Overall rating and opinion of "Ironbark Hill" by Jennie Linnane

[Annette Smith]

I've enjoyed reading Ironbark Hill, and it probably wouldn't have been on my radar except for it being book of the month.
I loved the writers ability to create strong characters, which helped you to care what happened to them in the story. Although in saying that the ending of the story is probably the part that I liked the least (without giving away spoilers).
I'd definitely recommend the book to others now that I've read it, it was quite enjoyable on a miserable day.

[RR Wildstone]

I like how the Author successfully creates an intriguing character named Natalie. The character is really likable and I think most of us can relate with the story as well. The story feels real and probably some people felt the same way as the Natalie. This is a good piece of work and definitely worthy of your time.

[Ayomaamianda]

After reading the book i hope i will be a good mother. Natalie is true definition of inner beauty. She cares for her mother and her siblings so much. She took the responsibility of her family despite the presence of her mother as a parent in their lives. I still wonder why her mother could not return the favour for being there for her as well. I recommend the book to adults especially parents.

[Ana_Saints]

This book has an inspiring story. Natalie who is the protagonist in Jennie Linnane's Ironbark Hill has a very rough and painful childhood. Living in a home with a harsh father and a battered mother was never easy, but despite of all hurtful challenges she have encountered she stood with a strong strong willing to protect her mother and siblings. Such a good story. I would recommend this this book to anyone especially to the struggling woman who seek to have hope. God Bless this book.

[Bookwormgirl1]

I have yet to read the book, but after reading these posts and seeing how much most of you enjoyed the book, I am definitely excited to read it myself. It sounds like a good book focusing on a strong young woman and I believe that I will enjoy it.

[enojojoseph]

Yes, that's true.Nathalie is a personification of a very strong character in the story ,but she later breaks down to her environmental.

[Alex Hughes]

The book is really interesting and decent
enough to be a book of the month. I liked
the character of Natalie.

[Amondi Oluoch]

Natalie is my favorite character, I symphathise with her. She has to take care of her mum. It's inspiration girls are always there in desperate times.
I'd recommend this book to both the young and old alike.
It's worth being in the market

[Alex Hughes]

I think this book is really interesting. It's a great story. I will definitely recommend this book to both teens and young adults because it relates to their life.

[Adaedwards]

Ironbark Hill is a story about Natalie, a 16-year old girl that suffers violence and hardship at the hands of her stepfather. In this book, the author described the characteristic flaws and positive points of each individual extensively. I took a dislike to Alex instantly because he was a bully and very domineering over his family, which Natalie described. She describes a man who not only enjoyed inflicting pain, but who lacked the capability to control his emotions and lacked the ability to understand his actions. The author described the other characters as more calm and compliant, except for Natalie whose patience and tolerance for Alex’s bullying gradually faded the older she got.
One of the things I liked about the book is the fact that Natalie never quit learning, and even with her having just an intermediate certificate, she still had the zeal for further learning.
However, I detested the affair between Natalie and Bruce, because not only was she sixteen and he was in his thirties, the author focused on the situation instead of focusing on the hatred within Shirley. I also disliked that fact that after everything, Alex was still able to manipulate her at the end to do his bidding.
The author was able to keep the reader’s attention with her perspective even with the few punctuation errors and one misspelled word in the book. Using very basic explanations, the author captured the essence of each individual. She was also able to bring wit into a very emotional story, a story of a young woman who was determined to own her life, despite her abusive family. At the end, she did own her life.

[grahase71]

I personally thought the book was amazing. I loved the way the author wove so many different personalities and circumstances into the story. Abuse is heartbreaking at any time, but it is something that many of us have endured or witnessed personally. Adultery is sad, but it too is a fact of life.
Great book and I would say it is a good pick for BOTM.
SEG

[bookwormmegan]

The book seems interesting, I would probably read it from the review given. It sounds like a book that could cater for a lot a lot of people. I would definately reccomend it.

[420waystoreachthesun]

I loved this book. What I loved the most is the characterization in it.

[grahase71]

I just finished the book yesterday and thought it was amazing. I loved the way the author interwove the segregation of rich, poor; young, old; good, evil. The realistic way that abuse, bullying, adultery, love, and hate was honestly portrayed as a part of life----good or bad----made the book very readable and possibly relatable by a variety of audiences. I would recommend the book to young adults and adults. Great read.
SEG

[Gsamour]

Overall, I liked the book! I thought the author did a great job showing the dynamics of the relationship between Natalie and her mother. Although the story is heartbreaking with the amount of abuse that goes on, I do think it is a relatable story in multiple different ways.