Jackie French is a master of unique Australian stories. Her passion and experience with native animals mean these delightful creatures will often burrow their way into her original plots. Also, her abundant knowledge of Australia’s fascinating history and her obvious understanding of human and animal behaviour are aptly applied in her story’s content and character constructions. She writes to help us not forget ‘the hardship and unhappiness of those around us’ and to learn from ‘past experience’. In this case: Becoming Mrs Mulberry portrays the destruction caused by war (external and internal). Of course, she acknowledges there are times we must defend ourselves (as seen in this story with the Mulberry couple) and our planet. There is no doubt of the love and respect she has for a world that provides so graciously for us and draws our attention to its need of our active care.
Becoming Mrs Mulberry is an unforgettable brilliant novel that captured my attention from the first page to the last with its fascinating plot and diverse cast of characters. Jackie’s accomplished writing skills shine in this novel. Becoming Mrs Mulberry is full of intrigue, mystery, on-the-edge-of-your seat suspense, interesting facts about Dingoes and other Australian oddities. She explores thoroughly the effects the Great War had on the men who fought. The trauma, shell shock and lasting effects are well demonstrated, particularly through Mr Mulberry. But her story does not end there. It also offers hope. As the complex plot progresses, restoration unfolds through love (in its many forms) and through the positive effects of nature and how it can heal the mind and body. The sense of oneness with the natural world comes through triumphantly. Mr and Mrs Mulberry demonstrate exceptional kindness and care upon others less fortunate, and this act of giving spills on through the many lives they touch and help.
A quick recap of the bones of the story: Agnes Glock (Mulberry) is a woman of low financial means who wants to become a doctor. It was particularly difficult in those early days in Australia for a woman to be accepted so she studies in Scotland as a medical student. But there are other obstacles she ultimately faces. The Great War plays havoc with her life, professional and personal and she is unable to graduate. On top of this, her beloved fiancé who has enlisted, later is presumed dead.
Agnus must believe the report is true from the war authorities. Heartbroken, she focuses on what she can do with the remains of her life. Her need to help others leads her into unusual situations and she ends up saving a wealthy man who has also fought in the war and been mentally scarred. Douglas Mulberry’s fortune and well-being are under threat from a greedy uncle. Agnes decides to marry this written-off man, to save him from an asylum and to nurse him back to health.
While rearranging her staff and gathering many unlikely workers in the running of Mulberry’s home, Agnes chances upon a unique child at a circus who presents unusual physical and behavioural symptoms. Agnes’s heart reaches out to the one they call the ‘dingo girl’. She becomes determined to save her as she believes her condition can be cured. This is where her medical background comes in handy and her life begins to dramatically change. For the finding of this girl, and taking her in, not only helps her husband in unexpected ways, but it also leads to a discovery about her fiancé.
There are many twists and turns on this journey and it is a fascinating ride filled with haunting facts and both memorable heart-touching and heart-wrenching moments. And unexpected love. Faced now with two men she cares about, what will she decide? Will her love for her husband grow or diminish? Will her arrangement with Mr Mulberry change or develop into something deep and lasting? And what about her past love, her previous fiancé? She is married now, to another man, who truly needs her.
And then there is the mystery of the ‘dingo girl’. How did she end up at the circus? Was she actually raised by Dingoes? Who are her parents? If alive, where are they and why did they abandon their daughter? So many questions to answer and Jackie keeps us in suspense until the end when many events come together and the mystery is solved.
Becoming Mrs Mulberry is about identity, not only who the dingo girl is but who Agnes is initially, how she changes or grows into becoming a women who is free to make choices—whether that be in a profession, a group of friends or even a husband. This amazing story also delves into the less than attractive elements of society. And abuse in its various hideous forms. Jackie provides a well-rounded picture of the 1920’s and its ups and downs. I highly recommend this astounding novel that will make you think, touch your soul and explore the lesser-known/discussed facts on Australian animals and tumultuous regions of human history. 5 Definite Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to the publisher Harlequin Australia, HQ Fiction and Netgalley for my review copy.
