Reviews

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with this book.

For its time, and the fact that it was written by Franklin when she was a teenager (!), it is a brilliant novel. The writing ability that Franklin had so young is amazing - she manages to capture so much of Australia, and her protagonist, Sybylla, lives and breathes from the first moment she steps onto the page.

I did find Sybylla to be a frustrating protagonist, due to her general inability to decide on what she wants (or who she wants), but that frustrating nature is part of what makes her feel real. Even when she was annoying me with her indecision and mood swings, I found myself wishing fervently that she would get what she wanted (if she could only decide what it was!).

I'm really glad that I picked this up as part of the Australian Women's Writer's Challenge, since I'd shamefully not read any of Franklin's work before. I find myself awed by her talent, and deeply impressed with how much she worked to change the face of Australian literature.

shannonsnextchapter's review against another edition

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4.0

A wonderful glimpse into old Australian life, Sybylla is far ahead of her time, and like her creator, is able to serve as a role model and epitomisation of early feminist ideals. Her actions are often the opposite of what they might be expected be, and by this she is compelling to her audience.

kumipaul's review against another edition

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3.0

I was consistently annoyed by the main character, but loved the author's ability to bring me down under and let me feel life there. Not too interested in the story or the people, but I loved the setting. Maybe 2.5 rounded to 3.