The Stag Diary

 

Title: The Stag Diary - Passage to Colonial Adelaide 1850

Author: Doug Limbrick

Review:

Imagine packing up your entire life into a few bags and stepping onto a wooden ship for a months-long journey across the world. That’s the reality captured in The Stag Diary.

What grabbed me was how personal it feels. Through the diary of Francis C. Taylor, you don’t just read about emigrants—you feel their hunger, frustration, and flickers of hope. It’s like peeking into someone’s journal from 175 years ago.

Doug Limbrick doesn’t stop at the diary. He adds context about emigration schemes, explains what Adelaide was like when the passengers arrived, and even includes art from one of the crew members. That combination makes the book feel alive and layered.

I also liked how the writing never feels too heavy. Even if you’re not a history fan, the real human emotions make it easy to connect with. It’s not a dusty record; it’s a story of survival and new beginnings.

For anyone curious about migration, sea voyages, or just human resilience, this book delivers a mix of history and heart. It’s the kind of read that makes you pause and think about how much people endured to chase their dreams.

Rating: 5/5

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