Oh. Wow. This book packs a punch!

Alice’s story is one of trauma and betrayal, more so than a small child should experience and much of it inherited. I found her to be well rounded and more relatable than I was anticipating. The well thought plot and overall structure of the novel were also good for a debut novel.

I loved the Australian indigenous stories and the Bulgarian fairytales woven through, and the touch of Mexican history. I love he idea of pioneer women adapting a Victorian custom to their new environment in Australia.

I was moved to actual sobbing tear and out loud cries of surprise. I nearly missed my train stop reading on my work commute, I was so engrossed with the story. These are all the marks of wonderful writing, Ringland has a style that completely transported me to the Aussie bush. Set in regional Queensland I drew many similarities to my own life in Western Australia.

All the stars.