Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter

Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter is an atmospheric Historical Fiction read that brings readers into a story set in a small settlement on the coast of western Australia in the late 19th century. 

Vivid Descriptions: This book is filled with vivid descriptions of time and place which has a decidedly grim feel (Pook does no favours to Australian tourism🤣) as she gives readers a clear look at the flora and dangerous fauna and the hardships faced by both the indigenous and settler populations at that time. But these long descriptions often overshadowed the thin plot of Eliza's father's disappearance.

Characters: There were a lot of characters and they felt underdeveloped and bland, so I had a hard time connecting with them. I liked Eliza's flaws and independent spirit, but her friend Min was much more interesting to me. Axel, a young German man out for adventure, felt like a plot device and readers will need to suspend disbelief that he would offer up his time and possibly his life for a total stranger. 

Pacing and Plot: This is a slowly paced read that lacked the tension I was expecting based on a story about a missing person, prejudice, and corruption. Things also seemed to happen too conveniently for Eliza and despite enjoying her feminist spirit, I struggled a bit to get through this book.

Overall, this book gives readers an interesting look at the life of a pearler and is quite atmospheric, but I found it to be overwritten with descriptions that dominated the simple plot. The topics introduced could encourage great book club discussion, particularly the suffering of Indigenous peoples to colonization, the pearling industry and the harsh living conditions of the time. 

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for my advanced copy of this book which was provided in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Lizzie Pook

Genre: Historical Fiction (Australia)

Type and Source: Trade Paperback from publisher

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Canada

First Published: June 14, 2022

Book Description from GoodReads: Fortune favours the brave in Lizzie Pook's mesmerising debut novel, Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter

1886, BANNIN BAY, AUSTRALIA.

The Brightwell family has sailed from England to make their new home in Western Australia. Ten-year-old Eliza knows little of what awaits them on these shores beyond shining pearls and shells like soup plates – the things her father has promised will make their fortune.

~~~

Ten years later and Charles Brightwell, now the bay’s most prolific pearler, goes missing from his ship while out at sea. Whispers from the townsfolk suggest mutiny and murder, but headstrong Eliza, convinced there is more to the story, refuses to believe her father is dead.

It falls to her to ask the questions no one else dares consider. But in a town teeming with corruption, prejudice and blackmail, Eliza soon learns that the truth can cost more than pearls, and she must decide just how much she is willing to pay – and how far she is willing to go – to find it.