Among the Grey Gums

​In the absence of her husband, Lucy Stewart is an unusual bullocky (i.e. the driver of a team of bullocks) in the Hunter Valley area of New South Wales in 1842. Her already difficult life takes a shocking turn when her brother-in-law and helper, Joe, is arrested for the axe murder of a local woman. Joe is a simple and gentle soul and she knows he is incapable of such a crime.

Enter newly-arrived Constable Sam Donovan who has been sent to the region to investigate mysterious bushrangers known as the Smokey Gang. He concurs with Lucy about Joe and together they set out to prove the young man’s innocence.

Sam soon clashes with members of the local constabulary over their dubious methods and it’s a race against time to save Joe from the hangman’s noose.

Lucy’s determined and resilient character is loosely based on historical women of the time and Sam’s commitment to truth and justice makes him a likeable leading man. There are, naturally, assorted dastardly types who must eventually get their comeuppance.

There is much to recommend in this colonial adventure tale, but it requires concentration to keep track of its numerous characters and non-stop action. It is largely driven by dialogue rather than inner reflection, and there is constant riding between here, there and everywhere and back again (a map giving some idea of real vs. imaginary places and the range covered would have helped). The characters are in and out of houses, shacks and gaols, lost in the bush, assaulted, injured or indignant, all whilst relying on paltry meals routinely thrown together with scraps. The secondary cast has the usual cowardly, slovenly, toothless Dickensian individuals and the horses and bullocks almost have a sideshow of their own, with research into paraphernalia, etc. a tad evident at times.

After its exhausting pace, the resolution can seem an anti-climax and the see-saw romantic relationship between Sam and Lucy barely limps home. All the same, this rattling and generous yarn is sure to find its fans. (Compliments also to the publishers on the care given in producing such a delightful cover.)
 
 
Three-and-a-half stars.
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