Cry of the Rain Bird

by Patricia Shaw

International bestseller Patricia Shaw's captivating epic novel is published for the first time in trade paperback with a stunning new package. When Corby Morgan and his young wife Jessie set sail from England for the golden shores of Trinity Bay, they dream of an easy life in Paradise. But Providence, the sugar plantation that is to be their home, is far from what they were expecting! With superstitious labourers from the South Sea islands, Providence offers danger and excitement for Corby and his family. Mike Devlin, the Australian manager, teaches Corby how to farm sugar cane, but finds himself drawn to the gentle and intelligent Jessie. As Jessie becomes more involved in the running of Providence, her coquettish sister Sylvia pursues her own goals. And Corby proves himself to be a weak and devious man. Having survived a shocking introduction to plantation life and battled racial conflict the planters of Providence hope the worst is over. But then nature strikes a fearful blow!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Australia, Fiction, Romance

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 1994

About the author

Patricia Shaw was an Australian novelist and non-fiction writer.

Reviews

[Letty De kroon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family saga set in early pioneering days in Qld in the canefields.It was really interesting to read all the history of the colonial Australia and far north Qld, while engrossed in the family saga unfolding. It was also interesting to read it from various points of view often contrary to standard history lessons (ie, understanding why farmers fought hard against the White Australia Policy; and how the Aboriginals and Pacific Islanders thought and lived)

[Michele Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant read by this author! I was hooked after the fist few pages and was not disappointed. I love learning the history of Australia especially in areas that I have visited. It’s hard to imagine Cairns as a swampy run down village but the tablelands area is still full of cane. The facts about the South Sea Islanders was new to me and of great interest. I enjoyed checking the historical facts about flooding in the area which continues to this day.
The characters though a little predictable were well described and believable.
I’ve already downloaded another of Patricia Shaws novels to read.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Shaw always delivers

I am a huge fan of Patricia Shaw. I have never been disappointed with her books. They are meticulously researched and skillfully written. If you are interested in Australia"s history, her books will give you a lot of information and will entertain you at the same time.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating historical fiction novel of colonial Australia. Extremely enjoyable read— very well written. The characters, historical details and storyline kept me turning the pages. Highly recommended.

[patricia moston · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting and captivating stories

I have read in the
Australia sagas




I can't wait till the next one and will look forward to buying more
Pat

[Ajaki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spannend aber nach Schema F

[Sarah Scowen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find that blasphemy is entirely unnecessary and this book takes it to a whole nother level so it is for this reason I give it two stars.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Een jonge Engelsman van goede huize die nog nooit een dag gewerkt heeft in zijn leven gaat in zee met een vriend om een suiker plantage te kopen in Queensland. Zijn vriend haakt af en als hij gaat bij zijn vader tevergeefs om geld gaat bedelen stelt zijn schoonvader voor partner te worden.
En ze vertrekken, het jong koppel, de verstrooide professor schoonvader en ook nog een schoonzus.

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly fascinating read. I saw this book mentioned on one of the historical fiction sites I go to and wow am I glad I decided to read it. The history of this part of Australia was utterly fascinating. I will most certainly be looking for more of her stuff.

[Jen]

A great novel sharing about the history of QLD's cane fields.

[Dpic]

good

[Davida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Australian family sagas...great read