This book was both a good historical whodunit, and an insight into the lives of women in Melbourne’s early colonial days. To some degree it was based on the author’s family history which gave it an authenticity that can be lacking in some historical fiction books. Independent Australia doesn’t often offer fiction books for review so the opportunity to read it was a refreshing change from some of the non-fiction tomes I’ve previously put up my hand for, and which I have to hope won’t prove to be too dense, academic or tough to read in what are the tough times we’re already living in. They could get depessing. Sometimes fiction is what’s needed and The Butterfly Women delivered – despite crime novels not being my favourite genre.
Share this post on socials
Book review of Michael Pembroke's Silk Silver Opium: the trade with China that shaped history.
Harvesting and processing produce from the vegetable garden is always a busy time of the year, but reassuring to have a well-stocked freezer to rely on through the colder weather. This year there will be some wild blackberries too, cooked up with apples given by neighbours and friends.
Unexpected life challenges can upend the best laid plans and disrupt ordered routines. This was our experience recently. Not so much an adventure, but an unlooked-for and rather nasty gauntlet that needs to be navigated without a compass, or any clear idea of how to proceed.