Overview

‘‘A fascinating portrait of an extraordinary life."" - Sophie Masson AM, award-winning author Hannah Rigby was a poor Liverpool seamstress, a prisoner and a serial thief. Exiled from her homeland, oppressed by poverty and rigid social mores, used and discarded by a series of men. An “exemplary” servant who was fond of a lark – and a single mother determined to keep her family together. One Free Woman tells the true, compelling story of the only female convict to stay in Moreton Bay when the penal settlement closed – a woman who notoriously served three separate sentences of transportation, including two to one of the harshest establishments in the country. It is a heartbreaking and sensitively told story of a life that was typical of many women of the time struggling against poverty and gender inequality – women whose voices throughout history have seldom been heard. One Free Woman reveals new information and celebrates a remarkable woman who, despite a lifetime of immeasurable suffering and loss, could somehow still summon the joy to dance until she dropped. 

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9781923144712

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Jane Smith, an accomplished author, archivist, editor and librarian, is dedicated to resurrecting captivating tales from history’s depths for readers of all ages. With a prolific portfolio spanning fiction and non-fiction since 2014, Jane has published over twenty books with a historical focus.   Jane’s works have received national acclaim and earned multiple prestigious literary award nominations. Notable among them is the ABIA shortlisting in 2015 for Captain Thunderbolt, a standout from her ‘Australian Bushrangers’ series, and the ‘notable’ listing in the 2017 CBCA Book of the Year awards for Shoot-out at the Rock, part of her children’s historical fiction series, ‘Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy’.   Jane’s unique talent lies in her ability to blend meticulous research with engaging narratives. Through her writing, she unravels the personalities of historical characters, dispelling myths along the way. Her children’s books, including the celebrated ‘Carly Mills Pioneer Girl’ series, not only entertain but also educate, adhering to the Australian National Curriculum.   Jane’s passion extends beyond the written word. Based in regional Queensland, she balances roles as a hospital archivist and editor, bringing history to life while preserving its essence. In every page she writes, Jane Smith’s commitment to storytelling and historical accuracy shines, inviting readers to explore the vibrant tapestry of the past.   For more information please visit www.janesmithauthor.com FB @janesmithwriter Insta @janesmithauthor1 Twitter @authorjanesmith

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