Free - Meg Keneally

Free
by Meg Keneally

Free by Meg Keneally tells the remarkable story of Molly Thistle, a defiant, resilient woman who rises from a humble background in 18th-century England to become a powerful figure in colonial Sydney. Born into poverty and hemmed in by societal expectations, Molly refuses to accept the constraints placed upon her. When a childhood incident forces her to flee in disguise, she embarks on a journey that will lead her to the harsh Australian penal colony. There, she confronts the unforgiving realities of a society where freedom is rare and power is reserved for a privileged few.

With grit, wit, and ambition, Molly carves out her own path, eventually building a mercantile empire despite fierce opposition. Inspired by historical events and real figures, Keneally captures both the struggles and triumphs of life in colonial Australia, illuminating the harshness of the penal system and the incredible determination of those who defied the odds. Free is an inspiring story of resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of a better life in a time and place designed to prevent it.

Read if you like:

• The Secret River by Kate Grenville
• Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
• The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
• Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

Listen to:
Album: Traveller by Chris Stapleton