Frank
Gardiner by Jane Smith (Big Sky Publishing)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 9781922132673
Reviewed by J Wishart
This non-fiction story is aimed at
readers aged around 7 to 12 years and is part of the
Australian Bushranger series produced by Big Sky Publishing. Written by
historical researcher, Jane Smith, it offers an insight into the exploits of
Frank Gardiner during the mid 1800s.
Born in Scotland, Gardiner (then Frank
Christie) immigrated to Australia with his family at the age of five. The year
was 1834. Fortunate to receive an early education, Gardiner nonetheless had to
grow up fast and was working as a stockman by his teenage years. Lack of
employment, and a life dependent on horses, eventually tempted him into stock
theft. From there he progressed to highway robbery, and eventually became
famous for holding up the coach that escorted gold from the mines to Bathurst.
Despite his crimes, Gardiner had such a
talent for influencing people that the term ‘Gardinerism’ was used to refer to
his artful strategies. He managed to appeal his sentences with the help of
friends and family and even won the support of local citizens, some of whom
were victims of his crimes.
As well as touching on themes of human
nature and the pursuit of wealth, the book contains a range of historically
accurate information. In addition to the main narrative it includes photographs
and copies of official documents and news stories to add interest and
authenticity. The story covers Gardiner’s main period of activity during
colonial history, his various arrests and escapes, and leads up to his eventual
exile in 1874.
The text is presented in small,
easy-to-read chunks. Breakout boxes offer straightforward facts and figures and
help to show the reader what life was like at the time, including difficulties
practically unknown today due to modern transport and communications
technology. Character is added through the inclusion of brief biographies of
the various characters who worked with Gardiner, as well as those who tried to
bring him to justice.
The Eugowra robbery was the most interesting and was witnessed by a child, who wrote an account of it in his old age. He saw it all through a hole in his hat when they pulled it over his face! I have a story about that in the next Trust Me book.
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