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Elizabeth & Elizabeth
The story of how two women, who should have been bitter foes, combined their courage and wisdom to wield extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony.
'I've waited for this moment so long, dreamed of it, prepared for it, I can barely believe it's finally here. But it is. And it is nothing like I expected.'
There was a short time in Australia's European history when two women wielded extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony.
One was Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of the new governor Lachlan Macquarie, nudging him towards social reform and magnificent buildings and town planning. The other was Elizabeth Macarthur, credited with creating Australia's wool industry and married to John Macarthur, a dangerous enemy of the establishment.
These women came from strikingly different backgrounds with husbands who held sharply conflicting views. They should have been bitter foes. Elizabeth & Elizabeth is about two courageous women thrown together in impossible times.
Borne out of an overriding admiration for the women of early colonial Australian history, Sue Williams has written a novel of enduring fascination.
'I've waited for this moment so long, dreamed of it, prepared for it, I can barely believe it's finally here. But it is. And it is nothing like I expected.'
There was a short time in Australia's European history when two women wielded extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony.
One was Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of the new governor Lachlan Macquarie, nudging him towards social reform and magnificent buildings and town planning. The other was Elizabeth Macarthur, credited with creating Australia's wool industry and married to John Macarthur, a dangerous enemy of the establishment.
These women came from strikingly different backgrounds with husbands who held sharply conflicting views. They should have been bitter foes. Elizabeth & Elizabeth is about two courageous women thrown together in impossible times.
Borne out of an overriding admiration for the women of early colonial Australian history, Sue Williams has written a novel of enduring fascination.
323 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
January 11, 2021
Embargoed until today, 11th January 2021, here now is my review.
Elizabeth Macquarie (Betsey) arrived on the shores of the relatively new colony with her husband, Lachlan Macquarie, the new Governor in 1809. She had been looking forward to arriving, but the searing heat, humidity, filth and smell left her shocked – it was nothing at all like she’d expected. The woman Betsey was most looking forward to seeing wasn’t at Lachlan’s welcoming on the shores of Sydney Town, but when they ventured out to Parramatta some time later, they visited Elizabeth Macarthur, wife of John Macarthur, who had arrived in 1790, almost twenty years prior.
Betsey and Elizabeth became extremely close over the years and with John Macarthur in constant trouble with the authorities, he had to travel back to England on at least two occasions to face the courts. Elizabeth maintained their farm with the merinos on their land giving them good fleece to send to England. Although Betsey and Elizabeth should have been enemies, they forged a closeness almost as if they were sisters. After twelve years at his post, Lachlan and Betsey agreed to return to their beloved Scotland with their son, Lachie. What would their lives be like after the years spent in the new colony of Australia? Where they had friends, but also bitter enemies?
Elizabeth & Elizabeth by Aussie author Sue Williams is a fascinating and insightful story of two women - the strength and determination they both held, to improve and better a fledgling colony. These two women are part of Australia’s history and it was intriguing to read the fictionalized story of their lives and how important they were in the growth of the colony. I’m particularly taken with the striking cover, beautifully done and so apt. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Elizabeth Macquarie (Betsey) arrived on the shores of the relatively new colony with her husband, Lachlan Macquarie, the new Governor in 1809. She had been looking forward to arriving, but the searing heat, humidity, filth and smell left her shocked – it was nothing at all like she’d expected. The woman Betsey was most looking forward to seeing wasn’t at Lachlan’s welcoming on the shores of Sydney Town, but when they ventured out to Parramatta some time later, they visited Elizabeth Macarthur, wife of John Macarthur, who had arrived in 1790, almost twenty years prior.
Betsey and Elizabeth became extremely close over the years and with John Macarthur in constant trouble with the authorities, he had to travel back to England on at least two occasions to face the courts. Elizabeth maintained their farm with the merinos on their land giving them good fleece to send to England. Although Betsey and Elizabeth should have been enemies, they forged a closeness almost as if they were sisters. After twelve years at his post, Lachlan and Betsey agreed to return to their beloved Scotland with their son, Lachie. What would their lives be like after the years spent in the new colony of Australia? Where they had friends, but also bitter enemies?
Elizabeth & Elizabeth by Aussie author Sue Williams is a fascinating and insightful story of two women - the strength and determination they both held, to improve and better a fledgling colony. These two women are part of Australia’s history and it was intriguing to read the fictionalized story of their lives and how important they were in the growth of the colony. I’m particularly taken with the striking cover, beautifully done and so apt. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2021
Elizabeth & Elizabeth was a fascinating read, focusing upon two of the leading women in Australian colonial history, Elizabeth Macarthur and Elizabeth Macquarie. While the book relates an earlier acquaintance in their original homeland, their relationship blossomed within the timeframe of Lachlan Macquarie's governorship of the colony of New South Wales (1810-1821). While the two undoubtedly met socially, author Sue Williams has fictionalised their close personal friendship, based around real historical events and documents.
Elizabeth Macquarie (referred to as "Betsy" throughout the book) arrives in New South Wales as a rather naive young bride, ill-prepared for the comparative lack of civilised society and built environment she discovers upon landing in the colony. Her husband, Lachlan, many years her senior, has been appointed governor for a period of eight years, and they share a vision for improving the colony from its current status as a mere penal settlement.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Macarthur has lived in New South Wales since 1790, having sailed with her military husband, John, on the "Second Fleet" to the fledgling colony. A well-educated and articulate woman, she has played a driving force in building the Macarthur family's wealth, based around Merino sheep, from "Elizabeth Farm" in Parramatta. While wealthy and respected, Mrs. Macarthur's social standing is impacted upon by the behaviour of her self-interested and politically provocative husband. She manages the farming operations on her own for substantial periods during which he is absent facing court-martial in England.
I found Sue Williams' descriptions of the experience and challenges of the early colony, seen through the eyes of intelligent women, really thought-provoking. Governor and Mrs. Macquarie's substantial legacy remains clear in nomenclature around Australia to this day, but his period in office was beset by a range of controversies at the time. Unlike his predecessor, the unpopular William Bligh, Macquarie was an proponent of emancipation, that is the release of former convicts as free settlers at the conclusion of their sentence, and even the appointment of suitably-qualified former convicts to positions of authority in the colonial administration. This raised the ire of many in the colony, including John Macarthur, who felt no convict was worthy of trust, and in turn relied upon free convict labour in building their own wealth and status.
Macquarie was somewhat of a visionary when it came to town planning and the construction of government buildings befitting the status of the colony. He is credited with ordering the realignment of major streets that remain in place in modern day central Sydney and Hobart. Williams draws Elizabeth Macquarie's personal interest in architecture into this narrative, establishing her contribution to the design and construction of several government buildings, a number of which survive to this day.
The example of Macquarie's governorship which remains most controversial in the present day is his involvement in ordering the Appin massacre of 1816, during which numerous men, women and children of the Gundungurra and Dharawal people were killed in reprisal for various violent clashes with settlers. Existing animosities with the local indigenous population had been stirred up by Macquarie's founding of a "native institution" at Parramatta. In a tragic forerunner to the stolen generations of the 19th and 20th centuries, indigenous children were separated (sometimes forcibly) from their families to be educated according to European custom. Elizabeth Macquarie, in particular, is represented as being sympathetic to the indigenous groups, and appalled by the violence.
I found Elizabeth & Elizabeth to be a compelling account of female resourcefulness and resilience under challenging circumstances, and the strength of bonding and friendship between women. Both Elizabeth Macquarie and Elizabeth Macarthur left a significant mark on Australian history, a not inconsiderable achievement in light of the male-centric social mores and expectations of the society in which they lived. Sue Williams has succeeded in bringing them both to life, while remaining faithful to the historical record as far as is possible, and also raising issues which are still of relevance in modern-day Australia.
Given its publication during the global Covid-19 pandemic, I wonder if Elizabeth & Elizabeth might have suffered as far as copy and general editing. I noticed several curious anachronisms (eg. “on their first date” (p.288), rather than “courting”), a disconcerting timeline discrepancy in chapter 4, and an abundance of typographical and copy errors (eg. “my nephew John Maclaine, the daughter of my sister Jane... (p.129-30)). While this didn't significantly detract from my enjoyment of the novel overall, it was a little jarring.
I'd recommend Elizabeth & Elizabeth to readers interested in Australian colonial history, women's contribution to history generally, and the intricacies of female relationships.
Elizabeth Macquarie (referred to as "Betsy" throughout the book) arrives in New South Wales as a rather naive young bride, ill-prepared for the comparative lack of civilised society and built environment she discovers upon landing in the colony. Her husband, Lachlan, many years her senior, has been appointed governor for a period of eight years, and they share a vision for improving the colony from its current status as a mere penal settlement.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Macarthur has lived in New South Wales since 1790, having sailed with her military husband, John, on the "Second Fleet" to the fledgling colony. A well-educated and articulate woman, she has played a driving force in building the Macarthur family's wealth, based around Merino sheep, from "Elizabeth Farm" in Parramatta. While wealthy and respected, Mrs. Macarthur's social standing is impacted upon by the behaviour of her self-interested and politically provocative husband. She manages the farming operations on her own for substantial periods during which he is absent facing court-martial in England.
I found Sue Williams' descriptions of the experience and challenges of the early colony, seen through the eyes of intelligent women, really thought-provoking. Governor and Mrs. Macquarie's substantial legacy remains clear in nomenclature around Australia to this day, but his period in office was beset by a range of controversies at the time. Unlike his predecessor, the unpopular William Bligh, Macquarie was an proponent of emancipation, that is the release of former convicts as free settlers at the conclusion of their sentence, and even the appointment of suitably-qualified former convicts to positions of authority in the colonial administration. This raised the ire of many in the colony, including John Macarthur, who felt no convict was worthy of trust, and in turn relied upon free convict labour in building their own wealth and status.
Macquarie was somewhat of a visionary when it came to town planning and the construction of government buildings befitting the status of the colony. He is credited with ordering the realignment of major streets that remain in place in modern day central Sydney and Hobart. Williams draws Elizabeth Macquarie's personal interest in architecture into this narrative, establishing her contribution to the design and construction of several government buildings, a number of which survive to this day.
The example of Macquarie's governorship which remains most controversial in the present day is his involvement in ordering the Appin massacre of 1816, during which numerous men, women and children of the Gundungurra and Dharawal people were killed in reprisal for various violent clashes with settlers. Existing animosities with the local indigenous population had been stirred up by Macquarie's founding of a "native institution" at Parramatta. In a tragic forerunner to the stolen generations of the 19th and 20th centuries, indigenous children were separated (sometimes forcibly) from their families to be educated according to European custom. Elizabeth Macquarie, in particular, is represented as being sympathetic to the indigenous groups, and appalled by the violence.
I found Elizabeth & Elizabeth to be a compelling account of female resourcefulness and resilience under challenging circumstances, and the strength of bonding and friendship between women. Both Elizabeth Macquarie and Elizabeth Macarthur left a significant mark on Australian history, a not inconsiderable achievement in light of the male-centric social mores and expectations of the society in which they lived. Sue Williams has succeeded in bringing them both to life, while remaining faithful to the historical record as far as is possible, and also raising issues which are still of relevance in modern-day Australia.
Given its publication during the global Covid-19 pandemic, I wonder if Elizabeth & Elizabeth might have suffered as far as copy and general editing. I noticed several curious anachronisms (eg. “on their first date” (p.288), rather than “courting”), a disconcerting timeline discrepancy in chapter 4, and an abundance of typographical and copy errors (eg. “my nephew John Maclaine, the daughter of my sister Jane... (p.129-30)). While this didn't significantly detract from my enjoyment of the novel overall, it was a little jarring.
I'd recommend Elizabeth & Elizabeth to readers interested in Australian colonial history, women's contribution to history generally, and the intricacies of female relationships.
January 25, 2021
This book is an account of the lives of Elizabeth (Betsey) Macquarie and Elizabeth Macarthur.
Betsey and her husband Lachlan travel to Australia in 1809 for Lachlan to take up the position of Governor of New South Wales. It is very interesting to find out the involvement Betsey had in the development and improvement of Sydney from a structural and architectural perspective as well as the human element. Both she and Lachlan were keen to see convicts who had served their sentence be given freedom to live and settle as free citizens, which flew in the face of beliefs of others who profited from cheap convict labour.
A keen supporter and confidante for Betsey was Elizabeth Macarthur (whose husband was most vehemently opposed to the Macquaries changes). Elizabeth was often torn between loyalty to her friend and duty to her husband. But she counselled Betsey well, and supported her through many personal losses including her series of miscarriages.
A very interesting story that tells of the beginnings of Australia as well as a wonderful account of two strong women who had a strong influence on the way the country initially developed and evolved.
Thank you Allen & Unwin for the copy of the book that I won.
Betsey and her husband Lachlan travel to Australia in 1809 for Lachlan to take up the position of Governor of New South Wales. It is very interesting to find out the involvement Betsey had in the development and improvement of Sydney from a structural and architectural perspective as well as the human element. Both she and Lachlan were keen to see convicts who had served their sentence be given freedom to live and settle as free citizens, which flew in the face of beliefs of others who profited from cheap convict labour.
A keen supporter and confidante for Betsey was Elizabeth Macarthur (whose husband was most vehemently opposed to the Macquaries changes). Elizabeth was often torn between loyalty to her friend and duty to her husband. But she counselled Betsey well, and supported her through many personal losses including her series of miscarriages.
A very interesting story that tells of the beginnings of Australia as well as a wonderful account of two strong women who had a strong influence on the way the country initially developed and evolved.
Thank you Allen & Unwin for the copy of the book that I won.
October 22, 2024
Elizabeth “Betsey” Macquarie arrives with her husband Major General Lachlan Macquarie in Sydney, Australia he's the new Governor and to say she’s shocked is an understatement. Betsey was expecting a town, the bay is flighty and stinks, the dwellings are ramshackle huts and the governor’s residence isn’t much better.
Lachlan Macquarie can see what's required, the waterways, roads and streets to be cleaned up, new buildings needed to be built and with planning for their purpose and in the right location, and overhaul of social reforms and deal with convicts and those who'd served their sentence and the plight of convict women and orphaned children.
Elizabeth Macarthur is married to John Macarthur who was a lieutenant of the New South Wales Corps, later he became a politician and a land owner and he wanted more. John Macarthur was involved in removing Governor William Blight and famous for starting Australia's wool merino wool and vineyard industries.
The two Elizabeth’s come from very different backgrounds Betsey is Scottish and Elizabeth's English, their husbands have very different political views and about how the state to be should be run and despite this the ladies become friends and confidants.
Elizabeth Macarthur takes Betsey under her wing, and explains she can’t judge Sydney and New South Wales by her first impressions, it will take time to adjust and it does. I really admired Elizabeth Macarthur, she was smart and resourceful lady and ran the farm named after herself for over eight years and while her husband John and two youngest sons went to England.
A fascination story about two brave and courageous women, who were powerful and influential in their own right. Sue Williams’s insightful and well written book Elizabeth & Elizabeth is fascinating and I learnt so much about the history of Australia and New South Wales and the saying “behind every great man is a woman is” is so true with the dynamic duo. I really liked Betsey and Elizabeth and disliked John Macarthur and five stars from me.
Perfect for fans of detailed Australian Historical Fiction, based on real people and starting in 1790 and it must have been like arriving on a new planet and I can't wait to read That Bligh Girl.
Lachlan Macquarie can see what's required, the waterways, roads and streets to be cleaned up, new buildings needed to be built and with planning for their purpose and in the right location, and overhaul of social reforms and deal with convicts and those who'd served their sentence and the plight of convict women and orphaned children.
Elizabeth Macarthur is married to John Macarthur who was a lieutenant of the New South Wales Corps, later he became a politician and a land owner and he wanted more. John Macarthur was involved in removing Governor William Blight and famous for starting Australia's wool merino wool and vineyard industries.
The two Elizabeth’s come from very different backgrounds Betsey is Scottish and Elizabeth's English, their husbands have very different political views and about how the state to be should be run and despite this the ladies become friends and confidants.
Elizabeth Macarthur takes Betsey under her wing, and explains she can’t judge Sydney and New South Wales by her first impressions, it will take time to adjust and it does. I really admired Elizabeth Macarthur, she was smart and resourceful lady and ran the farm named after herself for over eight years and while her husband John and two youngest sons went to England.
A fascination story about two brave and courageous women, who were powerful and influential in their own right. Sue Williams’s insightful and well written book Elizabeth & Elizabeth is fascinating and I learnt so much about the history of Australia and New South Wales and the saying “behind every great man is a woman is” is so true with the dynamic duo. I really liked Betsey and Elizabeth and disliked John Macarthur and five stars from me.
Perfect for fans of detailed Australian Historical Fiction, based on real people and starting in 1790 and it must have been like arriving on a new planet and I can't wait to read That Bligh Girl.
January 23, 2021
I am very fond of stories set in early Australia and the blurb on this one pulled me in and what a great story this one is, rich in history it tells the story of two very famous woman Elizabeth Macquarie and Elizabeth Macarthur who showed courage and strength in Australia’s early days, supporting their husbands and becoming fast and true friends even though it was such an unlikely friendship.
Elizabeth (Betsey) Macquarie arrives in Australia with her husband Lachlan the new Governor, it is 1809 and Sydney Town is but a ramshackle town and nothing like Betsey expected, she is shocked but very determined to support her husband in any way she can. She is also very much looking forward to catching up with an old acquaintance, who has been here for many years now Elizabeth Macarthur she knows she will have to tread carefully as Elizabeth is married to John Macarthur who is a political enemy.
Elizabeth Macarthur is married to John and works very hard on her farm, Elizabeth Farm at Parramatta building the merino wool industry with her sheep, after the troubles with the mutiny of the last governor William Bligh that John had a lot to do with he is now in England trying to clear his name and running the farm is up to Elizabeth. When the new Governor and his wife Betsey call to see her, Betsey and her start to get acquainted, Elizabeth is unsure that this will be a good idea at the start, not sure how their fledgling friendship will end considering their husbands positions.
Betsey and Elizabeth should really have been enemies but over the years their friendship grew stronger and stronger. Betsey encouraged Lachlan to make reforms and build a better Sydney Town with gardens, buildings and open up more land, Elizabeth did not always agree with what was happening and often had ideas that she passed on to Betsey but they gained strength from each other along the way and were always there to support each other as the years went on.
This is a beautifully written story the Author Sue Williams has dug deep and bought to life Betsey and Elizabeth in a story that is a page turner, the history is fabulous and I loved going back to this time in our country with the turmoil and the opening up of new land and seeing what part these strong courageous woman played to get this country started. This is a story that I highly recommend, it really is a fabulous read.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin AU for my copy to read and review.
Elizabeth (Betsey) Macquarie arrives in Australia with her husband Lachlan the new Governor, it is 1809 and Sydney Town is but a ramshackle town and nothing like Betsey expected, she is shocked but very determined to support her husband in any way she can. She is also very much looking forward to catching up with an old acquaintance, who has been here for many years now Elizabeth Macarthur she knows she will have to tread carefully as Elizabeth is married to John Macarthur who is a political enemy.
Elizabeth Macarthur is married to John and works very hard on her farm, Elizabeth Farm at Parramatta building the merino wool industry with her sheep, after the troubles with the mutiny of the last governor William Bligh that John had a lot to do with he is now in England trying to clear his name and running the farm is up to Elizabeth. When the new Governor and his wife Betsey call to see her, Betsey and her start to get acquainted, Elizabeth is unsure that this will be a good idea at the start, not sure how their fledgling friendship will end considering their husbands positions.
Betsey and Elizabeth should really have been enemies but over the years their friendship grew stronger and stronger. Betsey encouraged Lachlan to make reforms and build a better Sydney Town with gardens, buildings and open up more land, Elizabeth did not always agree with what was happening and often had ideas that she passed on to Betsey but they gained strength from each other along the way and were always there to support each other as the years went on.
This is a beautifully written story the Author Sue Williams has dug deep and bought to life Betsey and Elizabeth in a story that is a page turner, the history is fabulous and I loved going back to this time in our country with the turmoil and the opening up of new land and seeing what part these strong courageous woman played to get this country started. This is a story that I highly recommend, it really is a fabulous read.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin AU for my copy to read and review.
March 25, 2021
‘If you want to forge a path of your own, you must find a way to make your time in New South Wales work for you.’
Elizabeth Macarthur arrived in New South Wales in 1790 with her husband John, a lieutenant in the New South Wales Corps. At the end of 1809, Betsey Macquarie arrived with her husband Lachlan, who took up his duties as New South Wales Governor on 1 January 1810. In this novel, Ms Williams imagines a friendship between Elizabeth (Betsey) Macquarie and Elizabeth Macarthur.
I admit to having reservations about this novel: I have read a few novels recently, where the lives of historical women (including novels about both Elizabeth Macarthur and Elizabeth Macquarie) have been imagined. Sometimes such novels can bring historical figures alive, other times they insert imagined details that have me wishing that the novelist had chosen entirely fictional characters.
While I cannot quite envisage the Betsey Macquarie that Ms Williams writes of, I have no difficulty recognising Elizabeth Macarthur. My reservations fade quite quickly as Ms Williams immerses the reader in the politics and challenges of this period of Australia’s colonial history. I recognise many of the historical figures and events from other reading.
By the end of the novel, through the personal trials and tribulations each woman (and her family) suffers, I can envisage the shape of such a friendship, the competence of each woman, and the challenges faced.
If you are interested in novels depicting strong women set in colonial Australia, I recommend this novel.
‘In a place where there are so few educated women, Elizabeth knows her friend’s absence will leave a gaping hole.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Elizabeth Macarthur arrived in New South Wales in 1790 with her husband John, a lieutenant in the New South Wales Corps. At the end of 1809, Betsey Macquarie arrived with her husband Lachlan, who took up his duties as New South Wales Governor on 1 January 1810. In this novel, Ms Williams imagines a friendship between Elizabeth (Betsey) Macquarie and Elizabeth Macarthur.
I admit to having reservations about this novel: I have read a few novels recently, where the lives of historical women (including novels about both Elizabeth Macarthur and Elizabeth Macquarie) have been imagined. Sometimes such novels can bring historical figures alive, other times they insert imagined details that have me wishing that the novelist had chosen entirely fictional characters.
While I cannot quite envisage the Betsey Macquarie that Ms Williams writes of, I have no difficulty recognising Elizabeth Macarthur. My reservations fade quite quickly as Ms Williams immerses the reader in the politics and challenges of this period of Australia’s colonial history. I recognise many of the historical figures and events from other reading.
By the end of the novel, through the personal trials and tribulations each woman (and her family) suffers, I can envisage the shape of such a friendship, the competence of each woman, and the challenges faced.
If you are interested in novels depicting strong women set in colonial Australia, I recommend this novel.
‘In a place where there are so few educated women, Elizabeth knows her friend’s absence will leave a gaping hole.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 12, 2021
Based on the lives of Elizabeth ‘Betsey’ Macquarie, the wife of Australian colonel governor Lachlan Macquarie, and Elizabeth Macarthur, the wife of a prosperous colonial woolgrower, Sue Williams blends fact with fiction to present an interesting story of adversity, courage, love, and friendship in Elizabeth & Elizabeth.
Thirty one year old Betsey Macquarie arrived in Sydneytown with her new husband, Lachlan, who was to replace Captain Bligh as governor, in December of 1809. Viewing the appointment as an adventure, with her keen interest in architecture, landscaping and social welfare, Betsey had hopes of working alongside her husband to grow the colony.
At the time of Betsey’s arrival in New South Wales, Elizabeth Macarthur, had been living in the colony for twenty years. Her husband John, a Corps officer and successful grazier had been called to England to answer charges of sedition for his role in unseating Captain Bligh, leaving Elizabeth to manage their home farm, three daughters, and Camden Park estate, where they raised their valuable flock of merino sheep.
In this novel Williams conjures a friendship between the two women that overlooks the political enmity of their husbands. Both intelligent, strong, and practical women, Elizabeth and Elizabeth grow to respect and admire one another despite their differences, and become confidantes. The friendship is delightfully rendered by Williams, and permits her to present a well-rounded picture of the ‘Elizabeth’s’ lives, disabusing history’s notion they were simply no more than extensions of their husbands.
History favours the role of men in the building of our nation, but Elizabeth & Elizabeth gives these two women credit for contributions to the betterment of the colony. Williams suggests Betsey was the driving force behind the design and construction of several of Sydneytown’s public buildings, including The Courthouse and St James Church, the ‘Rum’ Hospital, and The Female Factory in Parramatta, and the development of what is now known as The Royal Botanic Gardens. Her support of her husband was also crucial to his many accomplishments as governor, despite the opposition he faced from ‘exclusivists’. Elizabeth Macarthur’s role in developing the family’s wool export business is better recognised today, though her husband continues to garner the lions share of credit. In her husband’s long absence from the colony however, she ably managed their extensive holdings, and oversaw the improvement of the merino flock that solidified their fortune.
Well-written, rich in historical detail and engaging, Elizabeth & Elizabeth is a lovely novel and recommended reading especially for those interested in Australia’s past.
Thirty one year old Betsey Macquarie arrived in Sydneytown with her new husband, Lachlan, who was to replace Captain Bligh as governor, in December of 1809. Viewing the appointment as an adventure, with her keen interest in architecture, landscaping and social welfare, Betsey had hopes of working alongside her husband to grow the colony.
At the time of Betsey’s arrival in New South Wales, Elizabeth Macarthur, had been living in the colony for twenty years. Her husband John, a Corps officer and successful grazier had been called to England to answer charges of sedition for his role in unseating Captain Bligh, leaving Elizabeth to manage their home farm, three daughters, and Camden Park estate, where they raised their valuable flock of merino sheep.
In this novel Williams conjures a friendship between the two women that overlooks the political enmity of their husbands. Both intelligent, strong, and practical women, Elizabeth and Elizabeth grow to respect and admire one another despite their differences, and become confidantes. The friendship is delightfully rendered by Williams, and permits her to present a well-rounded picture of the ‘Elizabeth’s’ lives, disabusing history’s notion they were simply no more than extensions of their husbands.
History favours the role of men in the building of our nation, but Elizabeth & Elizabeth gives these two women credit for contributions to the betterment of the colony. Williams suggests Betsey was the driving force behind the design and construction of several of Sydneytown’s public buildings, including The Courthouse and St James Church, the ‘Rum’ Hospital, and The Female Factory in Parramatta, and the development of what is now known as The Royal Botanic Gardens. Her support of her husband was also crucial to his many accomplishments as governor, despite the opposition he faced from ‘exclusivists’. Elizabeth Macarthur’s role in developing the family’s wool export business is better recognised today, though her husband continues to garner the lions share of credit. In her husband’s long absence from the colony however, she ably managed their extensive holdings, and oversaw the improvement of the merino flock that solidified their fortune.
Well-written, rich in historical detail and engaging, Elizabeth & Elizabeth is a lovely novel and recommended reading especially for those interested in Australia’s past.
February 10, 2021
Fun fact: the town where I grew up and where my family still live, is named for Governor Lachlan Macquarie. This is not particularly special, lots of things are named for both the families that are in this book, the Macquaries and the Macarthurs. They dominated the development of New South Wales in the early 1800s when Lachlan Macquarie arrived with his wife Elizabeth, known as Betsy, to take up the post of Governor, replacing William Bligh, who was famously overthrown in the Rum Rebellion of 1808, with one of the loudest voices being John Macarthur, a sheep farmer of much renown.
This book focuses on a friendship between two Elizabeths: Macquarie, who as a new bride (but not a young one) accompanies her husband to Sydney and finds it to be much less than she expected and Macarthur, who handles their family’s extensive sheep flock after her husband goes to London to defend himself on charges for the ousting of Bligh. The two women met once when Betsey Macquarie was just a child and Betsey is eager to establish a friendship with the older Elizabeth, a woman she believes to be her equal and one she admires and looks up to.
I enjoyed this – I spent my whole life in NSW until I was 24 so its history is probably my strongest, in terms what I was taught and I liked the fact that I was really familiar with the players in this story, both the Macquaries and also the Macarthurs. My cousin was actually married at Elizabeth House, which is the house that Elizabeth Macarthur lives in, in this story and is now a museum and function venue. I felt like it gave quite a good impression of firstly, what it might’ve been like for Elizabeth Macquarie to arrive in Sydney and experience the colonies first had and also how Elizabeth Macarthur might feel about the new arrival, as someone who had already been in Sydney for a significant amount of time. Although the two women do establish a strong friendship, it’s not instantaneous and Elizabeth Macarthur does often have quite negative thoughts about Betsey Macquarie. Elizabeth Macarthur is on her own, with her husband John having gone back to England but even from there, he’s working to discredit Lachlan Macquarie which, as the friendship of the two women flourishes, ends up causing quite a concern for Elizabeth, given she has loyalty to her husband but has also come to really respect and like the friendship with Betsey and she even has warm feelings toward Lachlan, who has always treated her with courtesy, when her husband’s actions meant that he could’ve made her quite an outcast.
Lachlan Macquarie was quite a progressive governor, who wanted to build roads and hospitals and buildings and grant convicts settlement rights once they had served their time, which didn’t always sit well with traditionalists. His wife Betsey had a good education and was keen to involve herself in the development of the colony – she takes an interest in the welfare of orphans and architecture and Lachlan Macquarie is happy to host those who came here as convicts in his home. But there are ugly sides to this as well – clashes with local Indigenous groups who steal sheep from properties, hunger and poverty and crime. Whilst the book skims over these, it doesn’t delve too deeply into some of the issues in the creation of Australia itself and more focuses on the friendship between the two Elizabeths and how it managed to flourish despite one woman’s husband working relentlessly to discredit and undermine the other’s as well as the stresses and strains that Lachlan’s work as well as issues in their personal life, put on their marriage. It also delves into Elizabeth Macquarie’s fight after her husband’s death, to have his rebuttal to the charges against him of mismanagement and incompetence in the colony, published.
This book also features Betsey’s strong desire to “do something” and to carve out a role for herself in this new nation, much in the way Elizabeth Macarthur has been, in managing the sheep properties whilst John has been forced to go back to London. Elizabeth Macarthur is highly capable, also raising quite a few children in a harsh environment as well as overseeing the sheep for shearing, breeding, and the export of the high quality merino wool that they became so well known for. Betsey wants to make a difference and she often looks to Elizabeth Macarthur for advice and ways in which to accomplish things without ruffling feathers.
An interesting combination of fact and fiction that held my attention and made me want to investigate both women more.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
This book focuses on a friendship between two Elizabeths: Macquarie, who as a new bride (but not a young one) accompanies her husband to Sydney and finds it to be much less than she expected and Macarthur, who handles their family’s extensive sheep flock after her husband goes to London to defend himself on charges for the ousting of Bligh. The two women met once when Betsey Macquarie was just a child and Betsey is eager to establish a friendship with the older Elizabeth, a woman she believes to be her equal and one she admires and looks up to.
I enjoyed this – I spent my whole life in NSW until I was 24 so its history is probably my strongest, in terms what I was taught and I liked the fact that I was really familiar with the players in this story, both the Macquaries and also the Macarthurs. My cousin was actually married at Elizabeth House, which is the house that Elizabeth Macarthur lives in, in this story and is now a museum and function venue. I felt like it gave quite a good impression of firstly, what it might’ve been like for Elizabeth Macquarie to arrive in Sydney and experience the colonies first had and also how Elizabeth Macarthur might feel about the new arrival, as someone who had already been in Sydney for a significant amount of time. Although the two women do establish a strong friendship, it’s not instantaneous and Elizabeth Macarthur does often have quite negative thoughts about Betsey Macquarie. Elizabeth Macarthur is on her own, with her husband John having gone back to England but even from there, he’s working to discredit Lachlan Macquarie which, as the friendship of the two women flourishes, ends up causing quite a concern for Elizabeth, given she has loyalty to her husband but has also come to really respect and like the friendship with Betsey and she even has warm feelings toward Lachlan, who has always treated her with courtesy, when her husband’s actions meant that he could’ve made her quite an outcast.
Lachlan Macquarie was quite a progressive governor, who wanted to build roads and hospitals and buildings and grant convicts settlement rights once they had served their time, which didn’t always sit well with traditionalists. His wife Betsey had a good education and was keen to involve herself in the development of the colony – she takes an interest in the welfare of orphans and architecture and Lachlan Macquarie is happy to host those who came here as convicts in his home. But there are ugly sides to this as well – clashes with local Indigenous groups who steal sheep from properties, hunger and poverty and crime. Whilst the book skims over these, it doesn’t delve too deeply into some of the issues in the creation of Australia itself and more focuses on the friendship between the two Elizabeths and how it managed to flourish despite one woman’s husband working relentlessly to discredit and undermine the other’s as well as the stresses and strains that Lachlan’s work as well as issues in their personal life, put on their marriage. It also delves into Elizabeth Macquarie’s fight after her husband’s death, to have his rebuttal to the charges against him of mismanagement and incompetence in the colony, published.
This book also features Betsey’s strong desire to “do something” and to carve out a role for herself in this new nation, much in the way Elizabeth Macarthur has been, in managing the sheep properties whilst John has been forced to go back to London. Elizabeth Macarthur is highly capable, also raising quite a few children in a harsh environment as well as overseeing the sheep for shearing, breeding, and the export of the high quality merino wool that they became so well known for. Betsey wants to make a difference and she often looks to Elizabeth Macarthur for advice and ways in which to accomplish things without ruffling feathers.
An interesting combination of fact and fiction that held my attention and made me want to investigate both women more.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
February 14, 2021
I was excited to read this after not quite being satisfied with House Made of Leaves, which was a fictional account of Elizabeth MacArthur written by Kate Grenville. This book disappointed me, mostly because I was unable to stomach the idea that Elizabeth MacArthur was still madly “in love” with her nasty, violent and self-centered husband, John, and missed him while he was away. Seriously? It was so diametrically the opposite of what Kate Grenville imagined, that it seemed borderline absurd.
The other Elizabeth - Betsey - was painfully naive and silly. There is no way she would have been listened to, in terms of her ideas for education or architecture, in those circumstances, and any woman of her time would have known that. She comes across as just childish. I did find interesting the theory that her miscarriages were caused by Lachlan’s syphilis, and the friendship between the two women did have its moments. Gad, Australia was a horrific place to be back then.
The complete lack of interest in the plight of the aborigines at least seemed true to history. I think I am beginning to understand Australians better now, coming as they did from an England that was so class and status obsessed. WIthout exception they didn’t want to be in Australia and did their best to try and make it like “home” — including, in addition to all sorts of exotic plants and animals that wreaked havoc on the native ecosystems, all the bigotry, pettiness and silliness of the British social structure. The possibility of prisoners being emancipated and - horrors - treated like human beings once they had served their sentences (aka years of slave labor) caused no end of conniption fits in the snobby, prissy overlord class. Remember, many, if not most of the “crimes” had been ones of poverty and desperation. I now understand better why Aussies are obsessed with uncovering their ancestry — to see if they’re convict or not. It’s a big part of what it means to be australian, apparently.
In a nutshell, I wanted to like this book, and there were parts that were interesting, but I ended up just irritated with the two main Elizabeths. I still think E. MacArthur is way more interesting and independent than she was portrayed in this accounting. That’s the problem with historical fiction... it’s fiction, in the end. Despite its faults, I liked Kate Grenville’s Elizabeth MacArthur a whole lot more.
The other Elizabeth - Betsey - was painfully naive and silly. There is no way she would have been listened to, in terms of her ideas for education or architecture, in those circumstances, and any woman of her time would have known that. She comes across as just childish. I did find interesting the theory that her miscarriages were caused by Lachlan’s syphilis, and the friendship between the two women did have its moments. Gad, Australia was a horrific place to be back then.
The complete lack of interest in the plight of the aborigines at least seemed true to history. I think I am beginning to understand Australians better now, coming as they did from an England that was so class and status obsessed. WIthout exception they didn’t want to be in Australia and did their best to try and make it like “home” — including, in addition to all sorts of exotic plants and animals that wreaked havoc on the native ecosystems, all the bigotry, pettiness and silliness of the British social structure. The possibility of prisoners being emancipated and - horrors - treated like human beings once they had served their sentences (aka years of slave labor) caused no end of conniption fits in the snobby, prissy overlord class. Remember, many, if not most of the “crimes” had been ones of poverty and desperation. I now understand better why Aussies are obsessed with uncovering their ancestry — to see if they’re convict or not. It’s a big part of what it means to be australian, apparently.
In a nutshell, I wanted to like this book, and there were parts that were interesting, but I ended up just irritated with the two main Elizabeths. I still think E. MacArthur is way more interesting and independent than she was portrayed in this accounting. That’s the problem with historical fiction... it’s fiction, in the end. Despite its faults, I liked Kate Grenville’s Elizabeth MacArthur a whole lot more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2020
Before I read Elizabeth and Elizabeth, I knew nothing about Elizabeth Macarthur and Elizabeth Macquarie. If I’m honest, Macarthur and Macquarie were merely names from school, lost in the annals of my time. Men. Sheep. Governor. That was it. I was more interested in explorers and bushrangers and Aboriginal stories of the Dreamtime. Politicians and sheep graziers came a poor second.
In the last few years more and more tales are being told from a female point of view and it is exhilarating to read. Woman have never just sat at home and waited as so many male oriented tales would have us believe. Even now, having looked up Elizabeth Macquarie it merely says she brought Architectural books with her to Sydney as if it was a mere whim and she didn’t really know what they were. Empty headed fool as she was, she brought them along for a lark!! Bah!
Elizabeth Macquarie accompanies her husband Lachlan, the new Governor of New South Wales to Sydney. William Bligh has just scarpered and the colony hangs in the balance. Over the next few years, they change everything, despite opposition from many, including John Macarthur, husband to Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Elizabeth strike up an unlikely friendship.
Even though the book is about the fictional relationship between Elizabeth and Elizabeth and the role of women in the colony of NSW, it is also a frontispiece for the colony itself. Through them we see Sydney and NSW changing. New ideas. New buildings. New ways of looking at convicts and power. And sheep. And land. And the indigenous peoples on the periphery, a problem to all plans of expansion.
Yes, Elizabeth and Elizabeth, is a story of female friendship but it is much more than that. It is a glance down a viewfinder to our past and for that I give it 4 stars.
Elizabeth and Elizabeth is published by Allen & Unwin in January 2021. Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my advanced reading copy.
September 7, 2021
Somehow the lives and friendship between two dynamic, intelligent women has been reduced to a snoozefest. Great slabs could have been lifted from a rose-tinted colonial textbook - listing facts and dates without emotion.
The two main characters spend most of their time talking up how wonderful heir powerful husbands are and it is only at the end of the book that there is a real acknowledgment of their contribution. Although it is made clear that they would never dare to take away from the credit and adulation given to their menfolk.
Although the preface does give warning that this issue is referred to using language common for white settlers at the time the reference to 'natives' (including a massacre) is brushed over with little attention and zero acknowledgement of any emotional response either for or against such events.
The only saving grace is that it made me look up a few facts and unfamiliar names amongst the early colonists that I was unfamiliar with before.
The two main characters spend most of their time talking up how wonderful heir powerful husbands are and it is only at the end of the book that there is a real acknowledgment of their contribution. Although it is made clear that they would never dare to take away from the credit and adulation given to their menfolk.
Although the preface does give warning that this issue is referred to using language common for white settlers at the time the reference to 'natives' (including a massacre) is brushed over with little attention and zero acknowledgement of any emotional response either for or against such events.
The only saving grace is that it made me look up a few facts and unfamiliar names amongst the early colonists that I was unfamiliar with before.
February 12, 2025
DNF. Boring, boring, boring!
December 31, 2020
Elizabeth & Elizabeth by Sue Williams
Synopsis /
The story of how two women, who should have been bitter foes, combined their courage and wisdom to wield extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony.
'I've waited for this moment so long, dreamed of it, prepared for it, I can barely believe it's finally here. But it is. And it is nothing like I expected.'
There was a short time in Australia's European history when two women wielded extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony.
One was Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of the new governor Lachlan Macquarie, nudging him towards social reform and magnificent buildings and town planning. The other was Elizabeth Macarthur, credited with creating Australia's wool industry and married to John Macarthur, a dangerous enemy of the establishment.
These women came from strikingly different backgrounds with husbands who held sharply conflicting views. They should have been bitter foes. Elizabeth & Elizabeth is about two courageous women thrown together in impossible times.
Borne out of an overriding admiration for the women of early colonial Australian history, Sue Williams has written a novel of enduring fascination.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Truthfully, I was a little unsure how I would react with this book as it’s not my favourite genre. But literally from the first page I was totally hooked!
I’m feeling so many mixed emotions. I’m relieved that our long, long voyage is over, but fearful of what awaits us in this new Land with, by all reports, its strange creatures and hostile environment. The smudge on the horizon marks the beginning of our great adventure and, while I will be happy to be on dry land once more, my heart is racing at the thought of the unknown challenges ahead.
Elizabeth ‘Betsey’ Macquarie’s journal, 31st December 1809
Such snippets from Betsey’s journal are dotted throughout – and they are hauntingly beautiful.
Sue Williams’ writing style brought this history tale to life. Told from the viewpoint of both Elizabeth Macquarie and Elizabeth Macarthur it is a story of their lives, loves, family, their unique friendship and enormous hardships each faced as a consequence of their husband’s actions. Ms Williams’ writing style expertly draws you into their hopes, dreams, fears and aspirations while each is trying to find their own way as women in the early 1800’s. The book is full of rich descriptive facts of all facets of daily life of the early days of a penal colony in New South Wales in the 1800’s.
True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends but in their worth and choice.
A great read to finish off 2020. Highly recommend.
Thank you Allen & Unwin Australia Pty. Ltd. for giving me the chance to read and review this book
Elizabeth & Elizabeth by Sue Williams
Synopsis /
The story of how two women, who should have been bitter foes, combined their courage and wisdom to wield extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony.
'I've waited for this moment so long, dreamed of it, prepared for it, I can barely believe it's finally here. But it is. And it is nothing like I expected.'
There was a short time in Australia's European history when two women wielded extraordinary power and influence behind the scenes of the fledgling colony.
One was Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of the new governor Lachlan Macquarie, nudging him towards social reform and magnificent buildings and town planning. The other was Elizabeth Macarthur, credited with creating Australia's wool industry and married to John Macarthur, a dangerous enemy of the establishment.
These women came from strikingly different backgrounds with husbands who held sharply conflicting views. They should have been bitter foes. Elizabeth & Elizabeth is about two courageous women thrown together in impossible times.
Borne out of an overriding admiration for the women of early colonial Australian history, Sue Williams has written a novel of enduring fascination.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Truthfully, I was a little unsure how I would react with this book as it’s not my favourite genre. But literally from the first page I was totally hooked!
I’m feeling so many mixed emotions. I’m relieved that our long, long voyage is over, but fearful of what awaits us in this new Land with, by all reports, its strange creatures and hostile environment. The smudge on the horizon marks the beginning of our great adventure and, while I will be happy to be on dry land once more, my heart is racing at the thought of the unknown challenges ahead.
Elizabeth ‘Betsey’ Macquarie’s journal, 31st December 1809
Such snippets from Betsey’s journal are dotted throughout – and they are hauntingly beautiful.
Sue Williams’ writing style brought this history tale to life. Told from the viewpoint of both Elizabeth Macquarie and Elizabeth Macarthur it is a story of their lives, loves, family, their unique friendship and enormous hardships each faced as a consequence of their husband’s actions. Ms Williams’ writing style expertly draws you into their hopes, dreams, fears and aspirations while each is trying to find their own way as women in the early 1800’s. The book is full of rich descriptive facts of all facets of daily life of the early days of a penal colony in New South Wales in the 1800’s.
True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends but in their worth and choice.
A great read to finish off 2020. Highly recommend.
Thank you Allen & Unwin Australia Pty. Ltd. for giving me the chance to read and review this book
Elizabeth & Elizabeth by Sue Williams
June 16, 2021
Enjoyed the early Australian history in the eyes of two influential women of their time.
Both characters were strong in different ways, one naive and trusting initially, you watch her flourish and grow. The other held strong throughout her passage, prevailing with strength of body, mind and soul.
Both characters were strong in different ways, one naive and trusting initially, you watch her flourish and grow. The other held strong throughout her passage, prevailing with strength of body, mind and soul.
December 26, 2022
I hadn't realised that Elizabeth Macquarie and Elizabeth Macarthur were contemporaries, or that their husbands were so diametrically opposed to each other. I also hadn't realised just how much Lachlan Macquarie did to make New South Wales much more than just a penal colony. This wasn't a gripping story - I was able to put it aside for a couple of months while I read other books that were accumulating, but it was an interesting insight into what life was like in the early years of the colony of New South Wales - before the name of the nation was really thought of.
August 22, 2021
Read overnight. An excellent imagining of the women's relationship
December 19, 2020
I was so excited to be able to read and review this book as I love historical fiction and better still when it is about how our own country (Australia) evolved from the early days of life in the penal colonies. And I wasn't disappointed.
A story of life, loves, friendships and hardships. A story of how hard the world was in the early 1800's and how Sydney was built from nothing.
I didn't know too much about the two women in this book or their husbands and what they did so this really brought home the story of Australia in a factual and fictional way if that makes since! Two strong women, two very different men, two ways of ruling and building a colony and two completely different worlds.
Sue Williams brought the story to life and I love that she told the story from the view points of both women as although their stories were similar they were also very different. A brilliant book, a great story and an enjoyable learning experience as well.
Thank you Allen & Unwin Australia Pty. Ltd. for giving me the chance to read and review this book
Sue Williams
Elizabeth & Elizabeth
A story of life, loves, friendships and hardships. A story of how hard the world was in the early 1800's and how Sydney was built from nothing.
I didn't know too much about the two women in this book or their husbands and what they did so this really brought home the story of Australia in a factual and fictional way if that makes since! Two strong women, two very different men, two ways of ruling and building a colony and two completely different worlds.
Sue Williams brought the story to life and I love that she told the story from the view points of both women as although their stories were similar they were also very different. A brilliant book, a great story and an enjoyable learning experience as well.
Thank you Allen & Unwin Australia Pty. Ltd. for giving me the chance to read and review this book
Sue Williams
Elizabeth & Elizabeth
February 11, 2021
DNF after 47 pages.
I really couldn't suspend disbelief that Elizabeth Macquarie was quite this naïve and inane when she arrived. Her character comes across as a 16 year old rather than a woman in her mid-twenties who had already been in charge of running two substantial households in Scotland.
The internal monologue just didn't ring true as to how I picture her nor did her meeting with Elizabeth Macarthur. It's more of a modernised account of how two present day women who knew each other well might interact, not two women in a "social standing" of their day, whose husbands were potentially at odds would react. Nor did any of the other interactions feel geniune.
I had to stop reading because I'd just be continuing to diss it rather than reading it for enjoyment.
It has encouraged me to reserve at the library some of the non-fiction accounts, particularly of Elizabeth Macquarie and go back to books such as Grantlee Kieza's biography Macquarie and see what I can make of those accounts.
Back to the library for this one, hopefully someone else will enjoy it more than me.
I really couldn't suspend disbelief that Elizabeth Macquarie was quite this naïve and inane when she arrived. Her character comes across as a 16 year old rather than a woman in her mid-twenties who had already been in charge of running two substantial households in Scotland.
The internal monologue just didn't ring true as to how I picture her nor did her meeting with Elizabeth Macarthur. It's more of a modernised account of how two present day women who knew each other well might interact, not two women in a "social standing" of their day, whose husbands were potentially at odds would react. Nor did any of the other interactions feel geniune.
I had to stop reading because I'd just be continuing to diss it rather than reading it for enjoyment.
It has encouraged me to reserve at the library some of the non-fiction accounts, particularly of Elizabeth Macquarie and go back to books such as Grantlee Kieza's biography Macquarie and see what I can make of those accounts.
Back to the library for this one, hopefully someone else will enjoy it more than me.
January 15, 2021
All too often history books are either silent on the contributions made by women or these contributions are incorrectly attributed to the men in their lives. All too often the real stories of women as individuals, their ideas and opinions, their drive, determination and personal sacrifice, are lost to history. It is in this context that I deeply admired and connected with Elizabeth & Elizabeth, Sue Williams’ ambition to fill this void fictionally.
Alternating chapter narratives draw out the likely differences in the two Elizabeth’s outlook and perspectives, while the women themselves seek out similarities upon which to base a friendship. I felt the way Williams contrasted the womens’ innermost thoughts with their judicious words and actions (particularly in the early, tentative stages of their relationship) imbued authenticity and aided characterisation. Continue reading >> https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
Alternating chapter narratives draw out the likely differences in the two Elizabeth’s outlook and perspectives, while the women themselves seek out similarities upon which to base a friendship. I felt the way Williams contrasted the womens’ innermost thoughts with their judicious words and actions (particularly in the early, tentative stages of their relationship) imbued authenticity and aided characterisation. Continue reading >> https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
Read
September 13, 2021It was a very enjoyable book, but I don't like how it shows Lachlan Macquarie as a hero and bearly notices the evil he did to the native Australians.
December 9, 2021
I’ve been on a bit of a Elizabeth Macarthur odyssey ever since I read Michelle Scott Tucker’s book Elizabeth Macarthur: A life at the edge of the world. (See my earlier review https://sckarakaltsas.com/2020/05/22/... ). When I heard about Elizabeth & Elizabeth, a fictional story about Elizabeth’s friendship with Elizabeth Macquarie, I had to buy the book.
Too many Elizabeth’s can be a bit confusing so I’ll use surnames. A young Mrs Macquarie was married to Lachlan Macquarie who came to Australia as the Governor of the new colony. He was a man of vision, providing the name of Australia and introducing social reforms to emancipate convicts despite strong opposition from the elite including Mr Macarthur. Williams imagines Mrs Macquarie to be a strong and assertive influence on Lachlan and credits her with imaginative ideas of architecture, garden landscaping as well as social welfare for young women.
Meanwhile Mrs Macarthur married to the troublesome, duel challenging at the drop of a hat, Mr Macarthur is much older and wiser not given to airs and graces while she’s grappling with a couple of sheep on the farm she’s managing because Mr Macarthur is in England sorting out the scraps he’s had with the previous Governor.
When she first arrives, Mrs Macquarie is portrayed as a wide-eyed and naïve young woman and I wondered if it might have been further from the truth given that she was thirty-one not twenty-one. But her character grows as she quickly adapts to the realities of the harshness of colonial life. She holds the much older Mrs Macarthur in high esteem. The relationship while brittle at first grows over the years as the challenges to the Macquarie’s post grows more difficult.
Of course, Mr Macarthur is as troublesome as history has portrayed. I’d always imagined that the relationship between Mr and Mrs Macarthur to be a difficult one with little love. Yet the author paints a loving and caring relationship between them. From what I’d read so far, I really doubted the woman could have done anything other than be relieved when he went to London for several years leaving her to make her mark on the colony with her sheep breeding ideas.
In reality, history being written by men provides us with little knowledge of the relationship between the two women but Williams reads between the lines to give us a delicious account of what these strong and intelligent women brought to society and to the foundations of the colony giving them credit when there’d been little before. No doubt there would have been few women from their class and they would have little choice than to fraternise despite their husbands opposing views of each other. I really liked the idea that women could come together to support each other enough to make the colony a better place. I can’t imagine how horrific it must have been to be a woman where childbirth and child raising was fraught with disease and death.
The other great insight is just how entrenched the class system was adopted and continued on from England. It’s hardly surprising that the governing bodies, serving their own self-interests were mean-spirited about the people in the colony. But wait, what’s changed today with our present government? Perhaps not a lot when you consider the refugees who came here by boat.
This novel is rich in history, well-written and researched. If you’re after a bit of history about upper-class women of influence then check this one out.
Too many Elizabeth’s can be a bit confusing so I’ll use surnames. A young Mrs Macquarie was married to Lachlan Macquarie who came to Australia as the Governor of the new colony. He was a man of vision, providing the name of Australia and introducing social reforms to emancipate convicts despite strong opposition from the elite including Mr Macarthur. Williams imagines Mrs Macquarie to be a strong and assertive influence on Lachlan and credits her with imaginative ideas of architecture, garden landscaping as well as social welfare for young women.
Meanwhile Mrs Macarthur married to the troublesome, duel challenging at the drop of a hat, Mr Macarthur is much older and wiser not given to airs and graces while she’s grappling with a couple of sheep on the farm she’s managing because Mr Macarthur is in England sorting out the scraps he’s had with the previous Governor.
When she first arrives, Mrs Macquarie is portrayed as a wide-eyed and naïve young woman and I wondered if it might have been further from the truth given that she was thirty-one not twenty-one. But her character grows as she quickly adapts to the realities of the harshness of colonial life. She holds the much older Mrs Macarthur in high esteem. The relationship while brittle at first grows over the years as the challenges to the Macquarie’s post grows more difficult.
Of course, Mr Macarthur is as troublesome as history has portrayed. I’d always imagined that the relationship between Mr and Mrs Macarthur to be a difficult one with little love. Yet the author paints a loving and caring relationship between them. From what I’d read so far, I really doubted the woman could have done anything other than be relieved when he went to London for several years leaving her to make her mark on the colony with her sheep breeding ideas.
In reality, history being written by men provides us with little knowledge of the relationship between the two women but Williams reads between the lines to give us a delicious account of what these strong and intelligent women brought to society and to the foundations of the colony giving them credit when there’d been little before. No doubt there would have been few women from their class and they would have little choice than to fraternise despite their husbands opposing views of each other. I really liked the idea that women could come together to support each other enough to make the colony a better place. I can’t imagine how horrific it must have been to be a woman where childbirth and child raising was fraught with disease and death.
The other great insight is just how entrenched the class system was adopted and continued on from England. It’s hardly surprising that the governing bodies, serving their own self-interests were mean-spirited about the people in the colony. But wait, what’s changed today with our present government? Perhaps not a lot when you consider the refugees who came here by boat.
This novel is rich in history, well-written and researched. If you’re after a bit of history about upper-class women of influence then check this one out.
March 11, 2021
3.5 stars
It’s 1790 when Elizabeth Macarthur arrives in Sydney with her husband John. Moving to Parrmatta, their farm becomes famous for its merino fleeces; but that’s not all John is known for, as he has been charged with overthrowing Governor Bligh during the Rum Rebellion of 1808. Lachlan Murdoch is sent from England as the new Governor of the colony of New South Wales. Accompanied by his wife Elizabeth, the pair arrive in 1809 with great plans for the penal colony. Although the two Elizabeths couldn’t be more dissimilar in the passions and ideals; they soon form a strong bond, despite John’s ongoing distrust of Governor Murdoch. Will John’s treacherous ways come between the two woman or will the strength of their friendship be tough enough to withstand any challenge? To find out you’re going to have to read Sue Williams’ historical fiction novel based on real life people.
I’ve previously read and enjoyed three of Williams non-fiction books and was therefore excited to receive this as a Christmas present; as I always find it interesting to see how an author takes historical events and puts their fictional twist on them. Whilst I had heard of both Elizabeths and their husbands; I didn’t know a lot about them and liked learning as I read (I did a fair bit of Googling as I went). Although a work of fiction, it’s clear Williams has done her research and I’m now keen to read more about these two amazing women who were well ahead of their time.
Frequent readers of my reviews will know I’m a very visual person and don’t like it when I cannot picture the plot and the characters in my head as I read. Williams did an excellent job of bringing the colony of NSW to life and writes the life and times of the characters in a way that makes it easy to picture yourself right beside them as they adjust to life in a new and uncertain world.
Whilst the plot was interesting and the characters outstanding, regardless of whether they were friend or foe; the pace of the book was a little slow. Whilst I don’t mind a slow burn if it builds into something, for me; Elizabeth & Elizabeth didn’t build to a crescendo ending that justified its pace. This took off some of the shine of what was otherwise a really good read.
Overall, Elizabeth & Elizabeth is a solid and recommended read about four figures in Australia’s history that we should all know about. I look forward to seeing which historical figures she puts her stamp on next.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
It’s 1790 when Elizabeth Macarthur arrives in Sydney with her husband John. Moving to Parrmatta, their farm becomes famous for its merino fleeces; but that’s not all John is known for, as he has been charged with overthrowing Governor Bligh during the Rum Rebellion of 1808. Lachlan Murdoch is sent from England as the new Governor of the colony of New South Wales. Accompanied by his wife Elizabeth, the pair arrive in 1809 with great plans for the penal colony. Although the two Elizabeths couldn’t be more dissimilar in the passions and ideals; they soon form a strong bond, despite John’s ongoing distrust of Governor Murdoch. Will John’s treacherous ways come between the two woman or will the strength of their friendship be tough enough to withstand any challenge? To find out you’re going to have to read Sue Williams’ historical fiction novel based on real life people.
I’ve previously read and enjoyed three of Williams non-fiction books and was therefore excited to receive this as a Christmas present; as I always find it interesting to see how an author takes historical events and puts their fictional twist on them. Whilst I had heard of both Elizabeths and their husbands; I didn’t know a lot about them and liked learning as I read (I did a fair bit of Googling as I went). Although a work of fiction, it’s clear Williams has done her research and I’m now keen to read more about these two amazing women who were well ahead of their time.
Frequent readers of my reviews will know I’m a very visual person and don’t like it when I cannot picture the plot and the characters in my head as I read. Williams did an excellent job of bringing the colony of NSW to life and writes the life and times of the characters in a way that makes it easy to picture yourself right beside them as they adjust to life in a new and uncertain world.
Whilst the plot was interesting and the characters outstanding, regardless of whether they were friend or foe; the pace of the book was a little slow. Whilst I don’t mind a slow burn if it builds into something, for me; Elizabeth & Elizabeth didn’t build to a crescendo ending that justified its pace. This took off some of the shine of what was otherwise a really good read.
Overall, Elizabeth & Elizabeth is a solid and recommended read about four figures in Australia’s history that we should all know about. I look forward to seeing which historical figures she puts her stamp on next.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
May 4, 2021
A delightful read examining, through a historical fiction perspective, the close friendship of Elizabeth "Betsy" Macquarie (wife of governor Lachlan Macquarie) and Elizabeth Macarthur (wife of John Macarthur one of Australia's wool industry pioneers). While I have described both these women as "wives" they were also leading figures in Australia's colonial history albeit not recognised widely: Betsy was influential in many of Governor Macquarie's emancipist and social justice policies and also worked tirelessly behind the scenes to improve the civil structures of the new colony, whilst Elizabeth managed the Macarthur wool business for a long period of time from early in its inception whilst her husband was either defending himself from the fall-out of or creating more political unrest within the new colony.
The book is easily readable and not only examines two women of great power and influence, but also provides a history lesson in Australia's early colonial history during Governor Macquarie's leadership.
The book is easily readable and not only examines two women of great power and influence, but also provides a history lesson in Australia's early colonial history during Governor Macquarie's leadership.
January 10, 2025
I was looking forward to reading this book to learn more about the early history of Australia's colonisation. In that regard, I enjoyed the story as the Macquaries attempted to take the hovel of Sydney into a modern, respectable city. Both Elizabeths were impressive women in a hard age. However, I don't love how Sue Williams wrote this book. Perhaps because she was trying to keep closer to fact than fiction, everyone seemed at arms length. I also didn't like her choice to write Betsey Macquarie in first person and Elizabeth MacArthur in third person. It felt jarring. I'm sure it will be a great discussion for the book club, nonetheless.
March 25, 2021
An enjoyable and fascinating read - pop it on your tbr list if you have a love for history and a love for Australia. The two women at the centre of the book - Elizabeth Macquarie and Elizabeth Macarthur were influential in the building of this country - even if the history was written by men. It can be challenging at times in regards to the ideas and views that were prevalent at the time, but Williams did place a warning in regards to this at the front of the book.
September 24, 2023
Loved this early Australian settlers story of English migrants… and the depictions of Sydney and parramatta.
December 1, 2023
Highly recommend for some Australian history focusing on some of the most influential women of Sydney’s early days. Also beautiful story of female friendship.
March 30, 2025
A pleasant read about colonial Sydney through the eyes of Elizabeth MacArthur and Elizabeth Macquarie.
December 26, 2024
Listened to this on audio and appreciated the insights into the early days of European settlement of Sydney told through the unlikely friendship between two smart and brave Elizabeths - Betsy Macquarie and Elizabeth McArthur.
March 6, 2021
Elizabeth and Elizabeth is the debut historical fiction release from Australian author, Sue Williams. Spanning from 1809 until 1832, the story is told in four parts in N.S.W Australia. Elizabeth Macarthur and Elizabeth Macquarie (Betsie) are the dual protagonists that Williams uses to explore many themes that are relatable to all readers. Friendship, marriage, gender roles, commitment, courage and vision are just as important today as they were over two hundred years ago. Readers also get insight into the beginning of the Australian wool industry and the Rum Rebellion, a pivotal time in history.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the two Elizabeth’s. To help differentiate between the characters, Elizabeth Macquarie’s chapters are titled Betsie. Betsie was a woman ahead of her time. An educated individual, she saw herself as equal to that of men. Interested in the outside world, Betsie knew that she was more than just a housewife. Betsie was fortunate to be married to Lachlan Macquarie, the new governor of N.S.W, who supported her beliefs. Her interests included design and architecture, which she put to good use, when she moved from Scotland to Australia. Betsie naivety in a new country was frustrating at times yet I admired her perseverance, especially when it came to building friendships. While others may have given up the ghost on being friends with Mrs Macarthur, Betsie knew that the payoff would be worthwhile.
Elizabeth Macarthur was older than Betsie. Life and marriage to John had made her jaded. The couple lived on Elizabeth Farm, known for its merino fleece but, the Rum Rebellion sees Elizabeth running it single handily for almost a decade. Facing possible charges, John had returned to England to defend himself. John took the pairs boys with him, leaving Elizabeth to raise the girls. As difficult as this would have been, I imagine that this offered Elizabeth some respite. John appeared to have some mental health issues and he often looked for trouble. Despite this, Elizabeth stuck by John, demonstrating the tough resilient woman that she was. Though Elizabeth doesn’t appear to need a friend, she did, just as much as Betsie. When Elizabeth and Betsie first crossed paths, Elizabeth was wary. She didn’t believe that Betsie would last in the harsh country conditions. Will Betsie’s persistence bear fruit?
Elizabeth and Elizabeth is a wonderful way to get to know the women behind two of Australia’s most influential men in history.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the two Elizabeth’s. To help differentiate between the characters, Elizabeth Macquarie’s chapters are titled Betsie. Betsie was a woman ahead of her time. An educated individual, she saw herself as equal to that of men. Interested in the outside world, Betsie knew that she was more than just a housewife. Betsie was fortunate to be married to Lachlan Macquarie, the new governor of N.S.W, who supported her beliefs. Her interests included design and architecture, which she put to good use, when she moved from Scotland to Australia. Betsie naivety in a new country was frustrating at times yet I admired her perseverance, especially when it came to building friendships. While others may have given up the ghost on being friends with Mrs Macarthur, Betsie knew that the payoff would be worthwhile.
Elizabeth Macarthur was older than Betsie. Life and marriage to John had made her jaded. The couple lived on Elizabeth Farm, known for its merino fleece but, the Rum Rebellion sees Elizabeth running it single handily for almost a decade. Facing possible charges, John had returned to England to defend himself. John took the pairs boys with him, leaving Elizabeth to raise the girls. As difficult as this would have been, I imagine that this offered Elizabeth some respite. John appeared to have some mental health issues and he often looked for trouble. Despite this, Elizabeth stuck by John, demonstrating the tough resilient woman that she was. Though Elizabeth doesn’t appear to need a friend, she did, just as much as Betsie. When Elizabeth and Betsie first crossed paths, Elizabeth was wary. She didn’t believe that Betsie would last in the harsh country conditions. Will Betsie’s persistence bear fruit?
Elizabeth and Elizabeth is a wonderful way to get to know the women behind two of Australia’s most influential men in history.
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