The Talented Mrs Greenway by Tea Cooper

The Talented Mrs Greenway by Tea Cooper

I picked up The Talented Mrs. Greenway as it was on Better Reading’s Top 100 2024 list. The story follows Mary Greenway, who emigrates from London to Sydney in 1814 with her children to follow her husband, who was sentenced to labour in New South Wales.

Her husband, Francis Greenway, was somewhat of a prominent architect and continued his services to the crown while serving his sentence. Partly based on a true story of the characters involved.

The Talented Mrs. Greenway focuses on Mary’s contributions to her husband’s work. Fighting the times and the relocation to a little-established Sydney, Mary makes friendships that help her cause.

I was quite honestly very underwhelmed by this story. I was expecting a better story and a bit more “talent” in Mary. I kept reading through, hoping that something more would happen but it never quite got there.

I’m not sure I would recommend this book; however, I can see the value in having a bit more insight into the actions and the people that shaped modern-day Sydney from its very roots.

Find The Talented Mrs. Greenway by Tea Cooper

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