I have a great love for Australian colonial stories that include determination, everyday struggles and the love that develops for this new country and Meg Keneally showcases all of these elements to perfection in Free.

Keneally uses Mary Reibey as her inspiration for the character of Molly Darrow later to become Molly Thistle who had a key role in her previous book The Wreck.
I remember when I read The Wreck I wanted to know more about Molly Thistle and here it is.

We learn how Molly came to be in Australia. From stealing a horse and escaping the gallows to being transported to Australia. Molly shows a tenacity to not let others determine her fate. If there is something she can do to turn the tables in her favour she is not scared to take the reins and head into the unknown.

Meg Keneally gives an adequate portrayal of life in Australia however doesn't over emphasise the cruelty, murder and beatings of convicts preferring to concentrate on the achievements made by Molly and her husband despite the many setbacks they encountered.

I was totally captivated by this story of courage, determination and sheer hard work that sees a young convict girl rise above the discrimination and setbacks to forge a life for herself and her family.2024 australian-author echo ...more10 s Lorraine44 1 follower

FREE by Meg Keneally is published by Echo April 2024.

Review by Lorraine Parker

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres. Free is up there with the very best and very much a page turner.

Molly Thistle was born into poverty. For so many, this was an inherent part of England in the eighteenth century. However, her feisty spirit, disdain for convention and desire for freedom were always just below her surface.

A childhood prank where Molly dressed as a boy, rides on a ‘stolen’ horse seals her fate. Her joyous feeling of freedom ends with her arrest (as a boy), and very soon an uncertain journey, (at the age of fourteen), towards Britain's farthest prison colony. Whilst in jail her attention was caught by Eliza who lay on the floor and was petrified by the approach of this ‘boy’.
Molly was soon found out as being really a girl. Her status was quickly fixed as was her transportation as a convict to Botany Bay.

The women crowded on board and into their hold. Molly once more is drawn to Eliza. She realises that Eliza does not recognise her as she is now in girl clothes. Eliza does not speak and is still traumatised. Gunner Johnson is assigned as the female convict’s supervisor. His aim is for all to survive the journey. Molly’s leadership and survival qualities come to the fore as she catches Gunner’s attention and pushes herself forward to organise the distribution of everything for the women. (Including times on deck in the fresh air)

The hierarchy of society that exists in the new colony will challenge Molly’s tenacity, strength and determination to the full. Her quick wit, resilience and ambition will attract the love of her life and the opportunity to forge a commercial empire. There is no doubt that her success will attract antagonists, adversaries, and criminals from all over. How will she protect her family? Will she endure? However, her loyalty to and from Eliza will endure.

A remarkable, fascinating, vivid and entirely believable journey is painted by the mesmerising prose of author Meg Keneally.
MaryanneAuthor 11 books17

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