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Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter
For readers of The Light Between Oceans and The Island of Sea Women, a feminist adventure story set against the backdrop of the dangerous pearl diving industry in 19th-century Western Australia, about a young English woman who sets off to uncover the truth about the disappearance of her eccentric father.
Western Australia, 1886. After months at sea, a slow boat makes its passage from London to the shores of Bannin Bay. From the deck, young Eliza Brightwell and her family eye their strange, new home. Here is an unforgiving land where fortune sits patiently at the bottom of the ocean, waiting to be claimed by those brave enough to venture into its depths. An ocean where pearl shells bloom to the size of soup plates, where men are coaxed into unthinkable places and unspeakable acts by the promise of unimaginable riches.
Ten years later, the pearl-diving boat captained by Eliza’s eccentric father returns after months at sea—without Eliza’s father on it. Whispers from townsfolk point to mutiny or murder. Headstrong Eliza knows it’s up to her to discover who, or what, is really responsible.
As she searches for the truth, Eliza discovers that beneath the glamorous veneer of the pearling industry, lies a dark underbelly of sweltering, stinking decay. The sun-scorched streets of Bannin Bay, a place she once thought she knew so well, are teeming with corruption, prejudice, and blackmail. Just how far is Eliza willing to push herself in order to solve the mystery of her missing father? And what family secrets will come to haunt her along the way?
A transporting feminist adventure story based on Lizzie Pook’s deep research into the pearling industry and the era of British colonial rule in Australia, Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter is ultimately about the lengths one woman will travel to save her family.
Western Australia, 1886. After months at sea, a slow boat makes its passage from London to the shores of Bannin Bay. From the deck, young Eliza Brightwell and her family eye their strange, new home. Here is an unforgiving land where fortune sits patiently at the bottom of the ocean, waiting to be claimed by those brave enough to venture into its depths. An ocean where pearl shells bloom to the size of soup plates, where men are coaxed into unthinkable places and unspeakable acts by the promise of unimaginable riches.
Ten years later, the pearl-diving boat captained by Eliza’s eccentric father returns after months at sea—without Eliza’s father on it. Whispers from townsfolk point to mutiny or murder. Headstrong Eliza knows it’s up to her to discover who, or what, is really responsible.
As she searches for the truth, Eliza discovers that beneath the glamorous veneer of the pearling industry, lies a dark underbelly of sweltering, stinking decay. The sun-scorched streets of Bannin Bay, a place she once thought she knew so well, are teeming with corruption, prejudice, and blackmail. Just how far is Eliza willing to push herself in order to solve the mystery of her missing father? And what family secrets will come to haunt her along the way?
A transporting feminist adventure story based on Lizzie Pook’s deep research into the pearling industry and the era of British colonial rule in Australia, Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter is ultimately about the lengths one woman will travel to save her family.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2022
325 people are currently reading
23109 people want to read
About the author
Lizzie Pook
2 books187 followersLizzie Pook is an award-winning journalist and travel writer contributing to The Sunday Times, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Condé Nast Traveller and more. Her assignments have taken her to some of the most remote parts of the planet, from the uninhabited east coast of Greenland in search of roaming polar bears, to the foothills of the Himalayas to track endangered snow leopards. She was inspired to write Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter, her debut novel, after spending time in north-western Australia researching the dangerous and fascinating pearl-diving industry.
She lives in London.
She lives in London.
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July 22, 2022
Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter
by Lizzie Pook
Western Australia, 1886 Twenty year old Eliza Brightwell and her family have lived in Bannin Bay for ten years now. Her father is a pearl master, her brother works by his side, and Eliza is alone when they go on their ten week pearling expeditions. It's dangerous and deadly work, less so for her father and brother, but very dangerous and deadly for those that work under them.
Eliza has no desire to fit in with the society ladies of Bannin Bay so she is ignored almost as if she is not a member of the upper class. She's lonely but she knows she is so very much better off than the people who are abused, neglected, and used up until they are dead. The stench of death is a part of this coastal town, with the butcher of animals, fish, birds, and sometimes the humans that are considered less than human. The law is corrupt, the masters are king, and everyone else is struggling to survive.
The story is bleak and I never could really enjoy it. When Eliza's father doesn't come back from the last pearling expedition and her brother can't tell her what happened to him, she is determined to find him. She needs and wants no man but does accept the help of a young touring German because it takes a man to get into places that a woman isn't allowed. Eliza is suicidal in her mission to find her father and towards the end of the story, she really does not care if she lives. The story is interesting in many ways but too brutal, We know of the brutality but it's hard to get a sense of the people, other than Eliza and the man who travels with her. This story does make me want to know more about Eliza Broadhurst, one of the people the author used as the starting point in developing the character of Eliza.
Pub June 14th 2022
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for this print ARC.
by Lizzie Pook
Western Australia, 1886 Twenty year old Eliza Brightwell and her family have lived in Bannin Bay for ten years now. Her father is a pearl master, her brother works by his side, and Eliza is alone when they go on their ten week pearling expeditions. It's dangerous and deadly work, less so for her father and brother, but very dangerous and deadly for those that work under them.
Eliza has no desire to fit in with the society ladies of Bannin Bay so she is ignored almost as if she is not a member of the upper class. She's lonely but she knows she is so very much better off than the people who are abused, neglected, and used up until they are dead. The stench of death is a part of this coastal town, with the butcher of animals, fish, birds, and sometimes the humans that are considered less than human. The law is corrupt, the masters are king, and everyone else is struggling to survive.
The story is bleak and I never could really enjoy it. When Eliza's father doesn't come back from the last pearling expedition and her brother can't tell her what happened to him, she is determined to find him. She needs and wants no man but does accept the help of a young touring German because it takes a man to get into places that a woman isn't allowed. Eliza is suicidal in her mission to find her father and towards the end of the story, she really does not care if she lives. The story is interesting in many ways but too brutal, We know of the brutality but it's hard to get a sense of the people, other than Eliza and the man who travels with her. This story does make me want to know more about Eliza Broadhurst, one of the people the author used as the starting point in developing the character of Eliza.
Pub June 14th 2022
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for this print ARC.
February 15, 2022
This is an astonishing debut from Lizzie Pook, Australian historical fiction set in the latter part of the 19th century with a memorable, strong and independent eponymous pearler's daughter in 20 year old Eliza Brightwell. It is 1886, and a 10 year old Eliza has sailed from England to Bannin Bay in Western Australia with her parents, older brother Thomas, Uncle Willem and Aunt Martha. They arrive intending to pursue her father, Charlie's dream of making his fortune by taking up pearling, but it turns out to be a hard life, the unrelenting scorching sun and the unforgiving environment, with its surprising, often deadly, fauna and flora, and a profession with many diverse rivals, with divers facing life threatening challenges and dangers. 10 years later in 1896, a lonely Eliza is awaiting the arrival of her father's pearling lugger, the Starling, which has been at sea for over 3 months.
However, the Starling doesn't come in until late in the day, and her father is not on board, he has gone missing and the assumption is that he went overboard, although rumours abound of murder and mutiny. Eliza is unable to get any information from Thomas who rushes off to Cossack to ensure the survival of the business. However, Eliza does not believe Charlie is dead, and goes to visit the obnoxious and racist Sergeant Archibald Parker at the gaol, he has arrested the Aboriginal Billy Balarri, who could not have had anything to do with her missing father. However, Parker refuses to be budged, and with Billy escaping, sets off on horseback to find him. Interspersed in the narrative is Charlie's journal, from which Eliza seeks clues as to what might have happened. Events culminate in the revelation of family secrets that lead to Eliza sailing the Moonlight, Father McVeigh's lugger, with the German Axel Kramer and the aboriginal boy, Knife, as deckhand, facing storms, sharks and saltwater crocs, fearless in her determination to find her father.
Pook captures the historical period with her wonderful descriptive prose, shining a light on and capturing the horrors when it comes to the racist treatment of aboriginals that beggars belief, their never ending nightmare, enslaved, brutalised, murdered with impunity, families broken up, forced to become pearl divers and facing daily abuse and violence. Eliza is an early feminist, who knows her own mind, not swayed by others, she has no intention of following the cultural rules and behaviour expected of women, although she has her own demons, she is helped in her quest by her friend, Min, who has to do whatever it takes to survive. I found myself completely immersed in the rich, atmospheric, and riveting storytelling, in the time and place, the twists and turns, the vibrant and unflinching portrayal of the corruption, deceptions, blackmail, and violence that underpin the Bannin Bay community and the pearling business, the criminal underbelly, and the numerous unsavoury individuals.The author's novel is based on actual Aussie history, and many of her characters are inspired by real historical figures. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
However, the Starling doesn't come in until late in the day, and her father is not on board, he has gone missing and the assumption is that he went overboard, although rumours abound of murder and mutiny. Eliza is unable to get any information from Thomas who rushes off to Cossack to ensure the survival of the business. However, Eliza does not believe Charlie is dead, and goes to visit the obnoxious and racist Sergeant Archibald Parker at the gaol, he has arrested the Aboriginal Billy Balarri, who could not have had anything to do with her missing father. However, Parker refuses to be budged, and with Billy escaping, sets off on horseback to find him. Interspersed in the narrative is Charlie's journal, from which Eliza seeks clues as to what might have happened. Events culminate in the revelation of family secrets that lead to Eliza sailing the Moonlight, Father McVeigh's lugger, with the German Axel Kramer and the aboriginal boy, Knife, as deckhand, facing storms, sharks and saltwater crocs, fearless in her determination to find her father.
Pook captures the historical period with her wonderful descriptive prose, shining a light on and capturing the horrors when it comes to the racist treatment of aboriginals that beggars belief, their never ending nightmare, enslaved, brutalised, murdered with impunity, families broken up, forced to become pearl divers and facing daily abuse and violence. Eliza is an early feminist, who knows her own mind, not swayed by others, she has no intention of following the cultural rules and behaviour expected of women, although she has her own demons, she is helped in her quest by her friend, Min, who has to do whatever it takes to survive. I found myself completely immersed in the rich, atmospheric, and riveting storytelling, in the time and place, the twists and turns, the vibrant and unflinching portrayal of the corruption, deceptions, blackmail, and violence that underpin the Bannin Bay community and the pearling business, the criminal underbelly, and the numerous unsavoury individuals.The author's novel is based on actual Aussie history, and many of her characters are inspired by real historical figures. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
January 24, 2022
In 1886, Eliza with her family sails from London to Western Australia. Her father, as many others, is lured by the prospect of getting rich. Many come to seek their fortune in pearl shell.
The story moves to 1896 and the focus of the story is Eliza’s effort to investigate the disappearance of her father.
As the story begins, for a moment it switches between 1886 and 1896, but this is very brief and I actually hoped that it would continue throughout the whole story. With the earlier timeline, I was hoping for character-development, pearling historical background – how it was first discovered and evolved into booming industry and then its decline. I wanted to feel more the atmosphere of the place and the rush for those famous pearls, and learning about the value of the pearls itself. However, the story is mostly set in the latter time and driven by plot of solving the father’s disappearance.
This suspenseful story has a fast-pace and smooth-flow, bringing a strong female character who faces prejudice and corruption, while trying to uncover disappearance of a successful pearler.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story moves to 1896 and the focus of the story is Eliza’s effort to investigate the disappearance of her father.
As the story begins, for a moment it switches between 1886 and 1896, but this is very brief and I actually hoped that it would continue throughout the whole story. With the earlier timeline, I was hoping for character-development, pearling historical background – how it was first discovered and evolved into booming industry and then its decline. I wanted to feel more the atmosphere of the place and the rush for those famous pearls, and learning about the value of the pearls itself. However, the story is mostly set in the latter time and driven by plot of solving the father’s disappearance.
This suspenseful story has a fast-pace and smooth-flow, bringing a strong female character who faces prejudice and corruption, while trying to uncover disappearance of a successful pearler.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2022
I don’t read a lot of historical fiction but this one appealed because it is set in a time and place that I don’t know a lot about. In 1886 Eliza Brightwell’s family - herself, her parents, her older brother Thomas, Uncle Willem and Aunt Martha set off from England to Bannin Bay in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia to start a pearling business. I did check but I don’t think it’s an actual place. However, the city of Broome in that area and was, and still is, a major pearling port. I have been to the Kimberley though and can imagine what sort of culture shock it would have been!
Business is good and the family is doing well. But in 1896 as Eliza (now 20 years old) awaits the return of her fathers ship, the Starling, it doesn’t appear until almost dark and, when it does, her father is not aboard. No one knows what happened but he disappeared during the night. Eliza is beside herself, she adored her father. She cannot even pester Thomas about it as he immediately heads off to another town saying he has business to attend to. Sergeant Palmer, a brutal man, arrests the first convenient Aboriginal who will no doubt hang for killing Mr Brightwell. Eliza knows he had nothing to do with it, he wasn’t even on the boat when Mr Brightwell disappeared. Palmer doesn’t listen but, in any case, the young man soon escapes from the jail and melts back into the unforgiving landscape. Palmer sets off after him on a fool’s errand. The natives know the land too well.
After no word for two weeks Eliza writes to Thomas but receives no reply. Not believing her father dead and determined to find him, Eliza along with two accomplices, heads off to find Thomas. I call them accomplices as they have quite an adventure. What a sorry tale Thomas tells her. I can’t tell you about it but it makes Eliza all the more determined to find her father - dead or alive!
This was a wonderful tale with sparkling characters, a huge landscape, a sometimes violent seascape and the usual terrible racial tensions. The pearling has attracted not only Englishmen but Malays, Chinamen, Manilamen (I’m using the language from the time) and others. The casual brutality towards the Indigenous people was shocking but, sadly, typical of the era. Many men were simply taken to undertake the dangerous underwater work. Not just men - pregnant women were especially prized as it was thought their blood carried more oxygen, which I guess it does.
The plot was wonderful and based on real life. The writing was beautiful and immersive, I could feel the heat and the ever present red dust. The pace was cracking and Eliza was very much her own woman - strong and fearless and loyal to a fault. She was not concerned about appearances or how an English ‘lady’ should comport herself. I really loved her character! Many thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Business is good and the family is doing well. But in 1896 as Eliza (now 20 years old) awaits the return of her fathers ship, the Starling, it doesn’t appear until almost dark and, when it does, her father is not aboard. No one knows what happened but he disappeared during the night. Eliza is beside herself, she adored her father. She cannot even pester Thomas about it as he immediately heads off to another town saying he has business to attend to. Sergeant Palmer, a brutal man, arrests the first convenient Aboriginal who will no doubt hang for killing Mr Brightwell. Eliza knows he had nothing to do with it, he wasn’t even on the boat when Mr Brightwell disappeared. Palmer doesn’t listen but, in any case, the young man soon escapes from the jail and melts back into the unforgiving landscape. Palmer sets off after him on a fool’s errand. The natives know the land too well.
After no word for two weeks Eliza writes to Thomas but receives no reply. Not believing her father dead and determined to find him, Eliza along with two accomplices, heads off to find Thomas. I call them accomplices as they have quite an adventure. What a sorry tale Thomas tells her. I can’t tell you about it but it makes Eliza all the more determined to find her father - dead or alive!
This was a wonderful tale with sparkling characters, a huge landscape, a sometimes violent seascape and the usual terrible racial tensions. The pearling has attracted not only Englishmen but Malays, Chinamen, Manilamen (I’m using the language from the time) and others. The casual brutality towards the Indigenous people was shocking but, sadly, typical of the era. Many men were simply taken to undertake the dangerous underwater work. Not just men - pregnant women were especially prized as it was thought their blood carried more oxygen, which I guess it does.
The plot was wonderful and based on real life. The writing was beautiful and immersive, I could feel the heat and the ever present red dust. The pace was cracking and Eliza was very much her own woman - strong and fearless and loyal to a fault. She was not concerned about appearances or how an English ‘lady’ should comport herself. I really loved her character! Many thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
July 19, 2022
3.5 stars: Author Lizzie Pook has written a beautifully atmospheric story of the perilous lives of pearl divers in Western Australia during the late 1800’s. This is billed as a feminist adventure story in that the main character is Eliza Brightwell who is a pearler’s daughter. Her father, a boss of pearl divers, moved his family to the fictious town of Bannin Bay where money can be made in pearl harvesting. He goes missing after months at sea in which his boat returns without him. Everyone believes he’s dead, except for Lizzie whose plucky spirit makes her undeterred in the face of negativity. She becomes the Australian version of Nancy Drew.
The best part of the novel, for me, was Pook’s ability to make the reader feel the inequities brought on by the colonizers to the original Aboriginal people. The colonizers enslaved the Aboriginal people, paying them poverty wages, forcing pregnant women to deep dive, some dying in the process. The colonizers brought a social class system that mistreated the indigenous people. Pook also provided the reader with the backdrop of the flora and fauna of the area. The lengthy sea expeditions were fraught with danger and hazards. Her ability to write an atmospheric story is in the class of Jane Harper. In her author’s note, she said that she based her story on Broome Australia, which in the 1800s saw the boom of the pearling industry which involved indentured labor and slavery. The pearl diving attracted Japanese and other Asians, although the power of the area was exclusively European. The history of Broome provides the historical framework of the story.
The story of Eliza’s journey to find the truth of her father’s disappearance is not the strength of the story. Pook introduced various interesting characters, such as Min, a mixed-race girl of an Asian father who was forced into prostitution to survive. Min’s character could have been an interesting story. There is an orphan girl, Knife, who disguises herself as a boy to get by. Even Eliza’s father, who the reader only knows through his diary was an opportunity missed.
As far as a historical fiction work goes, it rates high for me in that I learned a lot about this piece of history and also the pearling industry. As far as the adventure piece goes, it was a miss for me.
I listened to the audio narrated by Anna Skellern. I do love Australian accents, so it was a joy to listen to. I question whether the fact that I listened to the story, rather than read it, may have contributed to the adventure piece falling flat.
The best part of the novel, for me, was Pook’s ability to make the reader feel the inequities brought on by the colonizers to the original Aboriginal people. The colonizers enslaved the Aboriginal people, paying them poverty wages, forcing pregnant women to deep dive, some dying in the process. The colonizers brought a social class system that mistreated the indigenous people. Pook also provided the reader with the backdrop of the flora and fauna of the area. The lengthy sea expeditions were fraught with danger and hazards. Her ability to write an atmospheric story is in the class of Jane Harper. In her author’s note, she said that she based her story on Broome Australia, which in the 1800s saw the boom of the pearling industry which involved indentured labor and slavery. The pearl diving attracted Japanese and other Asians, although the power of the area was exclusively European. The history of Broome provides the historical framework of the story.
The story of Eliza’s journey to find the truth of her father’s disappearance is not the strength of the story. Pook introduced various interesting characters, such as Min, a mixed-race girl of an Asian father who was forced into prostitution to survive. Min’s character could have been an interesting story. There is an orphan girl, Knife, who disguises herself as a boy to get by. Even Eliza’s father, who the reader only knows through his diary was an opportunity missed.
As far as a historical fiction work goes, it rates high for me in that I learned a lot about this piece of history and also the pearling industry. As far as the adventure piece goes, it was a miss for me.
I listened to the audio narrated by Anna Skellern. I do love Australian accents, so it was a joy to listen to. I question whether the fact that I listened to the story, rather than read it, may have contributed to the adventure piece falling flat.
September 26, 2022
Thank you, @bookclubfavorites, for the gifted book.
About the book: “For readers of The Light Between Oceans and The Island of Sea Women, a feminist adventure story set against the backdrop of the dangerous pearl diving industry in 19th-century Western Australia, about a young English woman who sets off to uncover the truth about the disappearance of her eccentric father.”
A beautiful cover to go along with this beautiful story. Set in Western Australia during the late 1800s, Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter is Eliza’s story. Her family moves to Bannin Bay from London because of this new industry and opportunity to seek fortune with pearl diving. For ten years, Eliza’s father goes out to sea on his ship with his crew of divers, and then he does not return. Rumors in town abound. Was he murdered? Did the crew overtake him?
While searching for the truth about her father, Eliza also uncovers the truth about this once, for all appearances, shiny, booming industry, to actually be a tawdry, corrupt, perilous, horrendous thing. The book also shines an important light on the indigenous people and how they were exploited, enslaved, and abused by this industry (truly horrific). The storytelling is rich and immersive with a dark tone, and Eliza made for a strong main character based on a historical figure of which I’d love to learn more.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “For readers of The Light Between Oceans and The Island of Sea Women, a feminist adventure story set against the backdrop of the dangerous pearl diving industry in 19th-century Western Australia, about a young English woman who sets off to uncover the truth about the disappearance of her eccentric father.”
A beautiful cover to go along with this beautiful story. Set in Western Australia during the late 1800s, Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter is Eliza’s story. Her family moves to Bannin Bay from London because of this new industry and opportunity to seek fortune with pearl diving. For ten years, Eliza’s father goes out to sea on his ship with his crew of divers, and then he does not return. Rumors in town abound. Was he murdered? Did the crew overtake him?
While searching for the truth about her father, Eliza also uncovers the truth about this once, for all appearances, shiny, booming industry, to actually be a tawdry, corrupt, perilous, horrendous thing. The book also shines an important light on the indigenous people and how they were exploited, enslaved, and abused by this industry (truly horrific). The storytelling is rich and immersive with a dark tone, and Eliza made for a strong main character based on a historical figure of which I’d love to learn more.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
January 27, 2022
It was 1886 when Eliza Brightwell and her family arrived in Bannin Bay, Western Australia from England. The heat and stark reality of the place shocked them, but they were determined to make a go of it. Ten years later and Eliza was waiting for her father’s pearling lugger to return to the Bay. Charles was a master pearler, and his men were loyal to him. But when the Starling finally arrived, the mood was glum. Charles had disappeared, missing at sea – but no one saw him vanish.
Eliza was positive her father was still alive, and set to work asking questions of everyone, searching for evidence of where he might be. Her friend Min helped while a new friend, Axel, stayed by Eliza’s side, support and comfort in his manner. But with nothing concrete to go on, and the local policeman searching the nearby outback for the Aboriginal on board Charlie’s vessel, determined he was guilty of the murder, Eliza borrowed a lugger - Moonlight - and with Axel and a deckhand by her side, they set sail to search the nearby islands. But would she be successful, or was her father long dead, part of the sea or the islands? She couldn’t bear to think it…
Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter is the debut novel by Aussie author Lizzie Pook and it was outstanding! Set in the harsh, unforgiving land that is outback Western Australia, the constant heat, flies and any number of other insects and things that bite, the reality was vivid. The word pictures are painted particularly well, while the storyline is intriguing and different. I thoroughly enjoyed Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter and recommend it highly to fans of historical fiction, particularly that set in Australia.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Eliza was positive her father was still alive, and set to work asking questions of everyone, searching for evidence of where he might be. Her friend Min helped while a new friend, Axel, stayed by Eliza’s side, support and comfort in his manner. But with nothing concrete to go on, and the local policeman searching the nearby outback for the Aboriginal on board Charlie’s vessel, determined he was guilty of the murder, Eliza borrowed a lugger - Moonlight - and with Axel and a deckhand by her side, they set sail to search the nearby islands. But would she be successful, or was her father long dead, part of the sea or the islands? She couldn’t bear to think it…
Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter is the debut novel by Aussie author Lizzie Pook and it was outstanding! Set in the harsh, unforgiving land that is outback Western Australia, the constant heat, flies and any number of other insects and things that bite, the reality was vivid. The word pictures are painted particularly well, while the storyline is intriguing and different. I thoroughly enjoyed Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter and recommend it highly to fans of historical fiction, particularly that set in Australia.
With thanks to Penguin Random House for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2022
I found the unique setting of this novel fascinating. Set in Western Australia in 1898, a young woman searches for her father who disappeared while pearl diving. Pook, a debut novelist, fills the pages with lovely descriptive writing that sometimes feels effortful - especially her heavy-handed use of metaphors and similes - shutters are like "eyelids sewn shut" and water smacks "like a flat palm." I wish the author had paid more attention to the interior lives of her characters, especially Eliza, whose outline as a daring feminist is promising. Or on the plot, which felt like a vehicle to describe the landscape. Still, I was invested enough to keep turning the pages to the end. Thank you to Book Club favorites at Simon & Schuster for a free copy to review.
May 16, 2022
Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter by Aussie author Lizzie Pook is a historical fiction set in Western Australia in 1886.
This is an outstanding debut novel that will capture the hearts of many readers, especially those who love historical fiction. Highly recommended.
This is an outstanding debut novel that will capture the hearts of many readers, especially those who love historical fiction. Highly recommended.
May 13, 2022
I tore through this in a matter of days.
1886- Bannin Bay, Australia.
Eliza Brightwell is a capable young girl, forced to move to Australia to support her family's pearling business, 10 years later her father's ship comes back without him leaving Eliza alone to figure out what happened.
Mixed in with her account present day, are diary entries from her dad about the nature, animals, and geography of the area. The write held my attention and I was so engrossed by this story that I had to keep turning the pages to find out how it would all end. It's on the shorter side and the chapters are short and leave you wanting more. There were a couple of sections where it could've been tightened up a bit or fleshed out more, but overall I really enjoyed this one. Reminded me of Euphoria by Lily King, I kept getting similar feelings while I was reading this one.
Thank you to Book Club Favorites at Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review.
1886- Bannin Bay, Australia.
Eliza Brightwell is a capable young girl, forced to move to Australia to support her family's pearling business, 10 years later her father's ship comes back without him leaving Eliza alone to figure out what happened.
Mixed in with her account present day, are diary entries from her dad about the nature, animals, and geography of the area. The write held my attention and I was so engrossed by this story that I had to keep turning the pages to find out how it would all end. It's on the shorter side and the chapters are short and leave you wanting more. There were a couple of sections where it could've been tightened up a bit or fleshed out more, but overall I really enjoyed this one. Reminded me of Euphoria by Lily King, I kept getting similar feelings while I was reading this one.
Thank you to Book Club Favorites at Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review.
November 13, 2022
Briefly - Damn - this book ended... :) 4.5/5
In full
Set towards the end of the 19th century on the coast of Western Australia this book features Eliza Brightwell. She arrives there with her family in 1886 when she is 10. Her father says he will make his fortune fishing for pearls and the shells. Ten years on their circumstances have changed quite a bit and her father does not return from a trip in his boat. It is suggested that he has been lost overboard. Eliza does not believe he has died despite the rumours and stories and sets out to find the truth. To call her headstrong and a little unconventional would be an understatement.
The book follows Eliza on her quest for her father and the truth. The era, the location and the culture would indicate that she should "behave" in a rather more seemly fashion than she does! She finds the police, already known as quite violent and racist, are disinterested. However the opinions of most other people are not something that is likely to sway Eliza so she follows any clues she can. These often take her into situations that no one of her gender or colour should be in.
The writing in this is very good and often darkly poetic. You can feel the heat and see the dirt. The sense of place was well worked as far as I am concerned. Colourful characters can be found here and even fairly minor ones have stayed with me. Without question Eliza is the lead and stand out character though. Over the course of the book I found myself increasingly engrossed in her character.
I guess I was a little way in to this before it really held me. In part that might well be because I read less historically based books these days and there is a real feel of and for history here. However once it did get to me it became quite hard to put down. By the latter stages I was fully engaged with the character of Eliza and loved her. The story here is definitely OK however I would suggest reading this to walk for a while with one of the better characters I've encountered in the past year or so. Eliza feels real. She is brave, scared, determined, unsure, warm, reserved etc. She made this a very satisfying read. An easy 4 star and probably nearer 4.5.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
Set towards the end of the 19th century on the coast of Western Australia this book features Eliza Brightwell. She arrives there with her family in 1886 when she is 10. Her father says he will make his fortune fishing for pearls and the shells. Ten years on their circumstances have changed quite a bit and her father does not return from a trip in his boat. It is suggested that he has been lost overboard. Eliza does not believe he has died despite the rumours and stories and sets out to find the truth. To call her headstrong and a little unconventional would be an understatement.
The book follows Eliza on her quest for her father and the truth. The era, the location and the culture would indicate that she should "behave" in a rather more seemly fashion than she does! She finds the police, already known as quite violent and racist, are disinterested. However the opinions of most other people are not something that is likely to sway Eliza so she follows any clues she can. These often take her into situations that no one of her gender or colour should be in.
The writing in this is very good and often darkly poetic. You can feel the heat and see the dirt. The sense of place was well worked as far as I am concerned. Colourful characters can be found here and even fairly minor ones have stayed with me. Without question Eliza is the lead and stand out character though. Over the course of the book I found myself increasingly engrossed in her character.
I guess I was a little way in to this before it really held me. In part that might well be because I read less historically based books these days and there is a real feel of and for history here. However once it did get to me it became quite hard to put down. By the latter stages I was fully engaged with the character of Eliza and loved her. The story here is definitely OK however I would suggest reading this to walk for a while with one of the better characters I've encountered in the past year or so. Eliza feels real. She is brave, scared, determined, unsure, warm, reserved etc. She made this a very satisfying read. An easy 4 star and probably nearer 4.5.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
August 19, 2022
When Eliza’s father’s ship returns from a pearling expedition without him, everyone but her seems to accept that he is dead. But Eliza is certain there is more to the story, and she is determined to find him.
I am rather annoyed with this book. It was so relentlessly depressing, and once I had gotten through the whole story, it seemed to be without purpose.
But first, the positives. The writing is wildly atmospheric, creating a clear image of this strange, raw place where the Brightwells live. I definitely learned a lot about the history of pearling in Australia that I had never known. I appreciated how the author acknowledged the atrocities that were perpetuated upon the Indigenous Australians, especially in the context of the pearling industry.
But the story! It made me spitting mad! It was a dreary tale, and the only person with any integrity seemed to be the often nigh-suicidal Eliza. She is obsessive in her search for her father, but personally I do not understand why. All the characters in this book lead dark and constrained lives, and no one seems to have ever been happy, and will apparently never be happy. I also found the character of Axel to be very odd – he commits whole-heartedly to helping Eliza with her search – because he briefly admired her from afar?
I think the sensibilities of the author and myself wildly differ, and for this reason, I doubt I will read more of her work.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I am rather annoyed with this book. It was so relentlessly depressing, and once I had gotten through the whole story, it seemed to be without purpose.
But first, the positives. The writing is wildly atmospheric, creating a clear image of this strange, raw place where the Brightwells live. I definitely learned a lot about the history of pearling in Australia that I had never known. I appreciated how the author acknowledged the atrocities that were perpetuated upon the Indigenous Australians, especially in the context of the pearling industry.
But the story! It made me spitting mad! It was a dreary tale, and the only person with any integrity seemed to be the often nigh-suicidal Eliza. She is obsessive in her search for her father, but personally I do not understand why. All the characters in this book lead dark and constrained lives, and no one seems to have ever been happy, and will apparently never be happy. I also found the character of Axel to be very odd – he commits whole-heartedly to helping Eliza with her search – because he briefly admired her from afar?
I think the sensibilities of the author and myself wildly differ, and for this reason, I doubt I will read more of her work.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 27, 2022
Publication Date: 14th June 2022
3.5 Stars
One Liner: A few hits and misses
West Australia, 1886 & 1896
Eliza’s family arrives in Bennin Bay for a new start away from London. The land is brutal, and so is the sea. The community might have people from several countries. The natives are treated like dirt and used for hard labor. After all, they dive into the deep waters to bring shells, and the owners sell the pearls to make money. Black market, corruption, slavery, abuse, and atrocities are a part of everyday life in Bennin Bay.
Eliza’s family seems to have a decent life, and her father is a fair trader. But when their boat arrives without him, Eliza has no choice but to find out the truth. Thomas, her brother, doesn’t seem to know much. Or maybe he just doesn’t want to speak yet.
Eliza knows she cannot sit idle, even if the community around her values women less than men. She is determined to get to the bottom of the truth. But what will this cost her? Can she find the truth about her father’s disappearance?
What I Like:
• I haven’t read a story set in this backdrop before. While I know what colonizers do to natives (as an Indian), the pearl diving community was new to me. I haven’t heard of them before.
• The descriptions of the settings are beautiful despite the grim and dark storyline. The metaphors got a little too much at times, but I got to ‘see’ a different land.
• Eliza and Min are well-etched. They are flawed people with good hearts. Their friendship has its own beauty. More of their childhood journey would make them even more real.
• The ending is satisfying and dissatisfying. Eliza’s character stays true to her arc, making me happy. A couple of characters get the closure.
• The author’s note at the end is detailed and informative. Without revealing spoilers, I’ll just say that the author created her characters and the setting from real people and places.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• The pacing is slow. If I wasn’t lucky enough to get extra reading time, the book would have taken another day to end.
• Some of the scenes were a little too convenient. Despite the odds, Eliza doesn’t find it too hard to navigate through the male-dominated society.
• There isn’t enough information about the natives and their lives. We are they are treated worse than dirt, but we have very little insight into their daily lives, customs, and culture.
• Alex’s character never really took off. I wanted more depth to his character, considering the role he plays.
• The dissatisfying parts of the ending are the loose ends. Some are just left to the reader’s imagination. I’m not fully okay with the one that is connected to the central plot. The other satisfied me.
The central story is paper-thin. What makes this work (to an extent) is the setting. Deciding the final rating wasn’t easy! After much debating, I fixed the rating at the midway mark of 3 stars (rounded). This one has great potential, but the heavy prose swallows the plot.
To sum up, Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter has to be picked up for the historical setting and glimpse into the lives of pearl divers.
Thank you, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
*****
P.S: Despite the premise, this book is not a mystery. The publishers marked it historical and general fiction on NetGalley. The blurb calls it a feminist adventure. These sum up the book. Reading this as a mystery would disappoint the readers. There is no fantasy either.
3.5 Stars
One Liner: A few hits and misses
West Australia, 1886 & 1896
Eliza’s family arrives in Bennin Bay for a new start away from London. The land is brutal, and so is the sea. The community might have people from several countries. The natives are treated like dirt and used for hard labor. After all, they dive into the deep waters to bring shells, and the owners sell the pearls to make money. Black market, corruption, slavery, abuse, and atrocities are a part of everyday life in Bennin Bay.
Eliza’s family seems to have a decent life, and her father is a fair trader. But when their boat arrives without him, Eliza has no choice but to find out the truth. Thomas, her brother, doesn’t seem to know much. Or maybe he just doesn’t want to speak yet.
Eliza knows she cannot sit idle, even if the community around her values women less than men. She is determined to get to the bottom of the truth. But what will this cost her? Can she find the truth about her father’s disappearance?
What I Like:
• I haven’t read a story set in this backdrop before. While I know what colonizers do to natives (as an Indian), the pearl diving community was new to me. I haven’t heard of them before.
• The descriptions of the settings are beautiful despite the grim and dark storyline. The metaphors got a little too much at times, but I got to ‘see’ a different land.
• Eliza and Min are well-etched. They are flawed people with good hearts. Their friendship has its own beauty. More of their childhood journey would make them even more real.
• The ending is satisfying and dissatisfying. Eliza’s character stays true to her arc, making me happy. A couple of characters get the closure.
• The author’s note at the end is detailed and informative. Without revealing spoilers, I’ll just say that the author created her characters and the setting from real people and places.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• The pacing is slow. If I wasn’t lucky enough to get extra reading time, the book would have taken another day to end.
• Some of the scenes were a little too convenient. Despite the odds, Eliza doesn’t find it too hard to navigate through the male-dominated society.
• There isn’t enough information about the natives and their lives. We are they are treated worse than dirt, but we have very little insight into their daily lives, customs, and culture.
• Alex’s character never really took off. I wanted more depth to his character, considering the role he plays.
• The dissatisfying parts of the ending are the loose ends. Some are just left to the reader’s imagination. I’m not fully okay with the one that is connected to the central plot. The other satisfied me.
The central story is paper-thin. What makes this work (to an extent) is the setting. Deciding the final rating wasn’t easy! After much debating, I fixed the rating at the midway mark of 3 stars (rounded). This one has great potential, but the heavy prose swallows the plot.
To sum up, Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter has to be picked up for the historical setting and glimpse into the lives of pearl divers.
Thank you, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
*****
P.S: Despite the premise, this book is not a mystery. The publishers marked it historical and general fiction on NetGalley. The blurb calls it a feminist adventure. These sum up the book. Reading this as a mystery would disappoint the readers. There is no fantasy either.
April 26, 2022
3.5 stars Thank you to Book Club Favorites at Simon and Schuster for the free copy to review. Publishes June 14th 2022
Ten years after traveling to Bannin Bay with her family Eliza's father, a boat captain, does not return from his season of pearl diving at sea. Eliza takes it upon herself to find out why. Through her bravery she not only finds the answer to her father disappearance, but she also uncovers a lot of secrets and corruption on the Bay.
A unique setting for a mystery, that teaches you about pearl diving and sailing along the way. This story is based in the 1880's in Australia, which only adds to the mystic and charm. Pook writes a tale with strong characters, vivid landscape and scenery, and enough of the obscure unknown to keep you turning pages. Good debut novel.
Ten years after traveling to Bannin Bay with her family Eliza's father, a boat captain, does not return from his season of pearl diving at sea. Eliza takes it upon herself to find out why. Through her bravery she not only finds the answer to her father disappearance, but she also uncovers a lot of secrets and corruption on the Bay.
A unique setting for a mystery, that teaches you about pearl diving and sailing along the way. This story is based in the 1880's in Australia, which only adds to the mystic and charm. Pook writes a tale with strong characters, vivid landscape and scenery, and enough of the obscure unknown to keep you turning pages. Good debut novel.
June 16, 2022
Fascinating setting Bannin Bay Australia (never heard of it before) 1898. Eliza and her family have arrived from England so her father can go into the pearling business hoping to make his fortune.
When her father disappears off his pearling boat and a native man is accused of killing him Eliza is determined that she must do whatever necessary to find him as she is not convinced her father is dead.
Apology to the author on her debut book but the overly descriptive writing choked me and choked the story and I couldn’t go on after about 70+ pages.
When her father disappears off his pearling boat and a native man is accused of killing him Eliza is determined that she must do whatever necessary to find him as she is not convinced her father is dead.
Apology to the author on her debut book but the overly descriptive writing choked me and choked the story and I couldn’t go on after about 70+ pages.
February 25, 2022
Another cracking great debut from an Aussie author!
My goodness our local talent is really shining through of late, with so many talented authors putting up brilliant debut’s.
Lizzie Pook is right up there with this totally immersive story, bringing mystery and subterfuge, and heart stoppingly thrilling journeys aboard storm ravaged pearl diving luggers.
This story has it all, pace, thrill, mystery and a vivid portrayal of the historically harsh conditions pearl divers faced on the north west coast of Australia in the 1800’s.
Here’s another Aussie author to watch out for. 5⭐️s
My goodness our local talent is really shining through of late, with so many talented authors putting up brilliant debut’s.
Lizzie Pook is right up there with this totally immersive story, bringing mystery and subterfuge, and heart stoppingly thrilling journeys aboard storm ravaged pearl diving luggers.
This story has it all, pace, thrill, mystery and a vivid portrayal of the historically harsh conditions pearl divers faced on the north west coast of Australia in the 1800’s.
Here’s another Aussie author to watch out for. 5⭐️s
June 10, 2022
*3.5 stars rounded up.
On the coast of Western Australia in the year 1896, Eliza Brightwell awaits the return of the pearl diving boat owned by her family. The vessel is one of the last to come in and she soon learns from her brother that their father has disappeared. Unlike him, she will not accept as fact that he is 'gone' and sets out to learn what happened.
The setting of the story is a harsh landscape with strange and often deadly flora, fauna and sea creatures. Her father's illustrated journals of his observations enrich the story. Over the past ten years since they came to Australia from England, he has designed puzzles for Eliza to solve. And she WILL solve this puzzle and find her father! She is a formidable personality--as bold and determined as any man.
This is an engrossing novel from a talented new author. I will look forward to reading more from her in future. I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
On the coast of Western Australia in the year 1896, Eliza Brightwell awaits the return of the pearl diving boat owned by her family. The vessel is one of the last to come in and she soon learns from her brother that their father has disappeared. Unlike him, she will not accept as fact that he is 'gone' and sets out to learn what happened.
The setting of the story is a harsh landscape with strange and often deadly flora, fauna and sea creatures. Her father's illustrated journals of his observations enrich the story. Over the past ten years since they came to Australia from England, he has designed puzzles for Eliza to solve. And she WILL solve this puzzle and find her father! She is a formidable personality--as bold and determined as any man.
This is an engrossing novel from a talented new author. I will look forward to reading more from her in future. I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2022
Vividly descriptive writing kept me mesmerized and turning pages! It was an unexpected pleasure to be transported into another world as a young woman stands up to threats from man and nature in this debut novel. Author Lizzie Pook’s career as a travel writer translated beautifully to her novel set in late 19th c Australia’s pearling industry. Her pen brought this world to life: you can feel the heat, the insects bites, the rain that soaks through your clothes.
Eliza Brightwell is a fabulous character, unconventional and courageous, yet bearing the physical and mental scars of a horrendous loss. When she was a girl, her family immigrated to Australia for the lucrative pearling business. Oyster shells were sourced for button making–the rare find of a pearl bringing additional wealth. Now grown, her mother gone, her brother returns home without her father. He has disappeared. A man is accused of murdering him. Eliza is convinced her father is still alive, and she is determined to find him.
The town with its enclave of Europeans rule the natives and multinational communities at the bottom of society. Eliza is her own woman, an outlier unwilling to conform to their expectations. With native intelligence and grit, and her father’s diary to guide her, Eliza inspires a drifter to help her in her quest. Alex is taken by her beautiful spirit.
Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, strong female characters, mystery, and adventure. I was delighted by the ‘adventure’ aspect. A hurricane scene was particularly well written. I was reminded of a book I loved as a girl about the daughter of a ship’s captain and her adventures across the Southern Pacific.
I received a free ARC thanks to #bookClubFavorites and #Simon&Schuster. My review is fair and unbiased.
Eliza Brightwell is a fabulous character, unconventional and courageous, yet bearing the physical and mental scars of a horrendous loss. When she was a girl, her family immigrated to Australia for the lucrative pearling business. Oyster shells were sourced for button making–the rare find of a pearl bringing additional wealth. Now grown, her mother gone, her brother returns home without her father. He has disappeared. A man is accused of murdering him. Eliza is convinced her father is still alive, and she is determined to find him.
The town with its enclave of Europeans rule the natives and multinational communities at the bottom of society. Eliza is her own woman, an outlier unwilling to conform to their expectations. With native intelligence and grit, and her father’s diary to guide her, Eliza inspires a drifter to help her in her quest. Alex is taken by her beautiful spirit.
Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, strong female characters, mystery, and adventure. I was delighted by the ‘adventure’ aspect. A hurricane scene was particularly well written. I was reminded of a book I loved as a girl about the daughter of a ship’s captain and her adventures across the Southern Pacific.
I received a free ARC thanks to #bookClubFavorites and #Simon&Schuster. My review is fair and unbiased.
March 1, 2022
Lizzie Pook’s meticulous research delivers an extraordinarily vivid tale in MOONLIGHT AND THE PEARLER’s DAUGHTER. Readers will fall in love with the characters in this book, especially the courageous, stubborn Eliza, and will find themselves transported to Bannin Bay in the late 1800s. I could not put this book down. Lizzie Pook is an author to watch!
June 12, 2022
This is an excellent atmospheric glimpse into late 1800s Australian history. The vividly descriptive writing will have you smelling fish, sweating and swatting bugs. Such an oppressive time in history - women and the Aboriginees were valued as less than and were treated as such.
This story focuses on Eliza Brightwell,, daughter of Charles, who fled England with his family to join his brother in the Pearling business. He is smart, inventive and curious, albeit naive. He wants to see the best in people. He has taught Eliza to be so many of these things. Their relationship is full of mutual respect and love. We meet this family in the 1880s when they have first moved to Bannin Bay. The story then shifts to 1890s when the reader finds out that Charles has gone missing from the logger during a recent pearling expedition.
As Eliza searches for her father, who she can not believe has perished, she will need all the grit, persistence and courage she can summon. The pearling business was full of unsavory characters. Men only interested in money, and not at all concerned with the treatment of his those in his employ. I did not realize how dangerous the pearling was for the divers. The research done for this book was excellent. There were so many things I learned. I loved that Eliza was a strong female character. She relied on her gut and would not stop until she knew the truth. As she journeys into areas unknown, pieces of her history are revealed.
There were several unlikeable characters in this one. So many men whose lust for money overrode any sense of decency. I love when an author can make me feel strongly about characters. There were also several characters I was totally vested in, including Eliza, Min and Axel. Each one a multi-dimensional character. The first half of this book is a slow burn, describing the atmosphere of the town and about the pearling business. The second half picks up with more action and intrigue. The story contains several unexpected twists in the second half and has the reader flipping pages to see if Eliza has been searching in vain.
This was a very interesting and captivating historical fiction. I think many readers will enjoy this one! Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advance copy to read and review! Pub date: 6.07.22
This story focuses on Eliza Brightwell,, daughter of Charles, who fled England with his family to join his brother in the Pearling business. He is smart, inventive and curious, albeit naive. He wants to see the best in people. He has taught Eliza to be so many of these things. Their relationship is full of mutual respect and love. We meet this family in the 1880s when they have first moved to Bannin Bay. The story then shifts to 1890s when the reader finds out that Charles has gone missing from the logger during a recent pearling expedition.
As Eliza searches for her father, who she can not believe has perished, she will need all the grit, persistence and courage she can summon. The pearling business was full of unsavory characters. Men only interested in money, and not at all concerned with the treatment of his those in his employ. I did not realize how dangerous the pearling was for the divers. The research done for this book was excellent. There were so many things I learned. I loved that Eliza was a strong female character. She relied on her gut and would not stop until she knew the truth. As she journeys into areas unknown, pieces of her history are revealed.
There were several unlikeable characters in this one. So many men whose lust for money overrode any sense of decency. I love when an author can make me feel strongly about characters. There were also several characters I was totally vested in, including Eliza, Min and Axel. Each one a multi-dimensional character. The first half of this book is a slow burn, describing the atmosphere of the town and about the pearling business. The second half picks up with more action and intrigue. The story contains several unexpected twists in the second half and has the reader flipping pages to see if Eliza has been searching in vain.
This was a very interesting and captivating historical fiction. I think many readers will enjoy this one! Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advance copy to read and review! Pub date: 6.07.22
May 10, 2022
Absolutely gorgeous debut by journalist and travel writer, Lizzie Pook. One need read no farther than the first sentence to know this will be a deliciously descriptive book, and the beautiful writing is backed up by a mystery and an adventure unlike any I have read before. I know that anything written about the 18th century (pretty much) is going to be pretty gritty, dark, and grimy, so I thought I was prepared for it, but the grit was the sand between Eliza's toes, the darkness the complete blackness of the furious sea at night, and the grime clung viscerally to bones and secrets. Highly recommend.
October 10, 2021
A stunning, meticulously researched historical novel set in Australia in the late 1800s. Lizzie Pook's rich and evocative prose captures the heat, the wildlife and the industry of this pearling town, transporting the reader back in time. Eliza's nerve and determination makes her the perfect protagonist to take the reader on this mystery solving journey, as she faces off against corrupt and unfeeling townsfolk in the quest to find out what's happened to her father. I knew nothing about pearling when I started reading this book, but not only does Pook's novel manage to weave a thrilling yet emotional adventure plot throughout, the historical context is illuminating and expertly handled.
February 18, 2022
4.5 Stars
Beautifully immersive and undeniably moving, Lizzie Pook’s Australian Centred, historical debut was an absolutely breathtaking read! With an endearingly feminist protagonist, vivid prose and exquisitely detailed storytelling —we are treated to an unflinchingly honest (and well researched) glimpse into the lucrative, but dangerous world of 19th C pearl hunting.
It’s set in 1880s Bannin Bay, Western Australia and follows the headstrong Eliza Brightwell (daughter of the town’s most prolific pearl catcher) as she hunts for answers behind her father’s disappearance. The townsfolk suggest mutiny and murder but Eliza refuses to believe her father is dead and knows there’s more to the story than anyone is letting on. But, in a town teeming with corruption Eliza soon learns that the truth may cost more than she’s willing to pay—and must decide just how far she’s willing to go(or what she’s willing to do) to find it…
This was an exceptionally well researched and thought provoking novel that really explores the horrific treatment of Australia’s aboriginal population in the 19th C—the brutality, enslavement and harrowing experiences (such as forcibly splitting up families, selling children into touring ‘exhibits’ and forcing pregnant women to risk their lives pearl diving) was utterly heartbreaking (and yes I did cry ALOT whilst reading) but the rich evocative prose really brought a realness to the characters and their experiences that genuinely captured my attention (and my heart.)
The cast of supporting characters is fairly large and includes several interestingly complex examples, both compelling and odious alike but it’s the details that I loved most; the little tidbits and interesting anecdotes peppered throughout really breath life into Bannin Bay. I really liked Balarri (an aboriginal man who works on the Brightwell’s boat) who we are introduced to through Eliza’s memories, he introduced much of the native fauna and flora to her Eliza and the more I found out about him only endeared me to him further.
Another firm fave was Laura-Min (a childhood friend of Eliza’s) who’s one of the most supportive people Eliza knows and whose resilience and survival despite the racism and misogyny she endures made me really root for her to find happiness. I also really liked Confucius, Gill the Bosun’s chatty and mischievous Cockatoo who provided some much needed light relief to the tense and more emotional scenes.
And of course, I really liked Eliza, our headstrong, feminist protagonist who’s willing to go to any lengths to help the ones she cares for most. A woman who proudly refuses to live by the repressive societal conventions expected from women of the day. Eliza’s probably the most open hearted and honest character we encounter and I absolutely loved her fearlessness and the journey she undertakes was definitely an interesting one.
The level of detail in the atmospheric and evocative descriptions was absolutely amazing; the sticky cloying heat of the Bannin Bay, the salt encrusted seafarers and the dizzingly numerous dangers lurking amongst mangroves was utterly transportive.
I also enjoyed the pacing which was (for me at least) spot on and the intricate web of storytelling was wonderful ; the tension, mystery, gorgeously lush prose and well crafted characters all combined to create a sweepingly feminist adventure that historical fiction lovers and fans of Elizabeth Macneal or Stacey Halls are bound to enjoy.
Also a massive thank you to Random Things Tours and Mantle for the absolutely stunning ARC.
Beautifully immersive and undeniably moving, Lizzie Pook’s Australian Centred, historical debut was an absolutely breathtaking read! With an endearingly feminist protagonist, vivid prose and exquisitely detailed storytelling —we are treated to an unflinchingly honest (and well researched) glimpse into the lucrative, but dangerous world of 19th C pearl hunting.
It’s set in 1880s Bannin Bay, Western Australia and follows the headstrong Eliza Brightwell (daughter of the town’s most prolific pearl catcher) as she hunts for answers behind her father’s disappearance. The townsfolk suggest mutiny and murder but Eliza refuses to believe her father is dead and knows there’s more to the story than anyone is letting on. But, in a town teeming with corruption Eliza soon learns that the truth may cost more than she’s willing to pay—and must decide just how far she’s willing to go(or what she’s willing to do) to find it…
This was an exceptionally well researched and thought provoking novel that really explores the horrific treatment of Australia’s aboriginal population in the 19th C—the brutality, enslavement and harrowing experiences (such as forcibly splitting up families, selling children into touring ‘exhibits’ and forcing pregnant women to risk their lives pearl diving) was utterly heartbreaking (and yes I did cry ALOT whilst reading) but the rich evocative prose really brought a realness to the characters and their experiences that genuinely captured my attention (and my heart.)
The cast of supporting characters is fairly large and includes several interestingly complex examples, both compelling and odious alike but it’s the details that I loved most; the little tidbits and interesting anecdotes peppered throughout really breath life into Bannin Bay. I really liked Balarri (an aboriginal man who works on the Brightwell’s boat) who we are introduced to through Eliza’s memories, he introduced much of the native fauna and flora to her Eliza and the more I found out about him only endeared me to him further.
Another firm fave was Laura-Min (a childhood friend of Eliza’s) who’s one of the most supportive people Eliza knows and whose resilience and survival despite the racism and misogyny she endures made me really root for her to find happiness. I also really liked Confucius, Gill the Bosun’s chatty and mischievous Cockatoo who provided some much needed light relief to the tense and more emotional scenes.
And of course, I really liked Eliza, our headstrong, feminist protagonist who’s willing to go to any lengths to help the ones she cares for most. A woman who proudly refuses to live by the repressive societal conventions expected from women of the day. Eliza’s probably the most open hearted and honest character we encounter and I absolutely loved her fearlessness and the journey she undertakes was definitely an interesting one.
The level of detail in the atmospheric and evocative descriptions was absolutely amazing; the sticky cloying heat of the Bannin Bay, the salt encrusted seafarers and the dizzingly numerous dangers lurking amongst mangroves was utterly transportive.
I also enjoyed the pacing which was (for me at least) spot on and the intricate web of storytelling was wonderful ; the tension, mystery, gorgeously lush prose and well crafted characters all combined to create a sweepingly feminist adventure that historical fiction lovers and fans of Elizabeth Macneal or Stacey Halls are bound to enjoy.
Also a massive thank you to Random Things Tours and Mantle for the absolutely stunning ARC.
January 7, 2022
Bannin Bay, Australia, 1886.
The ocean: what riches lie in wait for those bold enough to take the risk, to be so reckless surely must come with it’s fair share of rewards for the foolhardy, yet you must be willing to sacrifice everything you hold dear should you want to gain that which so many have risked themselves for.
When Eliza’s beloved father, the towns most successful pearler they have ever known, goes missing under more than just suspicious circumstances, the growing whispers and rumours start circulating and it’s not long before murder or mutiny echos off of everyone around Eliza.
Eliza however refuses to believe that her enigmatic and strong-headed father would have simply been taken by the sea or turned on by his crew and it falls to her to go and seek out the truth of what took place on that boat but it won’t be easy.
Under the glamour and allure of south sea pearls, Eliza quickly discovers the decaying, stinking and vile underworld of the town which takes her from the sun-scorched streets of Bannin Bay, which soon turn jaded and seedy, full of corruption and deceit but will she see that perhaps things should be left alone and maybe accept her father is lost? But Eliza is not one to easily back down and walk away when she knows something doesn’t sit right.
A gripping, page-turning debut which follows the struggles of one woman’s ever-decreasing hope to uncover the truth about her lost father and future while having to battle to be heard, to survive and to believe that whatever may appear to be lost can always be found.
The ocean: what riches lie in wait for those bold enough to take the risk, to be so reckless surely must come with it’s fair share of rewards for the foolhardy, yet you must be willing to sacrifice everything you hold dear should you want to gain that which so many have risked themselves for.
When Eliza’s beloved father, the towns most successful pearler they have ever known, goes missing under more than just suspicious circumstances, the growing whispers and rumours start circulating and it’s not long before murder or mutiny echos off of everyone around Eliza.
Eliza however refuses to believe that her enigmatic and strong-headed father would have simply been taken by the sea or turned on by his crew and it falls to her to go and seek out the truth of what took place on that boat but it won’t be easy.
Under the glamour and allure of south sea pearls, Eliza quickly discovers the decaying, stinking and vile underworld of the town which takes her from the sun-scorched streets of Bannin Bay, which soon turn jaded and seedy, full of corruption and deceit but will she see that perhaps things should be left alone and maybe accept her father is lost? But Eliza is not one to easily back down and walk away when she knows something doesn’t sit right.
A gripping, page-turning debut which follows the struggles of one woman’s ever-decreasing hope to uncover the truth about her lost father and future while having to battle to be heard, to survive and to believe that whatever may appear to be lost can always be found.
October 29, 2021
Adventure, feminist heroine, porcupines and jellyfish, dangerous men, secrets, grief, love and hope.
Lizzie Pook's exquisite prose tugged me in and held me in the eye of the storm, my fingers tightly crossed for Eliza.
I absolutely LOVED it.
Gave me Where the Crawdads Sing AND The Light Between Oceans feels - but Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter is unique and wonderful.
Lizzie Pook's exquisite prose tugged me in and held me in the eye of the storm, my fingers tightly crossed for Eliza.
I absolutely LOVED it.
Gave me Where the Crawdads Sing AND The Light Between Oceans feels - but Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter is unique and wonderful.
November 12, 2021
Brutal and beautiful. Sad and uplifting.
At the heart Eliza Brightwell a strong and determined woman who I will continue to think about for a long lime.
A wonderful and emotional adventure.
At the heart Eliza Brightwell a strong and determined woman who I will continue to think about for a long lime.
A wonderful and emotional adventure.
February 4, 2022
Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter is an atmospheric historical fiction debut from Lizzie Pook.
Set on the northern coast of Western Australia, Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter takes place during 1886. It’s in the fictional town of Bannin Bay that 20 year-old Eliza Brightwell awaits the return of her father and brother aboard their pearling lugger, the White Starling, after nine weeks at sea. When the ship finally sails in near dusk, its flag fluttering at half-mast, Eliza is told her beloved father disappeared overboard sometime during the previous night and is presumed dead. Eliza is devastated, and when the local constabulary immediately places blame upon one of her father’s most loyal divers, Eliza sets out to prove the man’s innocence, and learn the truth about her father’s fate.
With the early history of Australia’s pearling industry as a backdrop, Pook presents a story of mystery and adventure with a touch romance. It’s the disappearance of Charles Brightwell that dominates the plot as Eliza searches for information that will explain it, joined by Axel, a young German dry-sheller who offers Eliza his company. The quest leads the pair into a number of dangerous situations, including a harrowing sea journey on a lugger called Moonlight through shark and crocodile infested waters, providing some tense action and excitement. I’d guessed where the blame would ultimately fall, though not some of the reactions to it.
Eliza’s devotion to her family, despite the many flaws of Charles and Thomas, explains why she refuses to give up. An appealing heroine, it’s a little unlikely Eliza would be quite as capable as she seems to be in a couple of scenes for a young woman of her status during the time period, but her determination and daring is admirable.
It’s not exactly clear why Axel volunteers to accompany Eliza, other than he is a decent young man who seems to have admired Eliza from afar. Pook provides his character with an interesting background, but he felt somewhat underdeveloped.
Where the author excels with her vivid descriptions of the dry Kimberly landscape, the community’s streets and residents, and the changing conditions of the sea, effortlessly evoking harsh heat, salt air and crashing waves. Though I could clearly visualise Eliza’s environment, I would have liked to learn more about the daily operations of a pearling fleet. Pook does provide some general insight into the industry, and thoughtfully acknowledges the appalling treatment of First Nations people by the white settlers of the area.
Though I wasn’t wholly captivated by Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter, it is a solid debut, with a lot to recommend it.
Set on the northern coast of Western Australia, Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter takes place during 1886. It’s in the fictional town of Bannin Bay that 20 year-old Eliza Brightwell awaits the return of her father and brother aboard their pearling lugger, the White Starling, after nine weeks at sea. When the ship finally sails in near dusk, its flag fluttering at half-mast, Eliza is told her beloved father disappeared overboard sometime during the previous night and is presumed dead. Eliza is devastated, and when the local constabulary immediately places blame upon one of her father’s most loyal divers, Eliza sets out to prove the man’s innocence, and learn the truth about her father’s fate.
With the early history of Australia’s pearling industry as a backdrop, Pook presents a story of mystery and adventure with a touch romance. It’s the disappearance of Charles Brightwell that dominates the plot as Eliza searches for information that will explain it, joined by Axel, a young German dry-sheller who offers Eliza his company. The quest leads the pair into a number of dangerous situations, including a harrowing sea journey on a lugger called Moonlight through shark and crocodile infested waters, providing some tense action and excitement. I’d guessed where the blame would ultimately fall, though not some of the reactions to it.
Eliza’s devotion to her family, despite the many flaws of Charles and Thomas, explains why she refuses to give up. An appealing heroine, it’s a little unlikely Eliza would be quite as capable as she seems to be in a couple of scenes for a young woman of her status during the time period, but her determination and daring is admirable.
It’s not exactly clear why Axel volunteers to accompany Eliza, other than he is a decent young man who seems to have admired Eliza from afar. Pook provides his character with an interesting background, but he felt somewhat underdeveloped.
Where the author excels with her vivid descriptions of the dry Kimberly landscape, the community’s streets and residents, and the changing conditions of the sea, effortlessly evoking harsh heat, salt air and crashing waves. Though I could clearly visualise Eliza’s environment, I would have liked to learn more about the daily operations of a pearling fleet. Pook does provide some general insight into the industry, and thoughtfully acknowledges the appalling treatment of First Nations people by the white settlers of the area.
Though I wasn’t wholly captivated by Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter, it is a solid debut, with a lot to recommend it.
December 10, 2021
No booktrail or review yet as I have literary just finished this. Just wanted to give the author another 5 stars on here as the book is BRILLIANT. WOW, just wow.
Atmospheric
Very poignant
Caring and insightful about the local native peoples and their history
wonderfully evocative and poetic prose
Bling bling cover
Highly recommended!!!
Atmospheric
Very poignant
Caring and insightful about the local native peoples and their history
wonderfully evocative and poetic prose
Bling bling cover
Highly recommended!!!
March 4, 2022
The atmosphere in this book is incredible! I was instantly transported into 1886 Australia. I could smell the sea breeze and feel the nature around me! The descriptions of nature, fauna and flora and in particular aquatic life was just mesmerising and whimsical. The setting, habits and manner of speech were all very well done and I could feel the 19th century climate.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel! It is brilliant in the writing and the atmosphere!
The chapters are short and to the point with beautiful descriptions and nostalgic elements were necessary without being stretched out or overly detailed.
The father’s diary entries were really what sold it to me. They were realistic and informative, yet so magical and well woven into the story. He would mostly describe marine life, which really added to the atmosphere, by being poetic and appreciative of nature and yet real and even tragic at times.
The father-daughter relationship was really nice to witness. I just wish a few more of those nostalgic childhood moments were included in the story to really understand their relationship but it was nonetheless touching.
The story itself was well paced and the ending wrapped up very well all the plot lines. I really appreciate all the research done by the author whether it is in the creation of her characters or the geographical depictions. All of it feels so real, as it’s based on real places and people, while being completely fictional. I love it.
Would I change anything?
I don’t think so. I wish it was longer and that we spent more time at sea and navigating the islands! I also think that the eerie Victorian era ambience could have been upped a notch, but that’s just a personal preference as I love the fascination with spiritualism in those times (I’m referring to one specific moment in this book, so if you’ve read it you know what I mean. I just wish there was more than one of those instances but honestly it’s just me nitpicking right now).
Overall, an amazing book if you want something atmospheric, whimsical, and mysterious. If you’re a fan of historical fiction and nature (more particularly aquatic life or sea(side) settings), this one is definitely for you!
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book and discovering this new author! I’ll definitely be on the lookout for her next book! (Also, on my way to purchase a physical hardcover copy as I need it on my shelves!)
I cannot believe this is a debut novel! It is brilliant in the writing and the atmosphere!
The chapters are short and to the point with beautiful descriptions and nostalgic elements were necessary without being stretched out or overly detailed.
The father’s diary entries were really what sold it to me. They were realistic and informative, yet so magical and well woven into the story. He would mostly describe marine life, which really added to the atmosphere, by being poetic and appreciative of nature and yet real and even tragic at times.
The father-daughter relationship was really nice to witness. I just wish a few more of those nostalgic childhood moments were included in the story to really understand their relationship but it was nonetheless touching.
The story itself was well paced and the ending wrapped up very well all the plot lines. I really appreciate all the research done by the author whether it is in the creation of her characters or the geographical depictions. All of it feels so real, as it’s based on real places and people, while being completely fictional. I love it.
Would I change anything?
I don’t think so. I wish it was longer and that we spent more time at sea and navigating the islands! I also think that the eerie Victorian era ambience could have been upped a notch, but that’s just a personal preference as I love the fascination with spiritualism in those times (I’m referring to one specific moment in this book, so if you’ve read it you know what I mean. I just wish there was more than one of those instances but honestly it’s just me nitpicking right now).
Overall, an amazing book if you want something atmospheric, whimsical, and mysterious. If you’re a fan of historical fiction and nature (more particularly aquatic life or sea(side) settings), this one is definitely for you!
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book and discovering this new author! I’ll definitely be on the lookout for her next book! (Also, on my way to purchase a physical hardcover copy as I need it on my shelves!)
May 3, 2022
- thanks to @penguinbooksaus for my #gifted copy
I love, love, love, Historical Fiction. Some of my favourite books of all time belong to this genre, so it seems like it is impossible for me to grow tired of endlessly trying to find the next gem, always full of hope when picking up a new book. But, unfortunately, hope is tricky, and Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter was not what I hoped for.
Something I most definitely grew tired of is the 'not-like-the-other-women' and 'screw-all-social-norms' narratives, especially when it comes to Historical Fiction. Authors are quick to dismiss all female characters that behave according to the social and cultural laws of their time. Oh, she likes clothes? Is she interested in the gossip going around? Well then, she must be a superficial idiot. Suddenly, if a female character is not a rebel and not 'ahead' of her time -or aspiring to do what only men used to do- then she is not only not interesting anymore, but she is also useless, even to serve the plot.
Sadly, this novel is the epitome of these tiring narratives. The main character's only defining personality trait is that she is different from other women. End of the story. There is nothing else to her, or to any other character by the way.
Although I was initially entertained by the mystery elements and the protagonist's search for the answers behind her father's disappearance, I was not too impressed. Halfway through my interest waned, and by the end, I was indifferent to it all.
I believe the underdeveloped characterisation, the cliched storylines, and the over descriptive and pretentious writing were detrimental to a story that could have been far greater. I did not appreciate the author's relentless focus on investing entire pages in describing scenery that ultimately took much-needed space from developing the characters.
Overall, Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter was not my cup of tea. Overdescriptive and with superficial characters, it is ideal to pass the time and learn a bit more about Australia at the end of the 19th century.
I love, love, love, Historical Fiction. Some of my favourite books of all time belong to this genre, so it seems like it is impossible for me to grow tired of endlessly trying to find the next gem, always full of hope when picking up a new book. But, unfortunately, hope is tricky, and Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter was not what I hoped for.
Something I most definitely grew tired of is the 'not-like-the-other-women' and 'screw-all-social-norms' narratives, especially when it comes to Historical Fiction. Authors are quick to dismiss all female characters that behave according to the social and cultural laws of their time. Oh, she likes clothes? Is she interested in the gossip going around? Well then, she must be a superficial idiot. Suddenly, if a female character is not a rebel and not 'ahead' of her time -or aspiring to do what only men used to do- then she is not only not interesting anymore, but she is also useless, even to serve the plot.
Sadly, this novel is the epitome of these tiring narratives. The main character's only defining personality trait is that she is different from other women. End of the story. There is nothing else to her, or to any other character by the way.
Although I was initially entertained by the mystery elements and the protagonist's search for the answers behind her father's disappearance, I was not too impressed. Halfway through my interest waned, and by the end, I was indifferent to it all.
I believe the underdeveloped characterisation, the cliched storylines, and the over descriptive and pretentious writing were detrimental to a story that could have been far greater. I did not appreciate the author's relentless focus on investing entire pages in describing scenery that ultimately took much-needed space from developing the characters.
Overall, Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter was not my cup of tea. Overdescriptive and with superficial characters, it is ideal to pass the time and learn a bit more about Australia at the end of the 19th century.
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