The Black Dress Mary MacKillop's Early Years (New)

'This fictionalised biography presents the early life of educationalist and spiritual leader, Mary MacKillop. In this first person narrative, the subject in old age reflects upon her childhood and adolescence, spent largely in rural Victoria and Melbourne during the period 1845 to 1861.

As the determined and clever eldest child, Mary battles to provide for her mother and siblings when her brilliant but feckless father moves from one disaster to another. Pamela Freeman's description of an extended Scottish-Australian family provides insight into the lives of the many young settlers who grew up on farms and on the goldfields in mid-nineteenth century Australia . There is also a graphic account of work in a city warehouse.

The story concludes with the young woman's realisation of her vocation to found a religious order which will offer free education to poor rural children. At this point, Mary disappoints her mother by donning the black dress of the book's title.

This tough book seeks to reveal experience which would be unfamiliar to many young readers and perhaps uncongenial to some. However, beyond any particular faith issues raised, an understanding of the role played by the Catholic Church in nineteenth century Australia is vital to an understanding of many aspects of social and political history, including the development of the Australian labour movement. As well, Mary provides a role model of an unconventional and fearless young woman.'