Lucy’s Dawn (Juliet Blair, NLA)

This is a charming historical novel, based on a series of events in pre-federation Sydney. Told through the diary entries of the fictional 14-year-old Lucy Coombes, the book delves into what life in Sydney’s The Rocks was like in the late 1800s and shines a light on the work of Louisa Lawson—printer, writer, suffragist and mother of Henry Lawson. With the first entry in July 1889 and the last in October 1890, Lucy’s diary gives the reader a taste of life in working-class Sydney, with the focus on the New South Wales Typographical Association’s attempts to shut down Lawson’s female-run printing house. A little simplistic at times, the story is great for 10- and 11-year-olds, though it would still appeal to 12- to 14-year-olds who are curious about history. Factual information is provided in the back of the book, but you can’t help but do some online research the whole way through. Almost stealing the show is the peripheral character Mei Quong Tart, a Chinese merchant who quotes Robert Burns and wears kilts. Book nerds will also adore the glimpses into old print houses and learning about compositing. Author Juliet Blair weaves together a narrative encompassing romance and politics, and offers fascinating insight into what feels like a different country from our own.

Hannah Cartmel is an editor and co-founder of The Rag & Bone Man Press Inc.

Category: Junior newsletter Review list Reviews