A must-read historical fiction? Look no further than The Woolgrower’s Companion by Joy Rhoades.
The plot:
Australia 1945. Kate Dowd has led a sheltered life on her family’s sprawling sheep station but, with her father’s health in decline, the management of the farm is increasingly falling to her.
Kate is rising to this challenge when the arrival of two Italian POW [prisoners of war] labourers disrupts everything – especially when Kate finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Luca Canali.
Then she receives devastating news. The farm is near bankrupt and the bank is set to repossess. Given just eight weeks to pay the debt, Kate is now in a race to save everything she holds dear.
A true work of art
Whilst this is historical fiction, there’s a little comment in the author’s note which says it was inspired by her grandmothers experiences.
The Woolgrower’s Companion is my type of historical fiction. An interesting story with a hint of romance, endurance and heartbreak. I loved the way Joy Rhoades articulated everything through the eyes of Kate, and I could honestly imagine myself thrown back in time.
I adored seeing everything from Kate’s perspective, but this really meant that you get so sucked in to the story. There were times where Kate wasn’t reflecting any emotions, but oh boy, I was reflecting them for her.
There were lots of themes featured in The Woolgrower’s Companion, but one that really has stuck with me would be the reflection back on class. Although sometimes not nice to read, Joy Rhoades stayed authentic throughout, and really gives the reader an insight into what it was like back in Australia 1945.
The ending was slightly abrupt, but then again, I’d totally be down for a sequel soooooooo??????
An absolute pleasure from start to finish. A true work of art.
Bookmark That approved BIG TIME.
P.S. There are also recipes in the back which just made me so happy.
The Woolgrower’s Companion, Joy Rhoades, RRP £8.99 (paperback); Book Depository
Pages: 399
Publisher: Vintage
Genre: Historical Fiction
