Another amazing story of one woman's challenges, dealing with domestic violence. Also a lot of historical facts regarding the shearer's strike, and how it unfolded in Qld and Victoria. In 1891. The bravery of women in those days, and how they had to tolerate men's attitudes, towards them. Not all men treated their women badly, some come to the aide of our heroine. Another woman's conniving gets herself a husband and he is under her rule. Loved the story surrounding the mighty Murray and how she helped and hindered, early settlers. A must read

In 1894 South Australia, the ebb and flow of the mighty Murray and the Darling Rivers are the powerful pulse of this compelling novel set during a turbulent strike of the sheep shearers union, the conflict with scab labor who took their place, and the police.

Fraser's characters are salt of the earth laborers caught up in the violence and strife of going up against the rich and powerful for a better living wage; - her feisty heroine, Tess Hawthorne, faces unsurmountable obstacles as well as a powerless woman in an abusive marriage. She is the soul of the story and readers will be swept up in her struggles and rooting for her during her amazing journey.

There is a darker and more serious tone to this story then Fraser's previous novel, The Milliner of Bendigo. The conflicts and violence in The Night on the Darling River are at times difficult to be a part of, but the uplifting message of the enduring strength of the human spirit and the redeeming qualities of hope and love make this story one that you will cherish, and read again.

I highly recommend The Night on the Darling River to those who enjoy American western fiction from authors Sandra Dallas, Paulette Jiles, and Charles Portis.