Review: The Good Woman of Renmark

Title: The Good Woman of Renmark

Author: Darry Fraser

Publisher: 18th November  2019 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 352 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: historical fiction, romance

My Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Adventure, romance and history combine in this thrilling 19th century journey through the South Australian bush and along the mighty Murray River in the company of a determined heroine.

1895, Renmark, South Australia

Maggie O'Rourke has always had a hard head. No man was going to tie her down to a life of babies and domestic slavery, even if that man was as good (and as annoyingly attractive) as Sam Taylor. Maggie is happily earning her own way as a maid in a house on the Murray River when disaster strikes.

Forced to defend herself and a friend from assault by an evil man, she flees downriver on a paddle steamer. With death at her heels, Maggie begins to realise that a man like Sam might be just who she wants in her hour of need. As for Sam, well, Maggie has always been what he wants.

The further Maggie runs, the more she discovers there are some things she cannot escape...

My Thoughts

Darry Fraser is one of the many current Australian historical fiction writers who keep producing great stories. She has a strong focus on SE Australia and once again provides great tales from along the Murray River.  Much like the ‘Mighty Murray’, the story flows well with lots of twists and turns.

What I found most enjoyable about this tale was a window into the social norms of the day. Maggie, a strong leading lady, is representative of all women of that era who had no rights and no vote and were at the forefront in the call for change. Resourceful and prepared to stand her ground, Maggie refused to curtail to male chauvinism - and there are a few men who tried their overbearing best. The river is almost a character in itself as it provides details of the hardships to be had in trying to eke out an existence. 

‘If Maggie did indeed live to an old age, how would she keep herself unless she had married and had a stipend from her husband’s estate? But then marriage would inevitably bring children … Her plan seemed not so tight now. How did a woman survive if she was too old or infirm to work?’

I would have appreciated a bit more depth to some episodes and a little less in others. At times Maggie’s repetitive independent mantra wore thin. Alternatively, the romance with Sam was a little superficial and I was left wanting. Overall, The Good Woman of Renmark is another worthy tale that provides quality escapism to a time of growth and change in Australia’s history. 

“ ... think if we had greater control of our lives financially, and with more education, it would suit us well. We would not be subject to as much poverty.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.