Born into poverty, Molly Thistle possesses a spirited character and sense awareness from the outset. She is non-conventional and assertive and when orphaned, goes to live with her grandmother. While still a child, she loses her best friend, gets kicked out by her grandmother and ends up as a scullery maid for a man who mistreats his staff as well as his horses.
She steals a horse and while on the run, dresses as a boy. Once captured she maintains the male garb and is thrown into prison and sentenced to death. She avoids the gallows but at age 14 is transported to Sydney.
During the horrendous transportation Molly’s character is further revealed. She takes on a leadership role with the female convicts. She is kind, compassionate and earns their respect. She also takes the eye of Angus Thistle, a free man and adventurer who plays a pivotal role in her future.
Sydney Cove is a place of hardship and opportunity. Convicts outnumber free men. The free see themselves as a superior species. Keneally paints a vivid picture of the lives of the early settlers. Molly must navigate her way through a society full of prejudices.
She gets her ‘ticket of leave’ and marries Angus who shares her ambitions to create opportunities in the colony. Together, they create a thriving business, but not without its challenges.
Free was inspired by the life of Mary Reibey, a convict turned successful businesswoman in the days of colonial Sydney, Meg Keneally writes a riveting story about her heroine, Molly Thistle. For anyone interested in historical fiction, with well-crafted imagery of early Sydney, this is a great read.
Reviewed by Sue Stanbridge
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meg Keneally started her working life as a junior public affairs officer at the Australian Consulate-General in New York, before moving to Dublin to work as a sub-editor and freelance features writer.
On returning to Australia, she joined the Daily Telegraph as a general news reporter, covering everything from courts to crime to animals’ birthday parties at the zoo. She then joined Radio 2UE as a talkback radio producer.
In 1997 Meg co-founded a financial service public relations company, which she sold after having her first child.
For more than ten years, Margaret has worked in corporate affairs for listed financial services companies, and doubles as a part-time SCUBA diving instructor.
She lives in Sydney with her husband Craig and children Rory and Alex.
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