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The History of Mischief
When Jessie and her older sister Kay find a book called The History of Mischief, hidden beneath the floorboards in their grandmother’s house, they uncover a secret world. The History chronicles how, since antiquity, mischief-makers have clandestinely shaped the past – from an Athenian slave to a Polish salt miner and from an advisor to the Ethiopian Queen to a girl escaping the Siege of Paris. Jessie becomes enthralled by the book and by her own mission to determine its accuracy.
Soon the History inspires Jessie to perform her own acts of mischief, unofficially becoming mischief-maker number 202 in an effort to cheer up her eccentric neighbour, Mrs Moran, and to comfort her new schoolfriend, Theodore. However, not everything is as it seems. As Jessie delves deeper into the real story behind the History, she realises it holds many secrets and unravelling them might be the biggest mischief of all.
Soon the History inspires Jessie to perform her own acts of mischief, unofficially becoming mischief-maker number 202 in an effort to cheer up her eccentric neighbour, Mrs Moran, and to comfort her new schoolfriend, Theodore. However, not everything is as it seems. As Jessie delves deeper into the real story behind the History, she realises it holds many secrets and unravelling them might be the biggest mischief of all.
376 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
12 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Higgie
3 books20 followersRebecca Higgie is a writer from Perth, Western Australia. Her whole life has been spent in the company of books, with careers in libraries and universities. Formerly an academic at Curtin University and Brunel University London, she has published research on satire and politics. She has worked in the stacks of the State Library of Western Australia and fostered childhood literacy as the Library Officer at Guildford Primary, WA’s oldest public school. Her creative work combines whimsy and play with extensive research and critical insights. Her stories and poems have appeared in publications such as Westerly, Stories of Perth and Visible Ink. Her novel The History of Mischief won the 2019 Fogarty Literary Award for an unpublished manuscript.
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July 7, 2020
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**4.5 stars**
The History of Mischief by Rebecca Higgie. (2020).
*Young Adult*
**Thank you to Fremantle Press for providing a free advance readers copy of this novel; due to be published 1 September 2020**
After the death of their parents, Jessie and her older sister Kay move to their grandmother's abandoned house. One night they discover 'The History of Mischief' hidden away. From Ancient Greece to war-torn China, from the Ethiopian Empire to Victorian England, the pages reveal a world of mischief and mystery, adventure and adversity. But not everything is as it seems, in the book or in her life, and Jessie is determined to find the truth. The book has a history of its own. Unraveling its secrets might be the biggest mischief of all.
This book was the winner of the 2019 Fogarty Literary Award for an unpublished manuscript and when you read it, it's easy to see why. Marketed as a young adult novel for readers aged 12 plus, I think this one will be greatly enjoyed by both teens and adults. It is not easy to slot this book into a genre, the closest description would be a kind of historical adventure mystery with a touch of fantasy. The majority is set from 9 year old Jessie's point of view with the addition of chapters from ''The History of Mischief'; these chapters are nothing short of fascinating. For me personally, I grew up near the area where Jessie and Kay live so that was so cool to see things mentioned that I'm familiar with. I also work in a library so appreciated the clear love of libraries demonstrated through the narrative. I adored Jessie's friend Theodore, he was a great little secondary character. Grief plays a large part in this story with various forms of it and its effects on different characters. I did not see the end coming at all, and I love when that happens; it was very well done.
Very happily recommend this novel for teenagers and adults alike.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars**
The History of Mischief by Rebecca Higgie. (2020).
*Young Adult*
**Thank you to Fremantle Press for providing a free advance readers copy of this novel; due to be published 1 September 2020**
After the death of their parents, Jessie and her older sister Kay move to their grandmother's abandoned house. One night they discover 'The History of Mischief' hidden away. From Ancient Greece to war-torn China, from the Ethiopian Empire to Victorian England, the pages reveal a world of mischief and mystery, adventure and adversity. But not everything is as it seems, in the book or in her life, and Jessie is determined to find the truth. The book has a history of its own. Unraveling its secrets might be the biggest mischief of all.
This book was the winner of the 2019 Fogarty Literary Award for an unpublished manuscript and when you read it, it's easy to see why. Marketed as a young adult novel for readers aged 12 plus, I think this one will be greatly enjoyed by both teens and adults. It is not easy to slot this book into a genre, the closest description would be a kind of historical adventure mystery with a touch of fantasy. The majority is set from 9 year old Jessie's point of view with the addition of chapters from ''The History of Mischief'; these chapters are nothing short of fascinating. For me personally, I grew up near the area where Jessie and Kay live so that was so cool to see things mentioned that I'm familiar with. I also work in a library so appreciated the clear love of libraries demonstrated through the narrative. I adored Jessie's friend Theodore, he was a great little secondary character. Grief plays a large part in this story with various forms of it and its effects on different characters. I did not see the end coming at all, and I love when that happens; it was very well done.
Very happily recommend this novel for teenagers and adults alike.
June 29, 2020
I did not expect this. So clever and so full of heart.
December 17, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
The winner of the 2019 Fogarty Award, The History of Mischief by Perth writer Rebecca Higgie was published by Fremantle Press in 2020. Higgie’s debut is a creative masterpiece that stitches together a tapestry of themes represented by the various motifs that adorn the front cover. The History of Mischief regales moments of history, adventure, the power of the written word, fantasy, love, family and loss. This is an enchanting read for teen readers and adults alike.
The History of Mischief is a story of overwhelming grief. We meet siblings Jessie and Kay, who have been left behind, following the devastating loss of both their parents in an accident. Following the loss of their parents, Kay is given guardianship of young Jessie. Now based at their grandmother’s house, Jessie and Kay unearth a startling book beneath the floorboards of their grandmother’s house. This book proves to be a strange and bewitching tale. Once they open the book, Jessie and Kay unlock a magical journey into the past. This fantastical book takes the siblings from Ancient Greece, to Ethiopia and eventually back to their home in Australia. Along the way they encounter unforgettable figures, old fables, mystical beings and key artefacts. This incredible expedition, which is all powered by the written word, implores young Jessie to connect with her local library to unlock the truth to these events. The weight of the secrets this one of a kind book reveals makes its mark on the impressionable Jessie, a child clearly suffering from the loss of her parents at such a young age.
In the crowded book and publishing world it is hard to gain the attention of readers, especially with the flood of releases that have arrived in recent months. Rebecca Higgie is a local West Australian based writer, who spent over a decade penning her debut release, The History of Mischief. I have to say, this book is like no other. The History of Mischief is a special, unique, one of a kind book and I found it impossible to assign this story to a particular category or readership. It is a book that has universal appeal and although it is marketed as a young adult offering, I can state with confidence that I enjoyed this one as an adult reader.
I really liked the way The History of Mischief was configured. We are presented with present day family complication, the tragic loss of two parents to siblings Jessie and Kay. The chance discovery of a strange book at their grandmother’s vacant home kicks starts this amazing journey into the past. We move effortlessly thanks to Higgie’s refined prose from Ancient Greece, to China, Ethiopia, Poland, England and we finally land back in Australia. The family mystery linked to this magical adventure and fantasy based sojourn was what truly won me over. I was deeply invested in Jessie’s investigations into her family’s lineage and past. This was my favourite aspect of the novel.
Despite my clear aversion to anything of a magical and fantasy based nature, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each new chapter delivered a different adventure, along with an intriguing mischief to uncover. I liked the concept of a mischief marking key moments in time, it was an original idea and I valued how the mischief managed to drive this novel in a forward motion. Higgie has clearly carefully researched each of the separate historical worlds she presents on the pages of her novel.
As much as The History of Mischief is a book of travel and the lure of the written word, we also are presented with a set of modern contemporary issues. From siblings relationships, overcoming loss, education, trauma, friendships, acceptance, judgement, prejudice, love, secrets and parenting, The History of Mischief contains many lines of interest. Characterisation is one of this book’s clear strengths and the reader will be hard pressed not to develop a sense of affection for Jessie’s friend Theodore and the very odd, but misunderstood neighbour figure. I also felt that Higgie did an excellent job of embodying the heart and mind of young Jessie, the lead youth protagonist. However, the true highlight for me was the emphasis on the value of public library establishments in our search for the truth, especially as Jessie tries to align the events contained in The History of Mischief to real life historical moments. This aspect of the story propelled Higgie’s novel to great heights for me.
As the final curtain draws near, the reader is taken on a far reaching undertaking. The History of Mischief offers a life changing and remarkable reading experience, filled with unforgettable figures. It takes you through the pages of history, in a tender tribute to the command of the written word and the true value of libraries in accessing knowledge. Rebecca Higgie has a brand new fan and I am eagerly anticipating what literary magic she will present her readers with next!
The History of Mischief is book #134 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
The winner of the 2019 Fogarty Award, The History of Mischief by Perth writer Rebecca Higgie was published by Fremantle Press in 2020. Higgie’s debut is a creative masterpiece that stitches together a tapestry of themes represented by the various motifs that adorn the front cover. The History of Mischief regales moments of history, adventure, the power of the written word, fantasy, love, family and loss. This is an enchanting read for teen readers and adults alike.
The History of Mischief is a story of overwhelming grief. We meet siblings Jessie and Kay, who have been left behind, following the devastating loss of both their parents in an accident. Following the loss of their parents, Kay is given guardianship of young Jessie. Now based at their grandmother’s house, Jessie and Kay unearth a startling book beneath the floorboards of their grandmother’s house. This book proves to be a strange and bewitching tale. Once they open the book, Jessie and Kay unlock a magical journey into the past. This fantastical book takes the siblings from Ancient Greece, to Ethiopia and eventually back to their home in Australia. Along the way they encounter unforgettable figures, old fables, mystical beings and key artefacts. This incredible expedition, which is all powered by the written word, implores young Jessie to connect with her local library to unlock the truth to these events. The weight of the secrets this one of a kind book reveals makes its mark on the impressionable Jessie, a child clearly suffering from the loss of her parents at such a young age.
In the crowded book and publishing world it is hard to gain the attention of readers, especially with the flood of releases that have arrived in recent months. Rebecca Higgie is a local West Australian based writer, who spent over a decade penning her debut release, The History of Mischief. I have to say, this book is like no other. The History of Mischief is a special, unique, one of a kind book and I found it impossible to assign this story to a particular category or readership. It is a book that has universal appeal and although it is marketed as a young adult offering, I can state with confidence that I enjoyed this one as an adult reader.
I really liked the way The History of Mischief was configured. We are presented with present day family complication, the tragic loss of two parents to siblings Jessie and Kay. The chance discovery of a strange book at their grandmother’s vacant home kicks starts this amazing journey into the past. We move effortlessly thanks to Higgie’s refined prose from Ancient Greece, to China, Ethiopia, Poland, England and we finally land back in Australia. The family mystery linked to this magical adventure and fantasy based sojourn was what truly won me over. I was deeply invested in Jessie’s investigations into her family’s lineage and past. This was my favourite aspect of the novel.
Despite my clear aversion to anything of a magical and fantasy based nature, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each new chapter delivered a different adventure, along with an intriguing mischief to uncover. I liked the concept of a mischief marking key moments in time, it was an original idea and I valued how the mischief managed to drive this novel in a forward motion. Higgie has clearly carefully researched each of the separate historical worlds she presents on the pages of her novel.
As much as The History of Mischief is a book of travel and the lure of the written word, we also are presented with a set of modern contemporary issues. From siblings relationships, overcoming loss, education, trauma, friendships, acceptance, judgement, prejudice, love, secrets and parenting, The History of Mischief contains many lines of interest. Characterisation is one of this book’s clear strengths and the reader will be hard pressed not to develop a sense of affection for Jessie’s friend Theodore and the very odd, but misunderstood neighbour figure. I also felt that Higgie did an excellent job of embodying the heart and mind of young Jessie, the lead youth protagonist. However, the true highlight for me was the emphasis on the value of public library establishments in our search for the truth, especially as Jessie tries to align the events contained in The History of Mischief to real life historical moments. This aspect of the story propelled Higgie’s novel to great heights for me.
As the final curtain draws near, the reader is taken on a far reaching undertaking. The History of Mischief offers a life changing and remarkable reading experience, filled with unforgettable figures. It takes you through the pages of history, in a tender tribute to the command of the written word and the true value of libraries in accessing knowledge. Rebecca Higgie has a brand new fan and I am eagerly anticipating what literary magic she will present her readers with next!
The History of Mischief is book #134 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
September 22, 2020
Outstanding.
Jessie’s and Kay’s parents have died in a car accident and Kay is no longer the older sibling but in loco parentis. They move to their grandmothers grand old house and find a book, The history of Mischief and uncover stories and truth.
A challenging read with its blend of contemporary characters and everyday life and those of historical characters and events. Through all of it A. Mischief.
Mischief for harm and hurt.
Mischief for fun and friendship.
A must read mischief.
Jessie’s and Kay’s parents have died in a car accident and Kay is no longer the older sibling but in loco parentis. They move to their grandmothers grand old house and find a book, The history of Mischief and uncover stories and truth.
A challenging read with its blend of contemporary characters and everyday life and those of historical characters and events. Through all of it A. Mischief.
Mischief for harm and hurt.
Mischief for fun and friendship.
A must read mischief.
October 8, 2021
This was the best thing I read last year by a long margin. I just reread it again and find myself so swept up in it, I cry and cry. I hope this is read widely, especially in Western Australia.
November 9, 2020
Such a beautiful, magical, sad story. Jessie , Kay and mischief became a part of my life and i wanted to pop down to the Guildford bakery and eat gingerbread and maybe bump in to them!
July 13, 2021
I liked Jessie and her Grandmother’s stories but I felt the histories were a distraction and overshadowed the important story of racism and homophobia in Australia.
March 17, 2021
This book is told in two parts: in the first, Jesse is living with her sister, Kay, and recovering from the car accident that killed their parents. They move to their grandmother’s house – she is now in an aged care home – and there they discover an old book, The History Of Mischief.
The story then alternates between Jesse’s daily life and chapters of the book, which travel from hot-air balloon-making in wartime Paris to Ethiopia to the salt mines in Poland to the British Library and more, with each lively and beautifully told story drawing on real-life history and places as well as myths.
I loved the way a classic children’s story, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, was woven into the book as Jesse and her friend make origami paper cranes in the library together, and Jesse bestows some mischief of her own with them. I also felt at home in the real-life sections set in some of Perth’s libraries, including the State Library and Guildford Library, which describe how libraries work, including the wonders of the inter-library loan and the rare books room. As someone who spent a lot of time in libraries when my kids were little, I loved these descriptions of their inner workings.
The final section of the book was quite wonderful, in that it meandered back to the past to answer the question of where The History of Mischief originated from in a way that was both satisfying and also a lesson in how stories come to life in the minds of their creators. I can’t say more than that without giving it away, but it was impressive and very moving.
Rebecca Higgie took ten years to craft this book, and you can see the reading and travels and discoveries of those years in her storytelling, but in a way that never feels forced. It is a book that demonstrates the value of wide-ranging research and taking time to really develop a story that, as a fairly impatient writer and person, I found useful.
The History of Mischief has been categorised as a young adult novel, and I would have devoured it at that age but it’s also one for adults and anyone who loves old books and lost stories and the worlds that a library card can open up to you. It’s a reminder that that there is no ‘right’ way to research, that no absolute truth can ever be uncovered, that all history is partial and mostly told by the winners, but that other stories can also be found if you care to look.
The story then alternates between Jesse’s daily life and chapters of the book, which travel from hot-air balloon-making in wartime Paris to Ethiopia to the salt mines in Poland to the British Library and more, with each lively and beautifully told story drawing on real-life history and places as well as myths.
I loved the way a classic children’s story, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, was woven into the book as Jesse and her friend make origami paper cranes in the library together, and Jesse bestows some mischief of her own with them. I also felt at home in the real-life sections set in some of Perth’s libraries, including the State Library and Guildford Library, which describe how libraries work, including the wonders of the inter-library loan and the rare books room. As someone who spent a lot of time in libraries when my kids were little, I loved these descriptions of their inner workings.
The final section of the book was quite wonderful, in that it meandered back to the past to answer the question of where The History of Mischief originated from in a way that was both satisfying and also a lesson in how stories come to life in the minds of their creators. I can’t say more than that without giving it away, but it was impressive and very moving.
Rebecca Higgie took ten years to craft this book, and you can see the reading and travels and discoveries of those years in her storytelling, but in a way that never feels forced. It is a book that demonstrates the value of wide-ranging research and taking time to really develop a story that, as a fairly impatient writer and person, I found useful.
The History of Mischief has been categorised as a young adult novel, and I would have devoured it at that age but it’s also one for adults and anyone who loves old books and lost stories and the worlds that a library card can open up to you. It’s a reminder that that there is no ‘right’ way to research, that no absolute truth can ever be uncovered, that all history is partial and mostly told by the winners, but that other stories can also be found if you care to look.
September 16, 2020
Thank you to Better Reading and Fremantle Press for an advance reading copy of this debut novel by local Perth author, Rebecca Higgie.
The novel won the inaugural Fogarty Literary Award for an unpublished manuscript, in 2019.
I very much enjoyed this story which was set in Guildford, WA – an area well known to me. I really liked the way that 9 year old orphan Jessie’s chapters were interspersed with the chapters from the mysterious book that Jessie and her older sister, Kay, found hidden beneath the floorboards of their grandmother’s old house in Guildford. It was a book of magical stories that revealed a world of mischief and mystery (hence the title) and inspired Jessie to conduct random acts of mischief herself.
The book was a mixture of Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery and Magic and covered themes of love and loss, grief and friendship. The author had researched the historical aspects of the book well and I found this made for fascinating reading.
The book has been marketed as a Young Adult book, but I think it will be enjoyed by both young and old. I certainly enjoyed it as a senior citizen. I found I couldn’t put the book down and read it in a couple of sittings. I found myself still thinking about the book after I’d finished it. I gave this book 41/2 stars and I highly recommend it to others.
The novel won the inaugural Fogarty Literary Award for an unpublished manuscript, in 2019.
I very much enjoyed this story which was set in Guildford, WA – an area well known to me. I really liked the way that 9 year old orphan Jessie’s chapters were interspersed with the chapters from the mysterious book that Jessie and her older sister, Kay, found hidden beneath the floorboards of their grandmother’s old house in Guildford. It was a book of magical stories that revealed a world of mischief and mystery (hence the title) and inspired Jessie to conduct random acts of mischief herself.
The book was a mixture of Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery and Magic and covered themes of love and loss, grief and friendship. The author had researched the historical aspects of the book well and I found this made for fascinating reading.
The book has been marketed as a Young Adult book, but I think it will be enjoyed by both young and old. I certainly enjoyed it as a senior citizen. I found I couldn’t put the book down and read it in a couple of sittings. I found myself still thinking about the book after I’d finished it. I gave this book 41/2 stars and I highly recommend it to others.
September 21, 2020
What an absolute delight to read! This story takes many twists and turns and creates so many moments of surprise and awe. Perth author, Rebecca Higgie, has created a piece of art that will be loved by many ages and genres.
Nine year old Jessie has been through so much, and yet her curiosity begins to heal her. With the support of Jessie's older sister, Kay, the reader is taken on a magical journey, spanning 2,000+ years and travelling to fascinating corners of the globe. A enchanting book filled with history, intrigue, friendship and love. I would recommend for anyone looking for a bit of escapism with heart.
With thanks to Better Reading and Fremantle Press for an advance copy of this beautiful book.
Nine year old Jessie has been through so much, and yet her curiosity begins to heal her. With the support of Jessie's older sister, Kay, the reader is taken on a magical journey, spanning 2,000+ years and travelling to fascinating corners of the globe. A enchanting book filled with history, intrigue, friendship and love. I would recommend for anyone looking for a bit of escapism with heart.
With thanks to Better Reading and Fremantle Press for an advance copy of this beautiful book.
February 18, 2021
I really loved this book. Even though at the end we discovered the History was full of lies, I felt like it was so true to real life. I loved all the twists on real myths but Grandma's true story really touched me. In those times, I think it could've happened to anyone. I can't believe Jessie burned the book though. No one ever slightly damages a book and gets away with it with me! 😂
It was absolutely amazing and I totally recommend it!
It was absolutely amazing and I totally recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2020
Loved loved loved this young adult title! A cross between historical fiction and fantasy but contempory issues too.
Just enough magic to let you believe
Just enough magic to let you believe
October 30, 2021
Big story and a great read.
August 30, 2023
3.5 stars
June 4, 2021
This book has TWISTS. I thought I knew what I was getting into, but this was something else entirely.
I like that certain plot points in the book aren't spelled out, but clear and yet delicate clues let you in on the situation. I like the incredibly detailed level of research into all sorts of periods of history. I like the imagination that went into it all, too. I like the main character, and I like the complexities of emotion, mistake, past, and grief that are explored. I like the (possibly too heavy-handed?) nods to the value of libraries, librarians, and books. I like the incredible diversity of human experience that is explored, through time and culture and society.
I did not like some of the stilted writing in the Histories, those almost turned me off the book as a whole. And I was initially resentful of the fact that towards the end, it turns out that the book wasn't what I was expecting from it. But........ I'm grateful, now.
It turned out pretty powerful.
I like that certain plot points in the book aren't spelled out, but clear and yet delicate clues let you in on the situation. I like the incredibly detailed level of research into all sorts of periods of history. I like the imagination that went into it all, too. I like the main character, and I like the complexities of emotion, mistake, past, and grief that are explored. I like the (possibly too heavy-handed?) nods to the value of libraries, librarians, and books. I like the incredible diversity of human experience that is explored, through time and culture and society.
I did not like some of the stilted writing in the Histories, those almost turned me off the book as a whole. And I was initially resentful of the fact that towards the end, it turns out that the book wasn't what I was expecting from it. But........ I'm grateful, now.
It turned out pretty powerful.
December 21, 2021
this book was really good. the actual book in the story was really cool as well, and i liked the way we followed jessie's perspective as it was childish and cute yet teenage-like.
the book ended in an unexpected way, but it was good. i loved the characters, especially jessie and kay and theodore and mrs.moran (yeah there was a mr.moran and i kept imagining my science teacher and it was weird). jessie was such a nine year old in all the good and bad ways, and we could see this through the way she thought and talked, although she was quite mature. grief and emotions, as well as bonding over a book, are discussed in the book, and how to deal with them. i expected more magic, but the way magic did work was interesting. i recommend
the book ended in an unexpected way, but it was good. i loved the characters, especially jessie and kay and theodore and mrs.moran (yeah there was a mr.moran and i kept imagining my science teacher and it was weird). jessie was such a nine year old in all the good and bad ways, and we could see this through the way she thought and talked, although she was quite mature. grief and emotions, as well as bonding over a book, are discussed in the book, and how to deal with them. i expected more magic, but the way magic did work was interesting. i recommend
April 23, 2022
Five stars
This was amazing. Tears are still falling down my face. The history of mischief is wildly original and utterly heartbreaking. When I began reading it I was confused. This book was shelved in the young adult section of the library but the main character was nine.
However this book transcends library sections. It is a story everyone should read. Damm I just loved it and needed to read it. The book deals with grief, friendship, love, predujudice and everything in between.
I also enjoyed the historical esque parts and really appreciated the research that went into them.
I would definitely recommend to anyone.
This was amazing. Tears are still falling down my face. The history of mischief is wildly original and utterly heartbreaking. When I began reading it I was confused. This book was shelved in the young adult section of the library but the main character was nine.
However this book transcends library sections. It is a story everyone should read. Damm I just loved it and needed to read it. The book deals with grief, friendship, love, predujudice and everything in between.
I also enjoyed the historical esque parts and really appreciated the research that went into them.
I would definitely recommend to anyone.
July 11, 2022
I was not sure if I liked this book or not. It was very well researched and very well written, but I found it difficult to engage with main character Jessie and her older sister Kay. Jessie and Kay’s parents die in a car accident and Kay and Jessie go to live in their grandmother’s abandoned house in Guildford, West Australia. They discover the History of Mischief, hidden beneath the floor. It is like no other book, it tells the tales of mischief makers and their adventures and adversities from Ancient Greece to Victorian England.
July 11, 2022
I’m not sure if I get this book. I enjoyed the historical contexts - some more others, and it was a clever idea but I’m not sure if it really worked for me. The end was a little too convenient- j think the author should have stuck more to a fantasy theme rather than rationalise it which is what I felt she did to finish it off.
December 1, 2025
This debut novel from West Australian author Rebecca Higgie is ambitious in range and structure.
Perth-based sisters, Kate and Jessie, are grieving the deaths of their parents. Kate, the elder sibling, works at the State Library of Western Australia; Jessie is a primary school student. Living in a house owned by their grandmother (who is now in an aged care home), the sisters discover an unusual book – The History of Mischief. The book holds glimpses of mischievous lives, lived out across the centuries and across the planet.
There’s the Athenian boy bearing messages between Alexander the Great and Diogenes, the mother of Mulan trying to save her village from raiders in 5th century China, the young Ethiopian woman who leads a diplomatic mission to Windsor Castle in the late 19th century, and the lighthouse keeper’s daughter, pregnant and unmarried, in mid-20th century Western Australia.
What links these stories and the others recounted in the The History of Mischief to each other and to Jessie?
After each story is read by the sisters, Jessie goes to the library to borrow books on the associated historical periods. She utilises the school library, the local public library, and the state library where Kate works. Do the stories in the History match the historical record? If they don’t, what is the significance of the discrepancies and where does the truth lie?
I think this book is an overreach. The stories of mischief introduce readers to fascinating historical time frames but their ultimate connection requires readers to hold a large cast of characters in their minds. I wonder who the intended audience is for the book. The main protagonist (Jessie) seems to be 11-12 years old, suggesting a readership at upper primary level, but the book is nearly 400 pages long. Quite a commitment for pre-teen readers. And I’m not sure children of this age would persist with the detailed accounts of library procedures from inter-library loans to the mechanisms for collecting books from the stacks at the State Library of Western Australia.
For me, the most successful element of The History of Mischief is the storyline dealing with Jessie’s friendship with fellow school student, Theodore. That story could make a book in itself.
2.5★
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There are teacher’s notes available for The History of Mischief. The notes are pitched at students in Years 9 and above.
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You can find more book reflections on my blog, Thoughts from an Idle Hour.
Perth-based sisters, Kate and Jessie, are grieving the deaths of their parents. Kate, the elder sibling, works at the State Library of Western Australia; Jessie is a primary school student. Living in a house owned by their grandmother (who is now in an aged care home), the sisters discover an unusual book – The History of Mischief. The book holds glimpses of mischievous lives, lived out across the centuries and across the planet.
There’s the Athenian boy bearing messages between Alexander the Great and Diogenes, the mother of Mulan trying to save her village from raiders in 5th century China, the young Ethiopian woman who leads a diplomatic mission to Windsor Castle in the late 19th century, and the lighthouse keeper’s daughter, pregnant and unmarried, in mid-20th century Western Australia.
What links these stories and the others recounted in the The History of Mischief to each other and to Jessie?
After each story is read by the sisters, Jessie goes to the library to borrow books on the associated historical periods. She utilises the school library, the local public library, and the state library where Kate works. Do the stories in the History match the historical record? If they don’t, what is the significance of the discrepancies and where does the truth lie?
I think this book is an overreach. The stories of mischief introduce readers to fascinating historical time frames but their ultimate connection requires readers to hold a large cast of characters in their minds. I wonder who the intended audience is for the book. The main protagonist (Jessie) seems to be 11-12 years old, suggesting a readership at upper primary level, but the book is nearly 400 pages long. Quite a commitment for pre-teen readers. And I’m not sure children of this age would persist with the detailed accounts of library procedures from inter-library loans to the mechanisms for collecting books from the stacks at the State Library of Western Australia.
For me, the most successful element of The History of Mischief is the storyline dealing with Jessie’s friendship with fellow school student, Theodore. That story could make a book in itself.
2.5★
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There are teacher’s notes available for The History of Mischief. The notes are pitched at students in Years 9 and above.
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You can find more book reflections on my blog, Thoughts from an Idle Hour.
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September 16, 2020This review was first published on the Underground Writers website: http://underground-writers.org/review...
Introducing Rebecca Higgie and her award-winning work, The History of Mischief (Fremantle Press, 2020). The manuscript won the 2019 Fogarty Literary Award and let me be one of the many to tell you, it is well-deserved.
Jessie and her older sister and caretaker, Kay, tragically lose their parents in a fatal car accident. The two sisters inherit the family home and the secrets that are buried beneath the floorboards, including ‘a book like no other’, The History of Mischief. As they learn to live without their parents and with an overbearing grief that seems to make each day harder than the last, the History offers Jessie and Kay a moment to escape their world into somebody else’s—well, so many different worlds.
Jessie, the nine-year-old protagonist, is our entry point into the narrative. Her character is superbly complex. Higgie has not reduced Jessie’s experiences or her emotions but rather allows her personhood to experience the fullness of her grief and her anger as she learns to navigate her trauma and relationships. Does Jessie always make the right decisions? Does she always treat her family and friends—perhaps herself—fairly? No, but making mistakes are a part of the human experience and, within the confines of the narrative, are the hallmark of Jessie’s growth.
The narrative is separated into Jessie’s experience and the stories recorded in the History spanning centuries. The stories themselves are works of magic. They recount the memories and events of every Mischief, a person chosen by the History to amplify their skills into magical abilities. We meet messengers who can spark fire; warrior mothers who can manipulate entire forests; minors who can carve rock and transform into ghosts; and book thieves who can completely freeze the Thames. The parallels to Avatar: The Last Airbender bonded my reading of The History of Mischief into a remarkable and pleasurable experience.
I underestimated this story initially and that was a mistake. The History of Mischief is evocative, ambitious, and a genius demonstration of plot. Of course, I want little more than to spoil it for you, but Higgie’s ability to manipulate plot is in itself an act of mischief. Congratulations to Rebecca Higgie on such an awe-inspiring work.
Introducing Rebecca Higgie and her award-winning work, The History of Mischief (Fremantle Press, 2020). The manuscript won the 2019 Fogarty Literary Award and let me be one of the many to tell you, it is well-deserved.
Jessie and her older sister and caretaker, Kay, tragically lose their parents in a fatal car accident. The two sisters inherit the family home and the secrets that are buried beneath the floorboards, including ‘a book like no other’, The History of Mischief. As they learn to live without their parents and with an overbearing grief that seems to make each day harder than the last, the History offers Jessie and Kay a moment to escape their world into somebody else’s—well, so many different worlds.
Jessie, the nine-year-old protagonist, is our entry point into the narrative. Her character is superbly complex. Higgie has not reduced Jessie’s experiences or her emotions but rather allows her personhood to experience the fullness of her grief and her anger as she learns to navigate her trauma and relationships. Does Jessie always make the right decisions? Does she always treat her family and friends—perhaps herself—fairly? No, but making mistakes are a part of the human experience and, within the confines of the narrative, are the hallmark of Jessie’s growth.
The narrative is separated into Jessie’s experience and the stories recorded in the History spanning centuries. The stories themselves are works of magic. They recount the memories and events of every Mischief, a person chosen by the History to amplify their skills into magical abilities. We meet messengers who can spark fire; warrior mothers who can manipulate entire forests; minors who can carve rock and transform into ghosts; and book thieves who can completely freeze the Thames. The parallels to Avatar: The Last Airbender bonded my reading of The History of Mischief into a remarkable and pleasurable experience.
I underestimated this story initially and that was a mistake. The History of Mischief is evocative, ambitious, and a genius demonstration of plot. Of course, I want little more than to spoil it for you, but Higgie’s ability to manipulate plot is in itself an act of mischief. Congratulations to Rebecca Higgie on such an awe-inspiring work.
October 13, 2020
The History of Mischief is the outstanding debut of Australian author Rebecca Higgie. Twelve years in the making, it is part mystery, part history, part adventure, part magic. There is certainly something here for everyone of all ages as Higgie celebrates her love of the written word.
Alternating between the present and past, the central character in the present is Jessie. She is an ordinary nine year old girl, who lives in Guildford, Western Australia. In a world where childhood and innocence is all but gone, it was refreshing to meet a character full of wonder and imagination. Jessie has recently lost her parents in a car accident and she is now under the guardianship of her older sister, twenty year old Kay. As the ground shifts between their feet, the siblings move into their grandmother’s house. Kay takes on the responsibility of both mother and father, raising Kay and working. I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to go from a carefree young adult to one who is responsible for the well being of another person. Kay is certainly thrown into the deep end and she does an admirable job of caring for Jessie. She makes many mistakes along the way, including being over protective but, she is always honest. Underneath it all is Kay’s love for Jessie is what keeps her putting one foot in front of the other. When Kay and Jessie come across a book called The History of Mischief hidden away, they find escapism from the tragedy in their lives.
The original History of Mischief was a book thousands of years old. The one that the sisters find is a copy of the original but just as powerful. It is a book of people’s stories from around the world, throughout the ages. Stories of Alexander the Great, Mulan’s mother and Queen Victoria and others in far flung countries that include Ethiopia and Poland. When the reader touches the signature of the author, they immediately gain the memories of that person. This was a fun way to get an ancient and medieval history lesson on real life characters through time. I felt like I learnt so much about the past, the Krakow dragon being one that is a part of my own culture. Switching between then and now gives the reader the opportunity to take in the details before moving forward to a new period of history. The simple act of reading brings Jesse and Kay closer as they navigate a scary new world.
Through these two siblings, Higgie delves deep into a variety of issues that are relatable to all readers. Family, loss, secrets and forgiveness are just the start of a story that hits all the right notes and leaves the reader wanting more. Higgie’s next book cannot come fast enough for me!
Alternating between the present and past, the central character in the present is Jessie. She is an ordinary nine year old girl, who lives in Guildford, Western Australia. In a world where childhood and innocence is all but gone, it was refreshing to meet a character full of wonder and imagination. Jessie has recently lost her parents in a car accident and she is now under the guardianship of her older sister, twenty year old Kay. As the ground shifts between their feet, the siblings move into their grandmother’s house. Kay takes on the responsibility of both mother and father, raising Kay and working. I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to go from a carefree young adult to one who is responsible for the well being of another person. Kay is certainly thrown into the deep end and she does an admirable job of caring for Jessie. She makes many mistakes along the way, including being over protective but, she is always honest. Underneath it all is Kay’s love for Jessie is what keeps her putting one foot in front of the other. When Kay and Jessie come across a book called The History of Mischief hidden away, they find escapism from the tragedy in their lives.
The original History of Mischief was a book thousands of years old. The one that the sisters find is a copy of the original but just as powerful. It is a book of people’s stories from around the world, throughout the ages. Stories of Alexander the Great, Mulan’s mother and Queen Victoria and others in far flung countries that include Ethiopia and Poland. When the reader touches the signature of the author, they immediately gain the memories of that person. This was a fun way to get an ancient and medieval history lesson on real life characters through time. I felt like I learnt so much about the past, the Krakow dragon being one that is a part of my own culture. Switching between then and now gives the reader the opportunity to take in the details before moving forward to a new period of history. The simple act of reading brings Jesse and Kay closer as they navigate a scary new world.
Through these two siblings, Higgie delves deep into a variety of issues that are relatable to all readers. Family, loss, secrets and forgiveness are just the start of a story that hits all the right notes and leaves the reader wanting more. Higgie’s next book cannot come fast enough for me!
July 18, 2025
I wish I could rate this higher. The fantastical histories are amazing and really draw you in. They contrast sharply with the juvenile voice of the point of view character but somehow a balance is achieved until we get to the final pages of the book and the ‘plot twist.’ In order for the plot twist to work (a) too many people die - the body count is just unrealistically high and suspending disbelief over how many traumatic deaths could happen in a small circle of people is just not possible (b) it means the character who the real history concerns is completely unlikeable - none of her actions can be empathised with given the sheer havoc her terrible choices in life create particularly the cruel way she blackmails others, we are supposed to empathise with her plight but as she puts it herself, her plight is so much less than that of the people whose lives she ruins. And (c) that final twist regarding the long lost sister is just ridiculous. I’m not sure if we are meant to be reading magical realism into this? That’s really the only way it could kinda work. Anyway really frustrating ending and final few chapters that ruined what was otherwise a pretty good historical fiction with a fantasy twist.
August 6, 2021
I started reading this book last year, but to be honest, I was trying to do it all at once, and got bored with some of the tales so didn’t keep reading.
For some reason I was compelled to pick it up and finish it today, and my goodness what a shock! The final twists were nothing like I’d expected, and made it difficult to put down!
I’m left feeling quite sad at the final themes of the story - beautifully told, if a little rushed, but ultimately fiction with far too much truth in it, and a modern reflection on Australian societal problems going back generations.
I feel like the ending could have had more to it, and I find myself wanting to know more about Kay and Jessie, who had this massive extra upheaval in their lives (I’m trying not to spoil it so won’t say more!). I suppose the mark of a good book is that you reflect and want more, but that risk of wanting more is also of being left unsatisfied. Was I unsatisfied by the ending? I can’t be sure.
Would I say to others to read it? Yes. But perhaps in small chunks, rather than trying to plough through like I had. I’m glad I got to the end eventually.
For some reason I was compelled to pick it up and finish it today, and my goodness what a shock! The final twists were nothing like I’d expected, and made it difficult to put down!
I’m left feeling quite sad at the final themes of the story - beautifully told, if a little rushed, but ultimately fiction with far too much truth in it, and a modern reflection on Australian societal problems going back generations.
I feel like the ending could have had more to it, and I find myself wanting to know more about Kay and Jessie, who had this massive extra upheaval in their lives (I’m trying not to spoil it so won’t say more!). I suppose the mark of a good book is that you reflect and want more, but that risk of wanting more is also of being left unsatisfied. Was I unsatisfied by the ending? I can’t be sure.
Would I say to others to read it? Yes. But perhaps in small chunks, rather than trying to plough through like I had. I’m glad I got to the end eventually.
September 21, 2020
"The History of Mischief " by Rebecca Higgie is an enchanting novel that weaves the story of 9 year old Jessie and her sister with the stories bound in a mysterious book found under the floorboards of the family home.
Dealing with the grief of losing their parents both girls bond over the tales of historical richness and adventure set around the world over a vast time period. Jessie is moved to investigate and report on her findings ....are the stories "true"or simply constructs of mischief? I was just as intrigued and may follow the trails as she did, teasing out the threads of not only the historical fact but also the links to her own family tragedy. A reread will be in order I think.
The characters are believable and the settings are vivid. The story involves loss, grief and tragedy but also friendship, kindness and hope. An emotional roller coaster but definitely one worth taking!
Thank you to Better Reading Australia for a free Advance Reader Copy in exchange for the honest review above.
September 23, 2020
Winner of the Fogarty Literary Award, The History of Mischief, is a thoroughly original tale of adventure, love, loss and grief. Siblings Jessie and big sister Kay, are coming to terms with losing their parents and this is explored through a book found under the floor boards like no other they’ve ever come across. The book explores different areas of history with lots of adventures, mystery and of course mischief (fiery dragons were a favourite) and a great range of characters including a quirky neighbour who vacuums her driveway in the middle of the night. Throughout this Jessie discovers that like the book, her life is not exactly as it seems.
This was a beautiful read imbued with a sense of wonder and very unique premise. It was a great gift to be able to escape into this world particularly with the current state of our own. It’s a book I would happily read as a family and can’t wait to share with my children when they’re a bit older.
Thank you to Better Reading and Fremantle Press for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
This was a beautiful read imbued with a sense of wonder and very unique premise. It was a great gift to be able to escape into this world particularly with the current state of our own. It’s a book I would happily read as a family and can’t wait to share with my children when they’re a bit older.
Thank you to Better Reading and Fremantle Press for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
September 3, 2020
I received an advance copy as part of Better Reading Preview. Thank you Better Reading and Fremantle Press. I loved it from beginning to end and it is definitely up there as one of my top reads for 2020. The story centres around Jessie and her sister Kay and a book they find in their grandmother’s house called The History of Magic. I loved the way the stories are told in The History of Mischief, the characters are rich and compelling and the settings are vivid. I loved that each story was set in a different era, a different country or setting, involved a different theme and evoked a different reaction or emotion. This book has themes of family, love, loss, grief, friendship, loyalty, courage, adventure, magic and so much more. Each theme is explored in such a way that Jessie can connect with the themes in the story with what is happening in her own life and those around her. I would recommend this story for teenage readers as well as adult readers.
* 4.5 star rating *
* 4.5 star rating *
January 2, 2024
Let me begin by saying that this is not my usual genre*, but I was curious because I was impressed with some of Rebecca’s other work. Then when I started reading The History of Mischief, I thought I knew where it was going, and it seemed like it would be an interesting but forgettable story.
I am happy to say I was wrong.
While the story and characters are quirky in some ways and very simply drawn in others, overall The History provides a great range of surprises and odd turns. To me, it provides some superb insights into the process of grieving, and explores the lies we tell each other and ourselves to try and achieve some sort of balance or acceptance.
Engaging, easy to read because beautifully written but also a terrific story, I thoroughy recommend The History of Mischief.
*I don’t think this is anyone’s ‘usual genre’ because in many ways it is in a genre of its own. And that’s another point in its favour.
I am happy to say I was wrong.
While the story and characters are quirky in some ways and very simply drawn in others, overall The History provides a great range of surprises and odd turns. To me, it provides some superb insights into the process of grieving, and explores the lies we tell each other and ourselves to try and achieve some sort of balance or acceptance.
Engaging, easy to read because beautifully written but also a terrific story, I thoroughy recommend The History of Mischief.
*I don’t think this is anyone’s ‘usual genre’ because in many ways it is in a genre of its own. And that’s another point in its favour.
January 8, 2021
I picked this book up on a whim, it didn’t go exactly how I was expecting but I was impressed with the amount of time put into developing the various histories. I was waiting and hopeful for Jessie to discover this mischievous magic, where we find heart wrenching reconciliation and it’s true history.
(I would suggest tissues 😭)
I was expecting a bit more of a fluffy story, to be honest. Something light and intriguing. This book is very engaging but marked with pain and sorrow. A fair few heavy topics. I still found this book a good read even if misjudged it by a quick cover glance.
Contains swears, a few mentions of male bits, death/potential su***de, teen pregnancy, etc for anyone looking at books for younger readers. I found this in the junior fiction and personally would wait a few years before letting my kiddo read it.
(I would suggest tissues 😭)
I was expecting a bit more of a fluffy story, to be honest. Something light and intriguing. This book is very engaging but marked with pain and sorrow. A fair few heavy topics. I still found this book a good read even if misjudged it by a quick cover glance.
Contains swears, a few mentions of male bits, death/potential su***de, teen pregnancy, etc for anyone looking at books for younger readers. I found this in the junior fiction and personally would wait a few years before letting my kiddo read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 23, 2020This is an ode to history and stories and libraries, all mixed up with big feelings and painful secrets. Jessie feels so real, is dealing with so much ... her character is beautifully and sensitively written and I feel like she's a friend now.
Note that Jessie may be nine but this is not Junior Fiction or even Middle Grade. There are themes in there that slot it in the YA category and the writing is sophisticated to suit that readership.
There were questions I was asking from the start (What is truth? What is story? Who writes history?) that needed until the end for their answers to be revealed. Everything knitted together and I traveled Jessie's journey with her as she dealt with the unexpected twist.
A thoughtful and thought-provoking debut.
Note that Jessie may be nine but this is not Junior Fiction or even Middle Grade. There are themes in there that slot it in the YA category and the writing is sophisticated to suit that readership.
There were questions I was asking from the start (What is truth? What is story? Who writes history?) that needed until the end for their answers to be revealed. Everything knitted together and I traveled Jessie's journey with her as she dealt with the unexpected twist.
A thoughtful and thought-provoking debut.
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