Reviewed by Susan Hancy
Have you ever wondered about the lives of the pioneers
of our national parks? Finding your way through the bush or mountains may be
simple enough today by following tracks and signs, but how was it for the early
settlers of country Australia in the 19th century who established
these trails and had the foresight to preserve these areas? The Rebels of
Mount Buffalo takes us back to 1893 and into the lives of the Mansfield
family, whose daughter, Alice, was pivotal in the creation of the Mount Buffalo
National Park in Victoria. Alice was a rebel of her time, ignoring the
conventional expectations of women in the home and establishing herself as both
a mountain guide and documenter of the nature of the region. With the help of
the local indigenous people, her father, James, forged the route to the top of
the mountain that is still used by travellers today.
The Rebels of Mount Buffalo
is a story about a fictional character, 13-year-old Clara, who slips back in
time from 1998 to 1893 where she encounters the imagined lives of the Mansfield
family. In 1998, Clara and her parents are still reeling from the death of her
twin brother two years earlier in a car accident. Lacking self-confidence and
walking on eggshells between her parents who have since divorced, the trio are
having an awkward family holiday at the Mount Buffalo Chalet for the centenary
celebrations. When Clara, dressed as a maid in period costume, is alone
exploring the display of Guide Alice’s photography, she is transported through
time to 1893 via the lens of Alice’s camera.
Clara awakes to hustle and bustle in the original hotel
of the Mansfield family at the foot of the mountain. She passes herself off as
newly arrived help, faking her way under the guidance of Alice through the
daily laborious duties of cleaning, washing, and cooking without the aid of
modern appliances. Worried about how she can return to 1998 and her parents,
she confides in Alice that she has travelled through time and naturally Alice
doesn’t believe her. But when Clara and Alice get mixed up in a gunfight higher
up the mountain between some questionable characters from depression-ravaged Melbourne,
Clara puts her resuscitation skills into action. Alice, amazed by Clara’s
ability to bring Alice’s brother back to life, comes around to believing
Clara’s time travel story and Clara’s confidence grows because of Alice’s
admiration. They become close friends and Clara puts her trusts in Guide Alice
to find her way home.
The acts of travelling through time via the lens of
the camera are symbolic in this story, yet a little too convenient for the plot
line. However, this can be overlooked as the prose transports the reader into visualising
the beauty of the virgin wilderness of Mount Buffalo and surrounds. It has made
me want to visit the area and has certainly sparked my curiosity in Guide
Alice.
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