'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday 9 February 2011

Review: The Night They Stormed Eureka

When Sam, a modern day teenager, is transported back in time to Ballarat in 1854, her life is thrown into uncertainty and chaos. And when she realises where she is, and the date, she knows what's coming - but how can she keep the people around her safe?

The Puddlehams are struggling to make ends meet as they dream of building a better life in the city.
The three of them, together, are part of a phenomenal event in Australia's history: the unity of the people against the establishment, a life-changing event that Australians will be speaking of for centuries to come.

The Eureka Stockade.

French's passion for Australian history is the shining star in this novel, with her characters bringing the events of the past to life. Whilst this novel is fiction, it is based on real stories, enough so to help readers develop an understanding of the time, that is different to that taught at school.

The story takes us through love, loss, unity and the building of a nation, with such clarity and wisdom that readers will be taken back in time beside the main character.

A wonderful read about an intriguing time in our nation's history.

Title: The Night They Stormed Eureka
Author: Jackie French
Publisher: HarperCollins, $15.99
Publication Date: 2009
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9780732285418
For ages: 10+
Type:
Junior Fiction, Middle Fiction