That Bligh Girl

Description

'Superb narration and engrossing drama.' Tom Keneally Mary Bligh is no shrinking violet. After an horrific six-month sea voyage from Britain, she proves as strong-willed as her father, the bloody-minded, newly appointed Governor William Bligh, and the pair immediately scandalise Sydney with their personalities, his politics and her pantaloons. And when three hundred armed soldiers of the Rum Rebellion march on Government House to depose him, the Governor is nowhere to be seen as Mary stands defiantly at the gates, fighting them back with just her parasol. Despite being bullied, belittled and betrayed, Mary remains steadfast, even when her desperate father double-crosses her yet again in his last-ditch attempt to cling onto power. But will Mary turn out to be her father's daughter and deceive him in pursuit of her own dreams and ambitions? Sue Williams returns to the untold stories of?the women of colonial Sydney with another fascinating, meticulously researched historical novel. Praise for Elizabeth and Elizabeth: 'An extraordinary story of female leadership at a time when such a quality was frowned on, and female friendship forged against the odds. Sue Williams' Elizabeth & Elizabeth brings us a nuanced and vivid portrait of the early days of colonisation. More importantly, it delivers a fascinating look into the relationship between two remarkable women.' - Meg Keneally, bestselling author of The Wreck 'Well-written, rich in historical detail and engaging...a lovely novel and recommended reading especially for those interested in Australia's past.' - Book'd Out 'A fascinating and evocative story of an enduring friendship between two women who played such an important role in colonial Australia's history.' - Caroline Beecham, author of Finding Eadie

Sue Williams is the best-selling author of the historical novel, Elizabeth & Elizabeth, also set in early colonial Australia, and is an award-winning journalist, travel writer and non-fiction author. She has developed a writing style that tells a story as evocatively as possible, with a keen eye for detail. Sue's biographies include Under Her Skin: The life and work of Professor Fiona Wood; Mean Streets, Kind Heart: The Father Chris Riley story; Father Bob: The larrikin priest; The Last Showman: Fred Brophy; No Time For Fear: Paul de Gelder; Peter Ryan: The inside story; Death of a Doctor; and The Girl Who Climbed Everest. Other books are about travel, true crime and genetics, while she has also had a children's book published in the US.