ARA Review by PoeticGem65 of Ironbark Hill

[PoeticGem65]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, Ironbark Hill.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Jennie Linnane’s Ironbark Hill reached into a very dark part of my own life and I saw myself in Natalie. I lived that same miserable sad life she had with a step MONSTER. With every one of her brave defiant steps towards the evil drunkard I felt her struggle to protect her Mother and Brother. The lack of guidance and naiveté of youth for sure has her make some ill-advised moves especially when it comes to her employer Mr. Glover. A need for love especially when we don’t know what love should look or feel like will lead us down some dark paths and it is no different for Natalie. Without giving the story away I can say it is filled with twists and turns that are quite dark, blackmail, that reflects the journey.

The beautiful descriptions of the landscape is a welcomed relief from the heaviness and violence depicted in the story. It does allow the reader to experience Australia, it engages your senses like you are seeing and feeling Natalie’s surroundings.

The racism that is experienced by the aborigines of Australia is sadly painfully accurate. Natalie is biracial and much of the abuse she receives from classmates and stepfather are based on something she has zero control over.

It is a worthwhile read and you will find yourself thinking about this story long after you finish reading it. 4 out of 5 stars.

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