This is a dual-timeline historical fiction by prolific Australian author Judy Nunn, set in rural Queensland, near Bundaberg, on the sugar plantations.

The earlier timeline involves “Big Jim” Durham and his beautiful French wife Elianne Desmarais who was practically sold to him by her drunkard father to pay off his debts. Big Jim named his huge plantation Elianne after his adored wife with its wide landscapes and Kanakas (Pacific Island workers) who came to Australia to work the plantations as they were better able to withstand the heat than their Aussie counterparts.

The second timeline begins in 1964 and revolves around Stan Durham, Big Jim’s grandson and his family. This storyline takes in the Vietnam War which son Jim goes off to fight, the campaign for the Referendum to change the constitution to include Aboriginal people as part of the population, the White Australia policy and the feelings of Australians towards immigrants.

Kate discovers Grandmother Ellie’s diaries which shake the foundations of the story the family has built about themselves and brings about big changes.

I enjoyed this story although some of the characters such as Stan and Big Jim were somewhat overblown and one dimensional. The audio narration was also good. ( )

Always a good read. Story of a sugar plantation dynasty in Qld. ( )

Historical novel about the sugar cane grove plantations in Queensland, Australia. ( )