Sarah Thornhill by Kate Grenville
Reviewed by Molly
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This novel tells the story of Sarah, a young determined girl, born in the year 1816. The setting is amidst the harshness of colonial New South Wales, mainly along the Hawkesbury River and inland. Sarah’s relationship with her brother’s friend, Jack, blossoms over the years and they plan to marry. This news brings out a dark and sinister family secret. When Jack is told of this horrible secret he leaves for New Zealand, alone, presumably never to return. After the devastated Sarah learns of what Jack was told her future takes an entirely different path to what she had planned. Making a new life for herself, along with a new husband, she deals with isolation, hardships and unexpected decisions which needed to be made. This is where the story really picks up the pace.
This book is the sequel to Kate’s novel The Secret River but it can also be read easily as a stand-alone book. I would highly recommend this novel as it was very thought provoking in regards to legacies left by our ancestors and an informative insight into parts of our Australian history. I found it more intense and interesting than The Secret River. The story line and the descriptive nature of the characters made for a fabulous read.
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Great review Molly. And thanks for mentioning that it can be read as a stand alone book. I had this on my ‘to read’ list but I thought I’d need to read Secret River first.
I’m looking forward to reading Sarah Thornhill