Review of 'That Bligh Girl' by Sue Williams

Review of 'That Bligh Girl' by Sue Williams

Release date: May 2nd, 2023

Publisher: Allen and Unwin

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REVIEW

What a moving epic story! Certain passages had me in tears (literally) so this novel really pulled on my heart strings. The cover is gorgeous, too, and represents its pages within. Sue Williams once again expertly weaves fact with fiction to create an unforgettable, intriguing and captivating story, drawing from a particularly challenging era in Australian history.

That Bligh Girl is a stunning depiction of Mary Bligh and her famous father William Bligh, a British officer in the Royal Navy and colonial administrator. He is often remembered for the mutiny on the Bounty but this story focuses on the happenings seventeen years later when he was appointed Governor of New South Wales. His mission was to clean up the corruption attached to the rum trade. Unfortunately, his strong actions led to the Rum Rebellion motivated by John Macarthur. Bligh was placed under arrest and removed from his position by the NSW Corps. This coup action later was declared illegal so we can appreciate to some extent, William’s fight against the powers that tried to overthrow him. And understand Mary’s determination on that day to make trouble for those who tried to capture her father. Yes, when they stormed on Government House, she fought the rebel soldiers at the entrance gate with a parasol! Sue paints quite a picture of that event and I don’t think I will ever forget it.

So much of the action centres around Mary’s father. But through it we learn about this man’s daughter and what she had to deal with. I really felt for her on the voyage from England to Australia. The sea-sickness, forced separation from her husband and the loss of their dream to make a home in Ireland. For she is pushed into accepting the position of Lady of Government House (replacing her mother) and out of a sense of duty must go with her father to NSW (along with her husband but he is on a separate ship). The challenging six month voyage was presented in great detail. It is here we begin to learn about Mary’s fortitude. Initially she comes across as a bit spoiled but as her layers infold, we see she is quite a smart, spirited, determined woman who has learned much from her father’s positions and is no fool. She offers sound advice, though her father more often ignores it, if it does not suit his purpose. Their relationship is a complex one. He drives her mad with his strong opinions and single focus, and just when it seems he is succumbing to reason, he turns around and proves everyone wrong. Her attempts to prevent her father from making decisions he could regret, often becomes a battle of the wills, with her losing. But under that tough exterior and rough demonstration, lies a strong father-daughter love. There are moments when his love is visible. And, we see to what extent Mary goes to keep him safe. But he also double-crosses her and it is a pain she must bear more than once. His reasons are not to hurt her but to fight what he sees is wrong. He believes in standing up to the rebels and that they have no right to take away his position. His battles are never ending, though—and this in itself is exhausting—his relentless drive for what he calls justice, hurts relationships closest to him.

The novel is written from two points of view. There is a great advantage in this. Besides Mary’s, we also get Meg’s. Meg is Mary’s maid. Her character is an amalgamation of all the maids that attended Mary in NSW, including Susann Harrison who was transported to Australia after being charged with theft in her employer’s home, while the man who convinced her to let him in (the real thief) was acquitted of any charges. Meg, the character is reliable, a constant support and strong friend to Mary and helps her through many horrendous trials—including the death of her first husband. Meg is there almost at the start of their journey so we are able to get a different view, one outside the realm of power, and one at the very bottom of the social scale—a convict’s. The poor conditions and abusive treatment they received—especially female convicts. These are made known. Thankfully, Meg is rescued more than once from evil hands by Mary and her husband. But, also, by William Bligh, who initially takes her off another ship to tend to Mary. He believes her to be innocent of the crime she is accused (why she is a convict) and appreciates her talents in the art of healing with herbs (something she learned from her mother). This gift makes her of great use on the voyage and this is where Mary and Meg’s relationship begins. She has a cure for sea-sickness.

Meg is a witness to many of Mary’s colonial life events. The changes and experiences—including when Mary remarries (therefore fulfilling her first husband’s request). Her second husband serves as acting governor for NSW, so she is in an important position once again. Mary Bligh-Putland-O’Connell was an amazing woman and she shines like a beacon of strength in this novel—to provide encouragement for those who are fighting battles that seem impossible to win. This novel shows the power in vision, friendship, love and determination.

I cannot rave enough about That Bligh Girl. It definitely makes a great companion to Elizabeth and Elizabeth which I also highly recommend as there are some shared characters. Lovers of historical fiction will love these two outstanding stories that kept me interested and engaged at all times. As for The Bligh Girl, it sheds light on another brilliant woman who deserves to be recognised and remembered for her part in Australian colonial leadership history. It may even help others take another look at William Bligh and understand a little better his battles. This is a well written historical gem that I gladly give 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my review copy.