Review by Sinclairess -- Ironbark Hill by Jennie Linnane

Post by **Chelsey Coles** » 26 Mar 2019, 12:39

[Following is a volunteer review of "Ironbark Hill" by Jennie Linnane.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Set in rural Australia, Ironbark Hill by Jennie Linnane is about 16-year-old Natalie. She has a tricky family life. She is half-Aboriginal. She lives with her mother, stepfather, grandfather, two half-sisters, and a younger brother who has brain damage. Her brother is half Aboriginal like her; they have the same father. Her two younger sisters are from her mother's second marriage. Her father died years ago, and since then she has been trying to protect her family from her stepfather, Alex, who is an unemployed alcoholic. The book is written in diary form. Future Natalie retells the events that unfold in the book. She works as a housekeeper. She aspires to be a painter, and learns from her mistress who is an eccentric artist and actress. She searches for the answers in her foggy past, and vows to uncover the true story of her father's death, life before she was born, and why her stepfather and father apparently never got along.

I give this book 4 out of 4 stars! The author effectively captures the reader. The story’s setting and elements are historically accurate. It is professionally edited since I only found a few errors. The voice of Natalie as the narrator is strong from beginning to end. It is very well written. The plot is intricate, unique, and developed. There is nothing about this book that did not please me.

The best thing about the book is the descriptive language. The vocabulary is varied and sophisticated. I'm a sucker for vivid imagery and I'm a nature-lover, so it was very easy for me to picture the scenes in the story. It makes me long for the countryside, and Linnane makes me feel like I'm right at home with Natalie's family.

By noon, the sun was a giant pearl lending a nacreous glow to the underlying blanket of vapour, but at three o'clock a westerly whipped up and sent the clouds over the mountain ranges, probably to rain on the sea.
(Location 367 of 2855)

I strongly identify with Natalie. She is brave despite facing discrimination. She is never afraid to be herself. She knows her place in the world and why certain people treat her a certain way. She knows who she is and what she will not stand for. The rest of the characters are very endearing as well. The cast of the book is small enough so that each character has their own essence, but big enough for a variety. This book does a great job of exploring self-love, sacrifice, and identity.

The story features a strong female lead, so readers who look for this element will want to read Ironbark Hill. I believe that young ladies coming of age and those that consider themselves outcasts, minorities, or underdogs will enjoy this book. Those that enjoy historical fiction will also want to add this book to their shelves.

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Ironbark Hill
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ReneeBrown · Post by **ReneeBrown** » 26 Aug 2019, 12:23

This is on my "want to read" bookshelf. It sounds like the an interesting premise with a well developed main character. I think I may check this book out. Thanks for the review!

ohlendorfbe · Post by **ohlendorfbe** » 03 Feb 2020, 12:26

I am really interested in this book, having just read the preview for its sequel, "Irma's Daughters." Both books are now on my "Want to Read" shelf. I really enjoy historical fiction, and your review has whetted my interest in both. I also enjoy imagery and descriptions such as you cited in your review!

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 31 Dec 2023, 00:29

Natalie is an inspiration. The fact that she knows herself and thus knows what she will and will not stand for is encouraging. I would definitely love to read this book and see what happens as she visits the past to know what happened to her father. Many thanks for the fascinating review.