Review by Kathryn Price -- Ironbark Hill by Jennie Linnane

[Eileen4]

Although this book has a good storyline, the quality of writing was poor. It made me feel as though the author wasn't writing from the heart, but rather using words one might learn in freshman composition class.

[Quinto]

This is a touching story on racial discrimination, abusive family situations, and alcoholism. I really admire Natty's inner strength in battling work related discrimination and an alcoholic father. Thanks for a wonderful review.

[sszb]

Thanks for the nice review.
Congrats on being BOTD
The coming of age novel around 16-year-old girl facing discrimination, bullying, alcoholism, abusive families. Women empowering and really intriguing. I will read it if I ever get a chance.

[Jaykik]

This is a great review. The review has spurred my interest in reading the book. I will make sure to read it as soon as I can lay my hands on it

[Nephyz+254]

An inspiring coming-of-age story that delves much into difficult topics including racial discrimination, abusive family situations, and alcoholism sounds very interesting. With excellent story line, characters, and writing quality I thinks many readers like me will like it very much. Thanks for this review.

[Shas F]

Congratulations to Jennie Linnane for the third time that Ironbark Hill is featured as Book of the Day. Apart from being a stirring coming of age book about a young woman's fight for justice, equal opportunity and a career in 1950s Australia as a ndscape artist, it is a historical fiction drama that is a personal-level depiction of how Aborigines have fought and worked so hard to gain a place and equal footing in Australian society. I have read about young Aboriginal Australians who have made great strides in attaining education and establishing a career in the mainstream. A lot of progress has been made but racism can still happen. The work for equal opportunity continues. This book reminds us of the past and how far enlightenment and social justice have been winning the day in Australia.

[Beatus]

....."concertinaed", "somnolent", and "secateurs"!? Got to get my dictionary as well. Nice review Kathryn and congratulations to the book of the day.

[asaltares]

A great fiction book with themes like racial discrimination and bullying and abusive family situations because of alcoholism. Will this girl decisions make her conquer all this obstacles in becoming of age?

Iron Bark

[kristine29]

Great review . I'm not gonna read this right away but you convince me! so after I finish my current book, I'm gonna try reading this

[Zhariah]

Thank you for a wonderful review it was great to read and the book sounds like an interesting one. Your review and obvious enjoyment of the book has put it on my to read list

[TheTrueNyree]

I can understand why this book has been BOTD several times. It is a story covering real life issues like, and abusive alcoholic father. A child having to grow up early because of trying to protect mother and siblings from an abusive father. That same child having immoral relationships in their future. These things definitely happen today, which allows more people to relate to something in the story.

[Brian Travis]

Natalie despite her young age of sixteen years shows real woman power as he stands his ground against Alex, his step father, a drunkard and a selfish decision maker. Definitely a character for young teenage girls to look up to and the book deserves the rating.