The Drover’s Wife is set in Snowy Mountains territory where the tribes from Ngarigo/Walgalu country struggle to exist during white colonisation. The Prelude introduces Daniel Johnson, poring over his 16-year-old notebook which records memories of his life with his three younger siblings when they escaped into the mountains and were taught the ancient knowledge of the Ngarigo people. The notebook contains his poetry, written to heal traumatic memories, and sketches of images such as the snow gum and the full moon, also witnesses to his trauma.

Daniel’s notebook also contains the story of a strong, courageous, loving woman – Daniel’s Ma, Molly Johnson. She is the drover’s wife and Purcell, inspired by Henry Lawson’s short story, enlarges on it, vividly describing Molly’s life within the history of white brutality and unequal treatment towards Indigenous Australians and women during this time.

Yadaka, a Ngarigo man on the run from troopers, stays with Molly’s family for a short time, sacrificing himself to reveal their true identity and to teach them of the love which could come from their family of origin.

Another voice is Nate, a sergeant from London, taking up this new job in hopes of a pleasant life for his wife, Louisa, and a safe place for their young son. Instead, he faces a multiple murder of a well-respected white family. Louisa is a voice of compassion and justice writing for the local paper.

It’s an action-packed, thrilling read and addresses issues still rampant today. Passing your story down is important to Purcell and Molly’s legend lives on.

Reviewed by Judith Grace