Review of 'The Governor, His Wife and His Mistress' by Sue Williams
Release date: January 7th, 2025
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
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REVIEW
This is another riveting colonial historical novel from Sue Williams. She has such a gift in turning details from the past into powerful dramatic fiction. Always at the core are resilient women who fought their way to recognition, overcame tremendous trials and built successful lives. The importance of female friendships is showcased in The Governor, His Wife and His Mistress. The much needed support and understanding between women who share loves, trials and victories are seen here. First between the women sent as convicts and then with those who come in higher positions. Ann Inett and Anna Josepha are an unlikely combination. Their unexpected friendship takes centre stage in what would normally be thought of as a rivalry relationship because of their affections for one man. Yet through forgiveness, a collaboration begins that results in a deeply respectful and warm friendship between these two women.
The majority of the narrative is told by Ann Inett, Philip Gidley King and Anna Josepha. This gives us a unique and well-rounded perspective to see inside their minds, feel the ranges of their emotions and understand their actions throughout various circumstances and events. This truly allows us to get to know these people and develop a real connection with them.
The novel is divided into four parts with chapter titles signifying a main event or theme hinting at what is to come.
Part 1 - Banishment …
We get to know a bit about Ann (a seamstress) before she makes a drastic mistake she will regret that leads to her sentence. And although she is heading to the gallows, an intervention occurs that alters judgement and she goes from hanging to exile and is sent on a ship to Australia to work out her seven year sentence in the penal colony. This is the beginning of a very challenging journey for she is separated from her two children after losing the love of her life in war. She makes new friends, though, that will see her through her initial trials on the journey. We also meet Philip Gidley King, of the Royal Navy and learn of his part in the American Revolutionary War and other background information about his family, ambitions, courage and career promotion.
Part 2 - Isolation …
‘Norfolk Island…a tiny speck of land in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, which Captain Cook discovered thirteen years before…’ A place Philip Gidley King never dreamed he would set foot on, let alone set up a second colony on this island described by Cook ‘as being covered in giant spruce pines, flax plants and little else.’ When King is sent there, he gets to choose a hand full of women to accompany him and Ann Inett is one of them. He finds something special about her and asks her to be his housekeeper. She is nervous but knows she does not really have a choice and accepts. But their relationship eventually expands to friendship, companionship and lovers. She bears him two sons that he is immensely proud of named Norfolk (first child born there) and Sydney. She hopes for a more solid position with him such as marriage but he is hesitant due to appearances back home in England. His mother would never accept him marrying a convict.
Part 3 - Ambition…
King is sent off to England to deliver his report, load up on supplies, visit his mother and get straight back to Sydney. But life takes some strange turns and he faces a new romantic encounter that sees him marrying his cousin Anna Josepha. But what about Ann and their two children? He continues to carry his secret from one shore to the next, until landing back in Sydney when the two women face each other and everything comes undone. There is ‘confusion on his wife’s face and fury on Ann’s.’ How will this situation be resolved? In a way nobody would expect but forgiveness and second chances carry these three into new territory.
Part 4 - Power…
There are many power struggles in this section and things take a turn for the worse for some and better for others. Historical incidents previously seen in Sue’s previous novels are touched upon here as they fit the historical timeline and must be utilised to create a whole picture of what is happening in the colonies and overseas.
I found the ending brilliantly executed as all threads of the characters’ lives are carefully and respectfully delivered and summarised. There are some shifts in positions and dramatic changes but friendships stay strong between the two women in King’s life. Ann, for all the struggles and trials she endured, achieves so much by the end of the novel. Another chance at love, hard earned success, deserved freedom and a chance to see her children again. She had numerous challenges to contend with in relation to her children by two men. Many sacrifices were made. I loved how her children ultimately honoured and surprised her. Anna Josepha proves to be also a very courageous, forgiving and kind-hearted woman. A great mother and worthy wife of a strong leader. She has her own trials and her life takes some unexpected turns. But she ends up where her heart feels most at home.
It was a difficult period for women who found themselves bearing children in unsuitable situations and then being abandoned. The hazards of setting up colonies in tough locations, food issues, storms and so forth. Riots and power struggles, long rough voyages to and from Australia were just a few of the problems convicts, leaders and their families and free settlers faced. But people like Philip Gidley King made a difference as a strong compassionate commander/governor. But he had issues in his romantic relationships and his health proved horrible.
This is a beautifully delivered story that made me feel so many emotions. As always I was thrilled to read and review this novel by Sue Williams. I am glad I entered the realm of her imagination once again: an imagination that constructs vivid descriptions and true portraits of memorable characters based on real people in history. She brought them to life on the page in an unforgettable way. They are no longer just names in a history book but flesh and blood people who quickly entered my heart from the first page. I feel richer in spirit and more enhanced in the knowledge of colonial Australia after reading The Governor, His Wife and His Mistress. Particularly as far as Ann, Anna and Gidley are concerned. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many heartfelt thanks to Allen & Unwin for a review copy.
