Reviews

The Accomplice by Kathryn Heyman

bristoni74's review

2.0

Having read Peter Fitzsimmons, Batavia last year, I was keen to read this fictionalised account of Judith Bastiaansz, especially given she was the survivor I felt the most heartbreak and sympathy for. The story is about the ship-wreck off the western coast of Australia and the terrible aftermath of the sinking of a Dutch ship called Batavia in the 1600's - a Lord of the Flies tale that was sadly true with the murder and terrorising of approx. 100 men, women and children who survived the initial wreck. This novel is from Judith's perspective, looking back on that time as an older woman. At times I found it difficult to connect with Judith and without Peter Fitzsimmons fantastic non-fiction account, I may not have finished it.