A great yarn introducing us to other aspects of the Waltzing Matilda story.

This story of a young girl who takes on the world of rural Australia in the 1890s in the lead-up to Federation kept me engaged until I finished it. Circumstances take Matilda in search of her farmer-father, a leading light in the burgeoning Union movement as the shearers' strikes of the early 90s and Australia's worst, prolonged drought grip the country. But tragedy strikes and she makes the decision to continue running the farm herself, with the help and guidance of some 'natives' - unheard of and unacceptable to the social mores of the time - and in opposition to the powerful, squatter-landowner and his arrogant sons on the neighbouring property.

As is usual with French's work, the story is thoroughly researched, based on a solid foundation of fact and events and is brilliant for providing an insight into a time and place that is critical to Australia's history but not always explored.

This book is fascinating! It is magnificent, I love the whole depth and detail. I wish there was another book that was like this! I have read many books and this was my favourite! It is sad but makes you want to read more until the last page. I recommend this book to everyone, especially teenagers or young adults that would like a good Australian read! Matilda out ~