Melbourne, Australia, 1909: faced with the prospect of employment in either the match factory or the jam factory, 13-year old Poesy Swift auditions...
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reviews
Sep 14, 2010
Anthony
rated it: 
Kirsty Murray writes (among other things) historical fiction - it's one of her real passions. I've heard her talk about it on a couple of occasions (actually, I've got vague recollections of the two of us doing a panel on the subject at some-writer's-festival-or-other, but I can't recall any specifics, so it's quite possible that my brain is just making it up.)
In any case, the point is that not only does she write historical fiction, but she writes it beautifully. Reading her books i More...
In any case, the point is that not only does she write historical fiction, but she writes it beautifully. Reading her books i More...
Jul 25, 2011
Jen
rated it: 
Based on the amazing Lilliputian opera company of the late 1800's and early 1900's, whcih toured a group of children who performed reviews for the public. In 1909, the company toured to Asia and India, in what was to be its last ever tour. This fictional version tells the story of Poesy and Tilly, who write alternate chapters. Both girls view events from quite different perspectives, Poesy as quite timid, but sly, and Tilly as quite forthright. I found the characterisation of Poesy to be stil
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Jan 06, 2012
Amy (Turn the Page)
rated it:
Is anyone else drooling over this cover? Because it is gorgeous. Even though I have an ARC, kindly provided by Templar, I’m very tempted to buy the published book simply so I can have that cover on my book shelf!
If anyone’s looking for something a bit different in historical YA, or simply YA in general, I would urge you to pick up India Dark. I’m a big fan of historical fiction and even more so when it’s inspired or based on real characters or a real event, and particularly if it’s More...
If anyone’s looking for something a bit different in historical YA, or simply YA in general, I would urge you to pick up India Dark. I’m a big fan of historical fiction and even more so when it’s inspired or based on real characters or a real event, and particularly if it’s More...
Jan 19, 2012
Clover (Fluttering Butterflies)
rated it:
This review was originally published at Fluttering Butterflies
I don't know what it is, but something about India really intrigues me. Which is partially why I was excited to read India Dark by Kirsty Murray, despite it being an historical novel. But of course, the other part of it (pretty cover aside!) is the fascinating premise of it.
Based on a true story, India Dark tells a fictionalised story of a children's travelling theatre group in 1910, which went on strike while More...
I don't know what it is, but something about India really intrigues me. Which is partially why I was excited to read India Dark by Kirsty Murray, despite it being an historical novel. But of course, the other part of it (pretty cover aside!) is the fascinating premise of it.
Based on a true story, India Dark tells a fictionalised story of a children's travelling theatre group in 1910, which went on strike while More...
Dec 03, 2011
Kirsty (overflowing library)
rated it:
India dark is a nice little novel set in a historical setting which was an engaging read and would be perfect to give youngsters a real feel for the British Empire around the turn of the century.
The story follows Poesy and Tilly two girls who are part of a travelling act who are enroute to America performing along the way to any audience that will have them.
The thing I really enjoyed about this book the most was that you got a real sense of period from it and a real feeling o More...
The story follows Poesy and Tilly two girls who are part of a travelling act who are enroute to America performing along the way to any audience that will have them.
The thing I really enjoyed about this book the most was that you got a real sense of period from it and a real feeling o More...
Jan 13, 2012
Megan
rated it:
4½ Out of 5
Poesy Swift and Tilly Sweetrick are Lilliputians – child performers who tour the world, singing and dancing, having the times of their lives before becoming ladies, gentlemen and ‘real’ actors. To begin with, it is just like that for Poesy: she’s escaped the shattered remains of her family, is with her old friend and doing what she loves best. But soon the money starts running out. Illness strikes. Under the pressure, the manager Mr Arthur soon shows his true colours. And More...
Poesy Swift and Tilly Sweetrick are Lilliputians – child performers who tour the world, singing and dancing, having the times of their lives before becoming ladies, gentlemen and ‘real’ actors. To begin with, it is just like that for Poesy: she’s escaped the shattered remains of her family, is with her old friend and doing what she loves best. But soon the money starts running out. Illness strikes. Under the pressure, the manager Mr Arthur soon shows his true colours. And More...
Jan 09, 2012
Zoe
rated it: 
I usually don't settle for historical fiction - yeah, I like history, but sometimes certain parts bore me. But not this book! It is set in 1910 in India. A theatre company travels the world which leads to adventures, secrets and lies, and disasters that lead trouble for Posey and Tilly...
First of all, I must comment on the writing. It is exquisite. I loved the metaphors and descriptive language used, it is one of the reasons why I didn't want to put the book down. For example; the fi More...
First of all, I must comment on the writing. It is exquisite. I loved the metaphors and descriptive language used, it is one of the reasons why I didn't want to put the book down. For example; the fi More...
Oct 03, 2011
Catherine
rated it:
I've written a review for the Centre for Youth Literature so will post it here once it's published.
Loved this book!
UPDATE: My review is now online on CYL's Read Alert blog. I've copy/pasted it below:
Based on a true story, Kirsty Murray’s latest novel chronicles the misadventures of a troupe of performing children from Melbourne as they tour across Asia and India. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of two young girls; one new to stage life, the More...
Loved this book!
UPDATE: My review is now online on CYL's Read Alert blog. I've copy/pasted it below:
Based on a true story, Kirsty Murray’s latest novel chronicles the misadventures of a troupe of performing children from Melbourne as they tour across Asia and India. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of two young girls; one new to stage life, the More...
Jan 04, 2011
A.J.
rated it:
The story of Poesy and Tilly (and the other cast members) is touchingly and believably rendered. I felt as if I had experienced their journey along with them. I even found myself saying 'delightful' and 'ghastly'! An interesting portrait of colourful personalities and a fascinating insight into the times.
Oct 09, 2011
Samantha-Ellen
rated it:
Murray did a great deal of research in writing India Dark, and from what I’ve read, became quite invested in it. This allows me a greater appreciation of the book. I think she has done a fantastic job of taking a small but fascinating part of Australian history and turning it into a novel which is vivid, well-written and complex, plus a rollicking good adventure to boot. I would highly reccommend India Dark for school libraries. It has all the important stuff while remaining a compelling, at tim
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Oct 14, 2010
signed by Kirsty Murray at Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, October 2010
Feb 18, 2012
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