Fiction

That Bligh Girl is an historical novel from Sue Williams, following her best-selling fiction debut with Elizabeth & Elizabeth. This time, it’s the fascinating story of Governor Bligh’s ‘firebrand’ daughter, Mary, a powerful and determined woman — definitely no shrinking violet. After an horrific six-month sea voyage from Britain, Mary proves she is as strong-willed as her bloody-minded father, the newly appointed Governor William Bligh, he of Bounty mutiny notoriety, and the pair immediately scandalise Sydney.

Publishers Allen & Unwin say, ‘Sue Williams returns to give a voice to the previously untold stories of the women in colonial Sydney. Sue is known for her meticulous research and fascinating narratives. That Bligh Girl is no exception.’

Published May 2, 2023, rrp 32.99 Allen & Unwin

In early 19th Century Sydney, two women whose husbands are sworn enemies, cross paths.

One, the visionary wife of the reforming Governor Macquarie, has grand plans to transform the new colony from a prison into a civilised jewel of the Empire. The other,  married to Macquarie’s nemesis John Macarthur, is building the Australian wool industry into the economic powerhouse it would become.

Together they share more than forenames. Elizabeth and Elizabeth was published in  January 2021.

This selection of short stories, from some of the biggest names in Australian popular fiction today, makes the ideal companion to curl up with.

The tales of love, obsession, secrets and lies make thrilling, exciting and extremely disturbing reading. It features stories from Sue Williams, Jennifer Bacia, Emma Darcy, Bev Harper, Robyn Lee Burrows, Lilly Sommers, Lynne Wilding, Anne Rennie and J. H Fletcher.