[.ca] Coldwater (ISBN 034544812X)

Not what I expected...:
I was expecting a historical novel about the three Bronte sisters, and although a completely rivetting tale, and well written, it is NOT historical fiction. I was disappointed to find out at the end of the novel that it is 100% fiction, and these characters did not exist. I guess I expected more of an embellishment of history, and not 100% fiction. The sisters NEVER were on Coldwater, their father was never a warden, and their brother did not die when they were younger. I enjoyed the fiction, I enjoyed the story and it was very suspenseful. I thought I was "learning" about the Bronte sisters in Coldwater, but actually, the author was using the Bronte sisters within her book.

Not exactly a Disney ending, but not bad nonetheless:
Coldwater is a fascinating book about 3 women Charlotte, Emily and Anne who have lived there last 8 years on the island of coldwater, which just so happens to be a prison. No anne charalotte and emily are not convicts. They are the daughters of Captain Wolf, who owns the prison even as they go about there normal lives the prison is beginnign to affect them too. When a convict attempts to murder there father they're suddenlly faced with the notion of what would happen if he were to die? Where would they stay? Charlotte has the bright idea of becoming authors to make there money so they set out to do this, but then there life begins to take some unexpected turns. Written in four different peoples views, this facsinating novel toys with the idea that your sourroundings now can affect you for the rest of your life. This is a truly magnificent story, but rememer does not end with a Disney ending. A wonderful book for young adults and adults

Gem:
Excellent Read. I had the hardest time finding this book in the bookstores. The story is so unique, beautifully written - true literature. Not to mention intriguing (I read it in a day). It is a shame it has not gotten the recognition it deserves. Hopefully, her next book will get more publicity so this book will get some spotlight it deserves.

Chilling, suspenseful gem:
Some of the greatest fiction written has come from small, unheralded writers far from the maddening crowds of New York. Read this fine novel and learn that truth. Coldwater is an Australian penal colony in the 1840s, a time when the prison trade was one of Australia's most important businesses. But Coldwater is more than the average prison. It is the equivalent of America's Alcatraz Island ; a cold barren rock of an island separated from the mainland and without a successful escape attempt. The credit for its impermeability is given to the prison's governor, Captain Wolf, seen here mostly through the eyes of his three single adult daughters. Life on a penal island is short on oppurtunity for women. Love prospects are few and, short of domestic chores, there is little to occupy their lives. Lack of intellectual oppurtunity, lack of romance and a lack of consideration from a career-obessed father create the perfect recipe for depression, rebellion and the familial breakdown that fuels the page-turning drama in this book. The drama builds and builds into a tremendous climax of destruction, loss and conflagration. And yet magically McConnochie ends this story of disturbance with a sweet romanitc ending. The author, Mardi McConnochie, admits a fascination with the Bronte sisters and weaves that fascination heavily into her plot, even naming her three female characters Charlotte, Emily and Anne. McConnochie has done copious historical research for her novel and capsulizes her learning in a historic note at the end of the story. Her historic setting is true, the atmospheric essence is powerful. And despite the use of viewpoint that hops between the main characters(from 1st to 3rd person), diaries and snippets of textbooks, the author keeps the storyline free of confusion and wastes no words. I have never seen an author who handles changing viewpoints so deftly. This a gem. It is a tremendous book. Written by a more recognized author it might be deemed a classic. Having been authored by this Aussie, it is sad that it may well be forgotten. I heartily recommend this novel for all readers.

-fascinating story-:
This is a captivating story that's beautifully told. It's gripping and, in the middle and towards the end, full of suspense. The characters are intriguing. The way the story is told (through the eyes of different characters in the story) is quite effective. The ending is unpredictable..