Review of A Distant Horizon & Beyond the Distant Hills by AnneMarie Brear
A Double Review of these two amazing Irish Australian historical saga novels
Book 1 - Review of A Distant Horizon
What an amazing novel by AnneMarie Brear! I was captivated by the strength, courage and determination of Ellen Kittrick who survived the famine, numerous horrendous deaths of loved ones, betrayal, a gambling alcoholic husband, a frightening brother-in-law, landowner’s abuse, untold violence under English control, destruction of her home and more endless setbacks than you can possibly imagine.
A Distant Horizon is book one of AnneMarie Brear’s Irish Australian historical saga The Distant Series. And it is my first ever book of hers I have read and I can say with heartfelt sincerity, I became absolutely lost in this magnificent story. I am keen to dive into book two of the series and many more of AnneMarie’s books as I am seriously impressed by her skill and story-telling ability. It is apparent she has done extensive research on the Irish Famine era and utilised it well in A Distant Horizon. This attention to detail has provided a clear picture also of the difficulties of ship life for those who emigrated from Ireland to distant lands like Australia.
Thankfully in spite of the cruelty Ellen endured, she has also been on the receiving end of some incredible kindness shown to her by various gentlemen in high places who admired her sustaining qualities, her hard work and strong moral character. Hardships beyond belief are portrayed throughout the novel making us cringe at the brutal reality of the Irish famine and the utter devastation and abuse the Irish experienced under a bad system and corrupt leaders. AnneMarie never once softens the truth under her pen. This story tells it all. But these horrors are also sprinkled with acts of goodwill. We know from history there were a few English manor owners who showed kindness by providing food and jobs when possible and we see this in the character of Mr Wilton. These true Christian acts of humanity shine in a dark cesspool of greed, prejudice, ignorance and religious arrogance.
As Ellen’s life unfolds, her faith is severely tested. She questions God’s allowance of such cruelty and loss done by evil men. And why has mother nature become plagued with disease? For these woes have threatened the very existence of the Irish people. Sadly, the lines blur when the scythe of injustice cuts deeper than even nature’s calamity. For though the seasonal potatoes are blighted, there is other food grown in Ireland that could save the people but it is shipped offshore by the greedy hands in power. Basically, they stole the sustenance that should have been available to stop such deaths and starvation. But those in higher positions ignored the cries of a dying hungry nation and used religion against them to blame these blights on their disobedience to God. (The Catholic versus the Protestant debate.)
AnneMarie’s writing is top level. She soars with a masterful skill, always in control of her characters, maintains a tight plot and descriptive settings. Reading this novel was like watching a movie and I mean exactly that. The detail was so visual I felt as if I was seeing it all on the big screen. I was easily transported to 1851 Ireland, then England and later to colonial Australia where Ellen is trying to rebuild her life. Unexpected love is on the horizon for her as well. Plus, other key figures who offer life security and position. It seems as if there is a special mark on her for she not only experiences the worst losses imaginable but also the greatest triumphs possible.
Ellen’s journey is a powerful life changing one and I am keen to read part two in the sequel Beyond the Distant Hills. The author has utilised her own family history— including taking us to the Southern Highlands. What a story! I cannot rave enough about this novel and the writing skills of AnneMarie Brear. Unforgettable, inspiring and more-ish fiction! 5 Brilliant Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚. 📚 📚. 📚. 📚
Book 2 - Review of Beyond the Distant Hills
The excitement continues! We begin book 2 of this historical saga in July, in the setting of Berrima, NSW, 1853. Ellen must adjust to the seasonal opposites in Australia. It is winter, cold, and a vastly different experience to Ireland where the warmth of summer is in full swing. She reminisces over her past life – the losses, the changes, the difficult decisions she had to make to keep the rest of her family alive. But survival is not the only thing she craves. She wants security: to succeed financially, acquire land and to have a higher position so that her family never have to experience such poverty and class abuse again. This drive, particularly for land, begins modestly but then fans into a flame of obsession. It steals her every waking moment and leaves her sleep poor and drained. She wants vast amounts of land— land that nobody can take from her. For land is something she was denied in Ireland and to her it is the true measure of success. To obtain it and achieve what she seeks, she must compete in a man’s world and develop sharp bargaining skills. And she does. But at what cost?
In book 1 she agrees to a marriage union with Alistair Emmerson— a man she does not love. But the acceptance of this proposal will provide her family with security, a proper title and the land she seeks. Her children will be well-educated, have plenty of clothing and food and live in an exceptional home. But ghosts from the past come to steal her security and an unlikely hero appears who helps her reclaim someone very precious to her. I particularly loved this surprise!
Also, another man from Ellen’s past reappears on the shores of Australia on a business trip. Rafe Hamilton is one of the Englishman who helped her come to Australia. They have a connection that begins in book 1 and continues in book 2. She has not been able to forget him since their first meeting but she is married to his best friend, Alistair Emmerson, and this creates some awkward moments. We are assured of challenges to come as a result. And although Ellen tries her best to stay strong, her marriage is tested. Trials arise that are hard to endure. All that she has worked so hard to achieve— the lands, livestock and homes, are hanging in the balance once fate takes a few unexpected turns. I don’t want to say much more about the story but Ellen’s journey is an exhilarating one.
Although Ellen has common human weaknesses, and her heart is not always obedient to her own demands and standards, she manages to land on solid ground through her resilience and determination. AnneMarie has created an admirable character, and even with Ellen’s flaws, I found myself cheering this woman on to victory. The novel ends with another new beginning for Ellen and her family. But the story does not end here for the author has shared the good news that a Book 3 is coming. I, for one, want to see what happens next!
All in all, Beyond the Distant Hills is captivating. In fact, the Distant series is a magnificent, glorious accomplishment. I highly recommend both of these novels and give them each 5 Triumphant Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
