These kids are definitely not the mischievous pranksters from Mary Poppins. The children do all sorts of horrible and even life-threatening things to Amanda, which include the use of stinging ants and poisonous snakes among other things. Because Patrick was unable to teach his children compassion, I respected him less than I would have otherwise. This said to me that Australia would soon have a serial killer on its hands. And not once had he seen the boy betray the least sign of remorse for any of the things he had done to them. He had seen governesses thrown into rages, reduced to tears, even driven to near madness. O’Reilly had spent the last six years watching his son make life hell for a succession of nervous, impotent gentlewomen. In fact, I was appalled a few times with the cruelty of the older two children in particular, and Patrick’s lack of concern: The children, on the other hand, aren’t as well developed or believable. They are weak in some ways and strong in others – they change as the story progresses, learning about themselves and each other in such a gradual, believable way.

Amanda and Patrick are two intricate people. Readers learn what sheep ranching was like in the past, how locals and foreigners reacted to the Aborigines, how people survived, what dangers they faced, and what social customs were practiced.Īlong with atmosphere, September Moon has some very sympathetic characters. The dryness, the danger, the wildness, and the beauty of the Outback are described wonderfully. Patrick O’Reilly has three wild children who he wants to educate, so he is willing to pay a governess well and take a chance on someone without much experience. In desperation, and despite all she has heard about the dangers of the Outback, she takes the job and heads to the O’Reilly run – a huge sheep ranch located in a very scarcely populated area. Her only option is to hire out as a governess, and the only person who is willing to hire her lives in the wilds of Australia. There is not much a very well educated woman can do in society – she discovers quickly that in Australia, women are not hired as secretaries. Proctor brings all the strangeness and wildness of Australia to life, and creates a story as well, of two very real people who grow as individuals and learn what love and trust are all about.Īfter Amanda Davenport refuses to leave her dying employer as the ship that holds her ticket to England leaves port, she is very nearly penniless and completely alone in Australia. At first, I thought September Moon was going to be just like those American Historicals that take place on the frontier – lots of hardship, wildness and danger. I haven’t read too many historical romances that take place in Australia.

September Moon by Candice Proctor