Review of The Talented Mrs Greenway by Tea Cooper

Review of ‘The Talented Mrs Greenway’ by Tea Cooper

Release date: November 1st, 2023

Publisher: HQ

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REVIEW

Oh, my goodness, I absolutely LOVED this novel by Tea Cooper. By far my favourite of hers. I literally could not stop reading this fascinating story about Mrs Greenway and spent most of the day glued to the pages. It was a great way to be introduced to another unique woman from Australia’s colonial history. Yes, this is historical fiction, so the author’s imagination has filled in the missing pieces. This woman’s personality, hardships and accomplishments feel authentic. I think Tea has done a marvellous job creating and presenting her life and the people that surrounded her. And the events she conjures are quite possible and believable.

Mary Greenway’s life before leaving England was a difficult one. She was married to James Fripp-- an abusive drunk, brute and gambler, who caused many injuries to her body and psyche. In his presence, she was stripped of her passion, strength and interests. ‘Diminished, embarrassed, weak’ are words the author uses to describe Mary after an attack. She suffered a victim’s mindset for it was ‘as though James’s conduct was her fault.’ This part of the story is quite heartbreaking.

Mary’s father had arranged the marriage before he passed on. But if he had known how horrid this man truly was, I am sure he would never have approved. For he loved his daughter dearly and shared with her his interest in architecture. In those days when a woman married, everything she owned became her husband’s. And in this case, the man she marries is a poor steward of her father’s hard earned wealth and ‘most treasured possessions.’ James foolishly destroys her legacy. But fate has a way of working things out and an unexpected accident, takes his life and Mary is left a widow. Now freed, she can live her life as she chooses.

And one of those choices takes her to Francis Greenway. A man who shares her interests and loves and sees her as an equal. His words echo from the first page to the last: ‘Why should marriage prevent you from furthering your interest in architecture?’ Her amazing story really begins here with this very talented architect. They fall in love and marry. Yet his business funds are lacking. And when someone reneges on their promise of payment, Mary tries to remedy the problem. This lands her husband in jail with the chance of hanging for a crime he did not commit. Yet there are some powerful people who want his talents in Sydney and he ends up as a convict on a ship to Australia.

Mary arrives a year and a few months later, anxious to see her husband. She is taken back by this strange new world. Tea paints quite a detailed picture of what it was like in 1814 and to say it was difficult is an understatement. Coming from a well-developed country like England to colonial Australia would have been quite a shock to the senses. Everything about this place would have seemed not only foreign but primitive—including the housing. But Mary is not afraid of hard work or change and she adjusts quickly. She is just happy to have her husband and children in one place. Her talents become quite visible in so many areas but her architectural eye allows her to be an asset to her husband. The question raised here is: was she the one who actually shaped Sydney but was unable to take credit for it because she was a woman?

Mary is resourceful and friendships are important to her. One cultivated with Elizabeth Macquarie, the governor’s wife, is brilliantly presented. I loved the scenes of the two of them together. For Mary, it is the one time she can be more herself and share her design ideas. But, of course, she is constantly aware of the dangers this could pose so is careful not to expose her hand too much as she knows it would affect her husband’s reputation. She maintains a delicate balance through caution and wisdom with her words and actions. But her friendship with Elizabeth is special and secrets are maintained between them.

I really got lost in this brilliant novel. Beside the memorable leading characters, there is a great supporting cast that suited and surrounded Mary’s life. Hannah, Bill, Aggie, Leah, Miss Bingle, just to name a few. They all play some fabulous parts. I am sure I won’t ever forget The Talented Mrs Greenway and the mark she and her husband left on Sydney. I highly recommend this mesmerising story and without hesitation give it 5 stunning Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for my review copy.