Just So Stories

Fremantle Press

March 2026

ISBN: 9781760996673

$29.99

I love learning some history of which I’ve been unaware and when it’s told in such an engaging way as this, as well as similar books, from Fremantle Press, it’s even better. I knew about the Fenians, though admittedly not a lot, just that they were the revolutionaries determined to free Ireland from the English back in the 19th century.

62 from across several groups were arrested and transported to Western Australia. Most of these were later pardoned, except the 12 of them who were military men, court-martialled and charged with treason. After a year in the tough and often cruel conditions, one John Boyle O’Reilly escaped with the assistance of the local Catholic priest and wound up in Boston.

After some time and secret correspondence, funds were raised by Boyle and a civilian Fenian, who had been exiled and was now resident in America, and others to send a ship to rescue the remaining ex-military prisoners in a daring plan, that almost reads like a top-secret spy mission, straight out of a James Bond. Australia’s most daring prison escape, fraught with cunning planning, extraordinary tenacity, quick-wittedness and the power of a team inspired by their passionate belief in their cause was two years in the planning. The steps involved are outlined here in an enthralling narrative style, which will thrill your readers.

Mike and Joy Lefroy have collaborated to bring this amazing story of determination and a quest for justice to life for young readers. Their narrative non-fiction is liberally interspersed with primary documents, facsimiles of original letters, lithographs, newspaper reports and other ephemera as well as some stunning illustrations, photographic as well as artwork.

This is a stirring tale of bravery and ingenuity that will be well-suited to any history unit be it primary or secondary, especially those that are specifically oriented to the home state of W. A. or those UoI on colonial history. There would also be many intense discussions on law, justice, patriotism and the great Australian ethic of a ‘fair go’ as well.

It’s a cracking tale of daring and audacity, that has been produced dramatically for the W. A. Museum and also as a documentary which is well worth watching as a companion text. I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to read and review this one and add to my store of knowledge of a period of history in our country, that hardly bears thinking about, so cruel and unjust it was more often than not. I’m giving this a 5 ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️rating for readers from around upper primary to secondary – and any adult interested in this period of history.