The Governor, His Wife and His Mistress

Sue Williams

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English

Allen & Unwin
01 January 2025

Historical fiction; Australian Fiction

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'The very best historical fiction ... Williams' novel gives voice in a page-turning narrative to the compelling lives and experiences of two forgotten women of early colonial Australia.' Melissa Ashley, author of The Naturalist of Amsterdam

'I very much enjoyed That Bligh Girl, and eagerly look forward to reading its prequel.' Judy Nunn, author of Black Sheep

When future governor Philip Gidley King sailed with the First Fleet to the new colony, he had his pick of the convict women to look after him.

Two years, and two sons, later, he set out back to England to provide a report on Sydney and its newly tamed Norfolk Island, as his mistress Ann Inett begged him to return to her and their children.

After a year and a half he did - but bringing with him a shocking secret that would cut her to the core, and change all their lives forevermore.

This is a story of tangled love affairs, female friendship, twisted loyalties, betrayals, hardship, male infidelity, and the tragedies and triumphs of life in a new land.

'Williams skilfully shows the too-often overlooked impact women had on the early development of the colony.' Meg Keneally, Weekend Australian

'Superb narration and engrossing drama.' Tom Keneally on That Bligh Girl

'Williams draws a touching portrait of a friendship that manages to thrive despite difficulties small and large.' Sydney Morning Herald/The Age on Elizabeth & Elizabeth

By: Sue Williams
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm,
Weight: 432g
ISBN: 9781761471049
ISBN 10: 176147104X
Pages: 416
Publication Date: 01 January 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Sue Williams' first two historical novels, Elizabeth & Elizabeth, about Elizabeth Macquarie and Elizabeth Macarthur, and That Bligh Girl, with Mary Bligh and her father, the notorious mutiny survivor and governor William Bligh, both proved bestsellers. Now this is her third, being their prequel, in her series about the early days of colonial Australia. She believes we have one of the most colourful pasts in the world and is always eager to explore it and give a voice to some of the most fascinating characters, usually women, who have been the most unheard until now. Sue is also an award-winning journalist, travel writer and bestselling author of non-fiction. Her previous books include Run For Your Life: The remarkable true story of a family forced into hiding after leaking Russian secrets; Under Her Skin: The life and work of Professor Fiona Wood; Mean Streets, Kind Heart: The Father Chris Riley Story; Father Bob: The larrikin priest; The Last Showman: Fred Brophy; No Time For Fear: Paul de Gelder; Peter Ryan: The inside story; And Then The Darkness and Daughter of the River Country. Other books are about travel, true crime and genetics, while she has also had a children's book published. Sue lives in Sydney with her partner Jimmy Thomson, who writes crime thriller novels as James Dunbar, and their cat who remains steadfastly unimpressed by anything they do.