Ironbark Hill Sparknotes

Ironbark Hill tells the story of sixteen-year-old Natalie Chapman as she begins to navigate the world during her transition to adulthood. Natalie lives with her family of six in Australia during the Elizabethan era, which includes her mother, mentally handicapped brother, alcoholic stepfather, and two younger sisters. As she begins to come into her own in regards to her dreams and passions, she becomes increasingly at odds with her abusive stepfather, Alex Townsend. Natalie begins to discover more of her talents and desires while uncovering a family secret that threatens to consume her. As her story continues, she realizes how much strength she has and how to reach all the goals she sets for herself.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. Ironbark Hill keeps the reader interested in Natalie’s story and engaged in the many exciting events that occur to her or around her. The book is also a quick, easy read that allows for a pleasant afternoon journey to a past time. While the reader is interested in what happens to Natalie, it is hard to label her the heroine. Other aspects of her character make it hard to consistently root for her, but she does have spirit when it comes to Alex! Being a sixteen year old would probably account for some of the foolishness that she partakes in, and I

Alex is an alcoholic and abusive to multiple members of the family, including Natalie’s mother. Her mother puts up with the abuse and appears to cower in Alex’s presence. However, one day Alex goes too far in his abuse of Natalie and her mother begins to show her strength and independence. It is fulfilling to watch her transform into a force to be reckoned with, when needed, throughout the remainder of the book. You can tell that she is finding herself again, based on the memories that are told about her, even if she is never able to detach herself from