I don’t read a lot of historical fiction but this one appealed because it is set in a time and place that I don’t know a lot about. In 1886 Eliza Brightwell’s family - herself, her parents, her older brother Thomas, Uncle Willem and Aunt Martha set off from England to Bannin Bay in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia to start a pearling business. I did check but I don’t think it’s an actual place. However, the city of Broome in that area and was, and still is, a major pearling port. I have been to the Kimberley though and can imagine what sort of culture shock it would have been!

Business is good and the family is doing well. But in 1896 as Eliza (now 20 years old) awaits the return of her fathers ship, the Starling, it doesn’t appear until almost dark and, when it does, her father is not aboard. No one knows what happened but he disappeared during the night. Eliza is beside herself, she adored her father. She cannot even pester Thomas about it as he immediately heads off to another town saying he has business to attend to. Sergeant Palmer, a brutal man, arrests the first convenient Aboriginal who will no doubt hang for killing Mr Brightwell. Eliza knows he had nothing to do with it, he wasn’t even on the boat when Mr Brightwell disappeared. Palmer doesn’t listen but, in any case, the young man soon escapes from the jail and melts back into the unforgiving landscape. Palmer sets off after him on a fool’s errand. The natives know the land too well.

After no word for two weeks Eliza writes to Thomas but receives no reply. Not believing her father dead and determined to find him, Eliza along with two accomplices, heads off to find Thomas. I call them accomplices as they have quite an adventure. What a sorry tale Thomas tells her. I can’t tell you about it but it makes Eliza all the more determined to find her father - dead or alive!

This was a wonderful tale with sparkling characters, a huge landscape, a sometimes violent seascape and the usual terrible racial tensions. The pearling has attracted not only Englishmen but Malays, Chinamen, Manilamen (I’m using the language from the time) and others. The casual brutality towards the Indigenous people was shocking but, sadly, typical of the era. Many men were simply taken to undertake the dangerous underwater work. Not just men - pregnant women were especially prized as it was thought their blood carried more oxygen, which I guess it does.

The plot was wonderful and based on real life. The writing was beautiful and immersive, I could feel the heat and the ever present red dust. The pace was cracking and Eliza was very much her own woman - strong and fearless and loyal to a fault. She was not concerned about appearances or how an English ‘lady’ should comport herself. I really loved her character! Many thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

Interesting setting for this historical fiction in Australia with the desperation of the pearl fishers. I loved the descriptions and the atmosphere but found the main mystery of what happened to the father a little lacking. Covers lots of issues here including race and gender.

Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter by Lizzie Pook
This is an amazing debut novel of sumptuous poetical prose and intricate historical detail. I became completely immersed in the fascinating world of the Pearler’s in 19th century Western Australia.
Eliza, the eponymous Pearler’s Daughter, arrived in Bannin Bay from England in 1886 at the age of 10. Ten years later her beloved father, a pearler (who treats his men with more humanity than other pearlers of the time) has vanished from his ship, The Starling, whilst on the high seas. Throughout her childhood her father has set her tasks and given her challenges which she can now use to help her discover what has become of him.
She discovers her father’s diary and uses this to try and trace where he could be. She proves herself an indomitable heroine stopping at nothing to uncover the truth. She is aided by Min, her friend with a dubious past, and Axel, a young man who she meets in the street and whose help she enlists to enable her to converse with those who would otherwise not talk to a woman.
I learnt a great deal about the cruel and dangerous pearling trade and the terrible way in which the Aborigines, Chinese, Malay and other ethnic groups were treated by the entitled Europeans. One of the most shocking pieces of information was the way they would force pregnant females to dive for pearls under the mistaken assumption that they had greater lung capacity.
It is a wonderful story full of danger, deception and desperate acts of courage by a strong woman finding her way in a world dominated by men. I will be recommending this at my various book groups and cannot wait to read more from this fascinating new talent. Many thanks to Lizzie Pook, Penguin and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I was a little disappointed with this book, OK I read a LOT of historical fiction and its often difficult to find something a little different. From the description I thought this one might offer something different and fresh.
It began well with very descriptive detail of the grimy side of life in 19th century Australia. I could smell the rotten fish guts and hear the cries of exotic birds as they crapped on my verandah. But I found the characters very difficult to engage with. They are mostly deeply dislikeable and when the main protagonists father disappears from his pearling ship and she begins to try and solve his disappearance, the story degenerated into a pretty mediocre who-dunit, with predictable characters and inevitable events.
It left me pretty unsatisfied and the style just wasn't for me.
Possibly it was harder to get into the characters mindset with it being written third person I do hugely prefer a first person narrative where you become the protagonist rather than observe them.
If you like mysteries and crime fiction set in the past, hopefully you'll love this, much more than I did.

The descriptions in this book are beautifully written and incredibly vivid. I've never been to Australia, nor even particularly seen pictures or videos of the areas where it's set, but Pook painted such a detailed image that even my non-visual brain could picture it. The depth of research was clear, and I found myself slowing down over the descriptions of the natural world in order to take them in better, letting myself savour the details. I didn't feel the dialogue was quite as strong as the narration, but it did have a very high bar to live up to, so perhaps that's understandable.

I found the majority of the plot compelling: Eliza's search for her father and the various red herrings along the way kept me coming back to the book to see how the mystery would be resolved. The denouement didn't completely win me over, as I felt it could have been supported more by the rest of the book -- but perhaps I missed clues that were there, because I was too busy focusing on descriptions of plants and beasties! It's ultimately a story about family: family trauma, family loyalty, family conflict. There are hints of a romantic plotline, but they don't ultimately develop or dominate, which I appreciated. Eliza is an independently-minded, determined woman who struggles with gendered societal expectations, but she doesn't fall into the trap of judging others for conforming to them -- at least not too much. We see how her approach to life is shaped by her mother and her aunt, and how she has supportive female friendships even though she doesn't find it easy to be a "lady", which is a nice way of avoiding the "not like other girls" narrative that can so easily become prominent when portraying historical women who resist the patriarchy.

I had one moment of Trans Concern, where a character is revealed not to be the sex that Eliza thought they were. After this point, Pook avoids all pronouns for the character, neither resorting to those matching the character's assigned gender nor to their gender presentation. That avoided it becoming too uncomfortable for me, but as a transmasculine reader I still had a moment of discomfort when Eliza concludes, based on the character's body, that they are "not really a boy". I know that this is probably realistic for the historical period, but the wording just caught me out slightly, and made me a little dysphoric, as it reminded me how others perceive my own body. I was relieved that this plotline didn't develop further, and that the character's assigned gender wasn't revealed (forcibly or otherwise) to other characters.

Pook makes a point of not shying away from the brutality of the colonising Westerners towards the indigenous population as well as other people of colour. It can make for a discomforting read in places, but that's important, in a narrative like this, which focuses on a white settler from a family involved in an industry that profits from this exploitation. Eliza's father is "one of the nice ones", i.e. actually cares about the people who work for him and doesn't randomly brutalise them, but Pook avoids a white saviour narrative by (a) making this not the point of the story, and (b) acknowledging his flaws and failures in this regard, and (c) having Eliza question his place in the industry as a whole.

The strength of the book was absolutely the descriptions of the natural world -- appropriate, perhaps, when the characters are naturalists. It all felt very vividly realised, and I probably learned a few things, too.

In 1886 Eliza Brightwell arrived on the Western Coast of Australia with her family, her Father and Brother planned to make their fortune deep sea pearling. Fast forward 10 years and despite some tragedies life is going well, until after one trip her father didn't arrive back in port.
Herein follows Eliza's journey to discover what happened to her father. During her search she meets some unsavoury characters but her strength and resilience carry her along.
Lizzie Pook has researched the life of Pearlers very well in this novel, this was a very hard life for people, many of the deckhands were Aborigines and the story also pays tribute to them
Many thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read this advanced copy, I am under no obligation to leave this review

This is an absolutely beautiful book to read that just captured me from the start. A historical tale and the depictions of life in 1800’s are just mesmerising you can practically smell the sea in Bannin Bay and hear the cries and calls of the people around as the the main character Eliza then just 10 years old lands to make a new home in Western Australia.
The story has got so much going for it, a bit of everything really and it’s an impressive debut by Lizzie Pook that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you like a mystery and historical fiction then this is the book for you it will keep you glued to the page as we follow the brave Eliza on her journey and new life.
So I hope to hear more from this author in the future and many thanks for a fast paced and wonderfully written book.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan, Mantle for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This outstanding debut novel from Lizzie Pook takes readers to 1866 Australia and the coastal town of Bannin Bay. Eliza has travelled from England to start a new life with her family. Eliza is a great character, well-written, with great emotional depth. She believes in treating everyone fairly and when her father doesn't return from a pearling trip, Eliza sets out on a journey to uncover the truth of what really happened to him. This story is filled with danger, adventure and intrigue that will have you turning the pages late into the night. The description is excellent and really brings the Australian outback to life. Fans of historical fiction will love the descriptions and the attention to detail although some readers may find them a little overdone. I was totally immersed in the story and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.

A fascinating story based on the pearling industry in early Australia, 1866. Set in a fictional coastal town of Bannin Bay in Western Australia Eliza Brightwell with her family; father, Charles mother and brother, Thomas travel from England to start a new life to launch a fleet of pearl luggers. Charles is to become a Master Pearler. Life is extremely tough and tempers flare easily in a male dominated industry. There is rivalry among the pearlers and it is not a place for women.
Eliza is a brave young woman who endures much misery but she is strong and is an easy character to like. She, like her father, believes in treating everyone kindly and fairly which is not common in this business or era. The treatment of anyone not English or white particularly aborigines is appalling and the book does not shy away from this.
When Charles does not return from a pearling trip Eliza sets out to find the truth of where and what happened to her father.
A book of adventure, intrigue and danger. Wonderful descriptive passages of living in the harsh Australian outback and working with and in the ocean in the late 1800s. A really enjoyable read.

This book is set in Western Australia in the late 1800s and tells the story of Eliza and the search for the truth around her missing father. The descriptions of the area and the pearling industry- including its dark side and the exploitation of the islanders and migrant workers are expertly portrayed. Much time is spent describing the scenery and the town and to that effect the book may move slowly for some readers, but others and fans of historical fiction will relish the well researched descriptions and attention to detail.
The second part of the book can be described as a swashbuckling adventure- the pace moves swiftly in Eliza’s quest. I particularly enjoyed the diary extracts from her father- descriptions of the fauna and flora found in the area and found them educational as well as integral to the storyline. I liked this book as it was different; I feel as if I have learnt facts about this fascinating part of history as well as enjoying a well written and engaging story. I feel due to the slow and very descriptive start some readers may not engage with this book and give in early so I would recommend perseverance to get to the faster paced more exciting latter part of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and the author for the opportunity to read and review this advance copy.

Indeed it is a spellbinding book of impossible things. Utterly immersive and wonderfully described - you could see all that happened. I thought this was going to be about so-called witches... it went beyond.

What an outstanding debut!
This storey follows Eliza as she searches for her father, whom she refuses to accept is missing. This novel was extremely atmospheric, and the writing was so good that you could feel the grime and conditions Eliza was subjected to. I can't say enough good things about this book. It's brilliantly written, with enthralling descriptions of nature. In a nutshell, it's enthralling.
I can't wait to read more from Lizzie Pook.

What sounded like a fantasy novel from the title, "Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter" turned out to be an historical novel set in Australia in the late 1800s. We follow Eliza in her quest to find out what happened to her father when he doesn't return with his ship, after the latest pearling expedition. This is a good introduction into how life would be like in Australia in the late 19th Century. Englishmen and other Europeans, mingle with Asians and natives. Some really lovely diary excerpts, reminiscent of Charles Darwin, capturing the wildlife and nature of the southern hemisphere.

I’m sorry I could only get half way through this. Too much description detracts from the story, so I really don’t care about the characters. I can see from the reviews that other readers have loved this book, so I would recommend it. It’s just not for me.

Eliza waits at the shore for her father and her brother to return from the most recent voyage. After leaving London as a family a few years earlier, her father now has a great fleet of luggers.

Every time they return she goes to greet them. Having spent the time they’re away alone, after what happened to her mother. Only this time, something doesn’t feel right. As all the other ships return, Eliza can’t spot her father and brother. For hours she waits, even after everyone is has long gone. Finally, in the distance, she sees the lugger, the white starling in the distance approaching the shore. But as her unease grows, has the full crew returned or has something happened while out at sea?

I’ve really enjoyed it this book. It was easy to get into and the story flowed well, keeping a steady pace throughout with a few bits where I needed to know what happened next. The characters were mostly likeable and I really liked Axel and Eliza’s relationship. I think Eliza was quite a modern woman for the time the book is set in. Not wanting to be just another of the women society but to do the same things the men do. A really great read.

I was transported to the pioneer settlements of western Australia during the Victorian period, depicted so brilliantly and vividly by Lizzie Pool I could almost taste the dirt and the grit along with the characters. Our 'heroine' (for she is that) is a very likeable character and a relatable one too - I like to think that of I'd lived in that time and place then I'd have had the same grit and determination as she has. Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my arc.

I loved this book. It was one of those books that I knew just from the title and cover I was going to love, and I did. The atmosphere is perfect, the story is great and there was something about the characters that just made it for me. I am a massive fan of historical fiction and have been obsessed with Australia for a very long time but I think what made this book stand out for me was the beautiful and descriptive use of language that just helped bring everything alive. Alongside this I really liked and admired Eliza’s character and the relationship with her father. This really is a gem of a debut novel.

Eliza’s father does not return from pearling but no one knows anything. How does a man disappear from his own boat and no one see anything? Assumed dead and a man being hunted for his murder. Eliza knows in her hear that he is innocent and sets off to find the truth.

A book of adventure with lots of faith and danger. Writing so good you care about Eliza and want her to succeed. So read this book and enjoy finding out what happens.

Set in 1886, "Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter" by Lizzie Pook, follows Eliza Brightwell as she tries to make sense of her father's disappearance from his lugger whilst out pearling off the coast of Western Australia. Eliza and her family arrived in Bannin Bay when she was 10yrs old, and her naturalist father has managed to earn his place in society by becoming a pearl master. However, he has also amassed debts and enemies within the community who would love to take his business.

Within the novel the place of different groups in society is explored, including how women, aborigines and other nationalities are treated by the white men. However, to keep this sense of order, the men are also forced to perform in certain, often brutal ways.

I really enjoyed this book. Eliza is a likeable, if reckless protagonist, and the other characters in the novel are well drawn and interesting. Pook has clearly done a huge amount of research and is able to conjure up the place with all of its teeming life (animal and human). The story propelled me through the book and I was sad when it came to an end. I would happily recommend this.

The cast of characters would not be out of place in ‘Treasure Island’ or ‘Kidnapped’, and the overuse of blood red and anthropomorphic descriptions spoilt what was quite a good story, for example the wind having fingers and rats ricocheting are ridiculous. Having said that, the story moved along very well, with tensions and adventures high on the story’s agenda. If only someone had held a check on the way too florid adjectives.