Official Review: Irma's Daughters by Jennie Linnane

[Julie Petitbon]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Irma's Daughters" by Jennie Linnane.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Irma’s Daughters: The Sequel to Ironbark Hill by Jennie Linnane is a beautifully crafted novel. The story is separated into two parts and begins shortly after the conclusion of Ironbark Hill and the funeral of Alex, Irma’s abusive husband. Irma and her children, Natalie, Robyn, Joey, and Shirley, still live with Irma’s father on Ironbark Hill. Additionally, Natalie still works for the Glover’s and flourishes under the tutelage of Rosemary Glover. As time passes, the family experiences love, loss, healing, and change while striving for independence and growth. A sweeping family drama, this thirty-five-chapter novel encompasses over thirty years of their lives. The primary focus of the story concentrates on Natalie, the eldest daughter, who remains dedicated to her family while attaining her professional and personal goals.

The novel’s first-person narration skillfully switches between Irma and her daughters. I like how each character’s personality is distinct and discernable in the writing. When Shirley writes her journal entries, the reader sees the world through her young eyes. When Irma takes over the narration, the depth of her feelings shines through. When Robyn narrates, the reader feels her kindness, compassion, and love. I appreciate that the characters are realistically, deeply, and vividly developed. Furthermore, minor characters like Moira, Rosemary, Matt, and Steve are just as interesting, complex, and relatable as Irma and her daughters.

This character-driven drama highlights the strength of family and the sacrifices one makes for those she loves. Natalie, for example, “regarded my duty to the family as not only an expression of love but also an implicit delegation entrusted to me…there was an immense gift of pleasure to be reaped from looking after the people I love.” Her dedication to her mother, sisters, brother, and grandfather is admirable, and her love is unwavering. As the family grows and matures without the threat of violence hanging over them, they support and encourage each other, often displaying kindness, generosity, stability, and wisdom.

One of my favorite lines from the novel offers insight into aging. “Age is not a shabby coat one is compelled to wear with shame, but a splendid, triumphant cloak which bears testimony to a lifetime of experience.” Aging often holds a negative connotation in our society, unjustifiably so. Linnane has an innate ability to cleverly proffer words of wisdom that invite you to reflect on the experiences of the characters as well as your own life experiences and beliefs.

Other poignant messages about racism, gender roles, and social class inequities serve as a reminder that, though this story takes place in Australia over fifty years ago, these issues remain universal and long-lasting. Natalie, for example, is proudly bi-racial and embraces her Aboriginal heritage even when disparaged and mocked. Luckily, when Natalie meets Steve, a gentle and kind man who is also bi-racial, she finds support and safety from the harsh biases of the world. The men who insult Natalie only back down when confronted by another man, showing that they are racist and sexist. Social class inequities are brought to light through the affluence of the Glover’s home, which contrasts the stark poverty of the family home on Ironbark Hill. Dilapidated and broken, there is always something in need of repair. Resources are limited, so the family often does without. However, Natalie’s family proves that they are wealthy in non-material ways, perhaps more so than their wealthier peers and employers.

I enthusiastically rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. There is nothing about the novel that I disliked. It is masterfully written and impeccably edited. The characters are well-developed and memorable, the plot is interesting and detailed, and the themes are thought-provoking. People who read fast-paced, adventure-filled novels might not like this lovely story as much as I do. However, I recommend Irma’s Daughters: The Sequel to Ironbark Hill to readers who enjoy historical fiction and family sagas. It will also appeal to readers interested in women’s fiction and Australian life.

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Irma's Daughters
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[AvidBibliophile]

I reviewed “Ironbark Hill” last year and really enjoyed it! Looking forward to starting this sequel so I can see what Natalie and the gang are up to now. Great review!

[MsH2k]

What a pleasant surprise to find that there’s a sequel to Ironbark Hill. Linnane is such a gifted author. I look forward to reading this book. Thanks for your review!

[kdstrack]

I am a fan of Jennie's books! Your review about a sequel to Ironbark Hill is wonderful news. The way you have described the book reflects her beautiful writing. I look forward to reading this one. Thanks.

[p0100l20]

Can't wait to read this book, as I really enjoyed Ironbark Hill. Thanks for the review!

[Amy+++]

I have heard a lot of good things about both books and I can't wait to read them. Great review.

[Kibet Hillary]

Such a well-written review. Thanks a lot for it. It is very informative. I would like to read this book. It sounds both fascinating and remarkable, and the themes being addressed are quite as relevant as they were then.

[laine_chette]

Long stories sometimes make me feel bored but with these reviews, it is intriguing! Hope I have time to read this book. I'll surely add this to my shelves.

[Ngozi Onyibor]

I like family drama and this book sounds totally charming. However, I wonder if it can be read as a stand-alone since I haven't read the prequel.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

This is a historical fictional drama novel on family, love, loss, healing and sequel to Ironbark Hill. The book has a free sample on Amazon Kindle and an amazing OnlineBookClub review that was simply perfect. Congrats @JennieLinnane on the BOTD selection.

[Elizabeth Pass]

I read Ironbark Hill but don't believe I will be reading the sequel. I like that they take place in Australia, but the storyline and characters are not part of those that I'd like to revisit.

[sam-4jesus+]

Love, should not just be in an audio format, but in action. Nice review And great work by the author.

[Ayesha Emjedi]

I haven't read Ironbark Hill but this review puts the sequel in such a bright light, that I am more than excited to check both these books out. The themes that are being addressed are rather interesting and I'm fascinated to see how it is incorporated. Thank you for the great review.

[biblichore_pages]

Well I guess to understand this I will have to read it's first part. And I would willingly do it because this books sounds so amazing. Excellent review.

[Nikolas Farmakis]

I like your review. You have offered your opinion, while you also supplied a summary of the book. Well done!