Right Track Publishing for the opportunity to listen and rate this book
October 1, 2023
Lee Richie writes a story based on certain true events in the book Black Bones, Red Earth. Told in two parts, the author follows a ten-year-old English girl, Katherine Bowers, to the Stewarts’ homestead in Australia. Nursing a sad past, Katherine hopes only to find love and acceptance. The landscape of Cutaway Creek in Broken Hill seems like a foreign world with exotic animals and hazardous conditions. Separated from the only remaining family member who cared for her, her older brother, Archie, and treated with spite and disinterest by her guardians, Katherine learns about life and the land from the Aboriginal house worker and station hands. In the second section, Ritchie continues Katherine’s saga, covering the repercussions of Katherine’s decisions and the lives she affected after one of her deepest secrets is unearthed.
Lee Richie has written a phenomenal story! It’s hard not to be completely invested in Katherine’s life from the moment she’s dropped off in Cutaway Creek. The reader sees the story through the eyes of Katherine Fellows as she reflects on her life with the wisdom of discernment. Deep descriptions paint vivid images in readers’ minds, and the sights, sounds, animals, property, and characters become so real that readers almost feel like they know them. It’s hard to hear Katherine justify her actions and weep over the repercussions. The readers aren’t just hearing a story; they are experiencing a life. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that dives into the depths of experience and trials will love Black Bones, Red Earth.
Sandy Gore reads with consistency and echoes the image of Katherine in my mind. Scoop Effects Studio’s audio is clear and without interruption, providing a serene listening experience. I especially liked the realistic sounds during phone calls. Gore’s accent adds to the story and her range of emotions show her experience on the stage and in film. Australian by birth, her nationality gives credit to the reading, as the reader can picture Gore’s understanding of the trials the author describes. Listening to Gore read is more like hearing a performance a reader can easily visualize, adding a new appreciation to Black Bones, Red Earth.
Lee Richie has written a phenomenal story! It’s hard not to be completely invested in Katherine’s life from the moment she’s dropped off in Cutaway Creek. The reader sees the story through the eyes of Katherine Fellows as she reflects on her life with the wisdom of discernment. Deep descriptions paint vivid images in readers’ minds, and the sights, sounds, animals, property, and characters become so real that readers almost feel like they know them. It’s hard to hear Katherine justify her actions and weep over the repercussions. The readers aren’t just hearing a story; they are experiencing a life. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that dives into the depths of experience and trials will love Black Bones, Red Earth.
Sandy Gore reads with consistency and echoes the image of Katherine in my mind. Scoop Effects Studio’s audio is clear and without interruption, providing a serene listening experience. I especially liked the realistic sounds during phone calls. Gore’s accent adds to the story and her range of emotions show her experience on the stage and in film. Australian by birth, her nationality gives credit to the reading, as the reader can picture Gore’s understanding of the trials the author describes. Listening to Gore read is more like hearing a performance a reader can easily visualize, adding a new appreciation to Black Bones, Red Earth.
February 24, 2023
Black Bones, Red Earth - Lee Richie
🎧Audiobook review🎧
I went into this completely blind, based on a rave recommendation from a trusted book friend.
I was instantly grabbed by the superb voice acting of Sandy Gore which immediately evokes and captures an older lady recounting memories of times long past. I trusted this character and wanted to hear her story.
Historical fiction, based on true events, it starts in the 1950's with British orphan Katherine being dropped off on a remote outback sheep station. Bleak, cruel and unforgiving, and that's just Katherine's foster parents.
It's a story of coming of age in the harshest of environments, and reflections from older age of a life's regrets, what was, and what could and should have been. It's heart wrenching, finely balanced with love and hope and strength of spirit.
Audiobooks encourage me to expand my genres, and this worked perfectly, not a book I would have chosen to read, but Sandy Gore's narration bought Lee Richie's writing to life and made it completely real. I learnt a lot too, and the aspects of Aboriginal culture are handled sensitively and with great respect.
I'm not going into the plot, I think the blurb gives quite a lot away. Trust me, this is deeply moving, compelling, compassionate and a great expansive life story, beautifully written and narrated.
Very highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial Audio
🎧Audiobook review🎧
I went into this completely blind, based on a rave recommendation from a trusted book friend.
I was instantly grabbed by the superb voice acting of Sandy Gore which immediately evokes and captures an older lady recounting memories of times long past. I trusted this character and wanted to hear her story.
Historical fiction, based on true events, it starts in the 1950's with British orphan Katherine being dropped off on a remote outback sheep station. Bleak, cruel and unforgiving, and that's just Katherine's foster parents.
It's a story of coming of age in the harshest of environments, and reflections from older age of a life's regrets, what was, and what could and should have been. It's heart wrenching, finely balanced with love and hope and strength of spirit.
Audiobooks encourage me to expand my genres, and this worked perfectly, not a book I would have chosen to read, but Sandy Gore's narration bought Lee Richie's writing to life and made it completely real. I learnt a lot too, and the aspects of Aboriginal culture are handled sensitively and with great respect.
I'm not going into the plot, I think the blurb gives quite a lot away. Trust me, this is deeply moving, compelling, compassionate and a great expansive life story, beautifully written and narrated.
Very highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial Audio
March 30, 2023
WOW what an absolutely brilliant audio book. Sandy Gore, narrator was epic! She brings heart felt feeling to every single word. Her emotional attachment to the story is obvious. She gets the anguish just right and I literally just couldn't stop listening. I cried, I laughed and I cried again. The brutality that Katherine faces when she arrives in Australia. Not only does she end up in the middle of the outback she is treated horrifically by the family she goes to live with. All she wants is to be loved and she soon finds out even love can not always save you.
The treatment of the indigenous people of Australia is truly shocking.. Having their children forcibly removed because they were deemed not capable of raising children. I was utterly heart broken at some of the issues raised in this outstanding book. An absolute must read.
Lee Richie is an outstanding author who doesn't shy away from difficult topics. He is straight to the point and boy does he get that point across superbly. Although a hard listen at times I adored this book from start to finish.
The treatment of the indigenous people of Australia is truly shocking.. Having their children forcibly removed because they were deemed not capable of raising children. I was utterly heart broken at some of the issues raised in this outstanding book. An absolute must read.
Lee Richie is an outstanding author who doesn't shy away from difficult topics. He is straight to the point and boy does he get that point across superbly. Although a hard listen at times I adored this book from start to finish.
May 18, 2023
*** ARC audiobook provided by NetGalley via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ***
Wow! What a beautiful book this is. Black Bones, Red Earth by Lee Richie is historical fiction inspired by true events during World War II and beyond. I think a combination of a good narrator and good writing made this book have a big impact on me, and I feel like at one point I'd forgotten it was fiction.
We follow Katherine, whose mother dies in an air raid and whose father doesn't want her. As a result, she is shipped over to Australia to be 'adopted' by an Australian family. I put adopted in inverted commas because her new parents don't seem to want a daughter; they want a worker for their farm. We follow her story, full of tragedy and loss but also love, through to the modern day. While aware of the prejudice that Aboriginals face in Australia, this book has made me want to learn more as I realise how little I really know (i.e., orphans shipped off to a foreign land???). I would definitely recommend this book and the audiobook too!
Wow! What a beautiful book this is. Black Bones, Red Earth by Lee Richie is historical fiction inspired by true events during World War II and beyond. I think a combination of a good narrator and good writing made this book have a big impact on me, and I feel like at one point I'd forgotten it was fiction.
We follow Katherine, whose mother dies in an air raid and whose father doesn't want her. As a result, she is shipped over to Australia to be 'adopted' by an Australian family. I put adopted in inverted commas because her new parents don't seem to want a daughter; they want a worker for their farm. We follow her story, full of tragedy and loss but also love, through to the modern day. While aware of the prejudice that Aboriginals face in Australia, this book has made me want to learn more as I realise how little I really know (i.e., orphans shipped off to a foreign land???). I would definitely recommend this book and the audiobook too!
May 1, 2023
Black Bones, Red Earth is a heartbreaking novel that moves from 1950’s outback Australia to present day Cumbria. Kate and her brother are sent to Australia from a British orphanage following the end of the Second World War. Upon arrival they are separated with Kate being sent to an outback sheep station. Her life is hard and she is treated with little compassion. She makes friends with some of the local indigenous people but following a tragic incident she flees the country. In the present day, Kate’s past is brought crashing back to her and she feels that she has to try and put things right.
I found this book utterly compelling for several reasons including the horrific way many British children were moved to Australia without their knowledge or consent, as well as the appalling way indigenous people were treated in their own country. It has humour, historical context and fascinating characters. Highly recommended.
I found this book utterly compelling for several reasons including the horrific way many British children were moved to Australia without their knowledge or consent, as well as the appalling way indigenous people were treated in their own country. It has humour, historical context and fascinating characters. Highly recommended.
May 3, 2023
I am in the minority on this one. I blame my rubbish attention span (waiting for surgery in a fortnight), as I had to keep replaying this audiobook over and over as I couldn't stay engaged with it. I found the narrator's voice so monotonous, and I wasn't gripped by the story at all.
I am so glad other people loved it more.
I am so glad other people loved it more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews