GreatReads.org             P.C.R. PENFOLD

Inspiration for One For Sorrow:

Writing Ellen Kelly's story was a journey into resilience and defiance. Inspired by history's silenced voices, I delved into her life, a woman overshadowed by her son's notorious legacy. Ellen's strength, her love, and her courageous stand against prejudice deserved recognition. In weaving her tale, I aimed to illuminate the untold stories of women who shaped destinies amidst adversity. Her journey from Ireland to Australia echoes universal themes of family, strength, and resilience. Through the pages of this book, I aimed to breathe life into the remarkable woman obscured by history, inviting readers to witness her untold courage and enduring spirit.

Excerpt from One For Sorrow:
 

Having the children around her all day was a mixed blessing; she had been so proud of the progress that Ned in particular, had been making in school. He had mastered writing which she had never quite been able to do, and the teachers had commended her on her well-behaved children; even the lively and irrepressible Ned was always polite. Now, formal education for all of them would have to stop.

Yet another baby had added to the pressure that was building up inside Red. His natural disposition to complain and with increasing bitterness was now fired by alcoholism and was adversely affecting his behaviour. All his efforts to make money from the land, from property and from gold had failed and he had turned to stealing to patch up the cracks in their budget.

Reviews of One For Sorrow:

 An evocative exploration of Ellen Kelly's resilience and defiance, this book brilliantly resurrects a woman overshadowed by her son's infamous legacy. The narrative, inspired by silenced voices in history, honors Ellen's strength, love, and courageous stand against prejudice. A poignant portrayal of untold stories, weaving universal themes of family, strength, and resilience.