Jackie French, Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger, Angus & Robertson, December 2024, 320 pp., $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781460763506
It is 1859, near the Ballarat goldfields. Tigg is a determined and resourceful 12-year-old orphan living with the austere and unscrupulous Ma Murphy at the Pot ‘o Gold, shanty. They operate a modest business selling provisions to Chinese migrants (‘Celestials’), Europeans, and ex-convicts, all struck with ‘gold fever.’ Tigg’s alter ego is the ‘Bandicoot Bushranger’ – the youngest known bushranger in this area. Wounded in a robbery gone wrong, Tigg flees her home in disguise and takes the time, at one with the land, to consider her options and her future. Most of all Tigg is in search of her identity, and as she meets various friends along the way she develops a persona for each of them, prompting her to engage in self-reflection and her life’s course.
Jackie French, one of Australia’s most beloved children’s authors, delivers another captivating historical adventure in Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger. Set in colonial Australia, the novel weaves an engaging tale of resilience, courage, and survival through the eyes of its young protagonist, Tigg.
Jackie is a master of historical fiction. Her signature storytelling shines through in this book. She consistently brings history to life, painting a vivid picture of early Australian society, its harsh realities, and the resilience of those who lived through it. The novel touches on themes of moral dilemmas, friendship, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy, making it an engaging read for young audiences.
The language is accessible yet rich in historical detail, making it both educational and entertaining. French’s ability to create well-developed characters ensures that readers become emotionally invested in Tigg’s journey. In addition, the supporting characters are well-developed and relatable.
Jackie’s extensive research into this period in Australia’s colonial period adds depth and authenticity to the story. The novel does not make light of the struggles of the past or indeed those of the young protagonist, but moreover, highlights the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by people with few if any options of survival.
Highly recommended for middle-primary readers aged 8 – 12 years who enjoy historical fiction and adventure. Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger is an exciting, thought-provoking, and educational novel that will captivate young readers and leave them with a deeper understanding of Australia’s bushranger era.
It would make an excellent class novel to introduce Australia’s colonial past to students.
Reviewed by Julie Deane
See Maureen Mann’s review of Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger
