In 1849, the Thomas Arbuthnot set sail for Australia.
Onboard were 194 Irish girls.
I heard the emotion in Sarah’s voice as she asked, ‘Will we ever come back?’
‘Come back where?’
‘Home,’ said Sarah. ‘Do you think we will ever see Ireland again?’
Maggie and Sarah are on their way to Australia. Their homes and their lives have been devastated by famine, with death coming to so many. Even when they sought refuge in the workhouse they found horror and heartbreak there.
When the girls are given the chance of a new life on the other side of the world, they know they have to say yes – no matter the price.
On board ship, they are caught in between worlds. How will they find the courage and strength to build new lives in a strange land?
Nicola's historical fiction is always amazing, but this is her masterpiece (until the next one). Every Irish child knows about the Famine, but bringing it to life is much harder, and the workhouses are harder still.
This is a part of Irish history I didn't know about - I hadn't heard about the Famine Girls, and I was fascinated to read about them and will definitely be looking up more information! The scheme reminded me a little of the Ten Pound Poms program that ran some years later, and it made me wonder if other countries did similar things at any point!
I may have cried a little at a couple of points, I'm not telling, but I really enjoyed this read and I think schools will definitely want to have this one on their shelves! A fantastic story.
In Between Worlds publishes on the 4th of September, 2023. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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