3 out of 4 stars
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The story explores several of the social issues of the world – adultery, racism and discrimination, domestic violence, alcoholism, and classism. The main character, Natalie Chapman, is a teenager who just completed her formal education and is now working as a maid in the home of an affluent couple. She and her family live in Australia’s countryside on what used to be a vibrant farm owned by her grandfather. Natalie has several things to overcome during that year due to things that are both in and out of her control.
As a half white half aborigine girl who falls in love with a man at least twice her age she fights to keep her family safe from her alcoholic step father and work to overcome poverty. She has grown up responsibilities and decisions to make as she navigates through her emotions and desires. Composure is not her strong suit and it often gets her in or near trouble in the rural lands of Ironbark Hill.
The author goes to great length to provide a detailed description of each scene in the novel. This allows the reader to feel as thought they are part of the story. There are plenty of characters that remind us of ourselves or people we have known in our communities and social circles. The story is intriguing and provides several heart wrenching moments as Natalie describes what took place during that year when she turned sixteen years old. The ending does not disappoint but is not entirely predictable.
Depending on the readers belief system, past or current experiences, some of the topics explored in this novel may be offensive or trigger negative emotions. The author’s courage to pull in so many social ills is commendable. Some of the detailed descriptions in the scenes can be quite lengthy and may require the reader to focused more intently in order to get to the next actions in the story. Additionally, it provides insight to Australian dialect and culture for readers who are unfamiliar with this continent.
Ironbark Hill is a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. Jennie Linnane wrote a novel that explores different facets of social issues. Through the main character, Natalie, the reader is able to get perspectives on racism, classism, domestic violence, alcoholism, and adultery from the vantage point of a young teenage girl. The detailed descriptions of thoughts and scenes in this novel ensure you are in the front row of each moment and turn in the story. The authors boldness in folding in so many issues into one novel may offend a few and cause many to pause and reflect on their own beliefs. Nevertheless, it will be a pleasant experience for any adult who likes stories with a strong female lead.
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Ironbark Hill
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