Golden Urchin

I was totally involved in this wonderful story. I've never been disappointed by Madeleine Brent, but this must surely be her best work ever.The somewhat slow beginning is probably not for everyone, but it helped me get into the story. By the time Mitji found Luke and rescued him, I already felt that I knew her. Her life and adventures as Meg were never completely free of the Mitji period, and when Mitji was needed again, she was up to the task.I bought this book used, which apparently is the only way to get it, but I would have paid the cover price just to have it.

I have discovered Madeleine Brent's novels recently and liked those so much that I have tried to read all of them. Two of these novels I have not managed to find yet (for a reasonable price), but so far Golden Urchin is my favorite of Brent's novels. Mitji is a white girl which has been raised by aborigenes and as the novel starts she is leaving her tribe to go search for the tribes of more white people. And Mitji's personality is fascinating, she looks at things very differently than expected because of the way she was raised and it is touching to watch her adapt to Western civilization. The love story is also believable and touching. Excellent novel, very recommended.

This is one of Madeleine Brent's best. Exciting mystery, characters to admire and ache for, this novel is set in Australia and focuses on a girl's journey from aborigine tribal life to proper English girl living. I can't get enough of Madeleine Brent's work.

I have been addicted to Madeleine Brent since I found her. Even Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt don't create such gripping, admirable and yet eminently likeable heroines. Golden Urchin is, I think, the best of her books, funny and exciting at the same time as it is poignant and romantic. Meg is hilarious and Luke and Rosemary have one of the sweetest, most tragic marriages I've ever read about. This is a must-read for anyone who likes romantic suspense.