The Traitors

If you’re into sprawling historical sagas filled with family rivalries, colonial intrigue, and just a touch of romance, then The Traitors by William Stuart Long (writing as Vivian Stuart) might just be your next page-turner. This 1981 installment is the third book in The Australians series, and it dives headfirst into one of Sydney’s most turbulent political moments—the infamous Rum Rebellion and the tumultuous governorship of William Bligh. While the novel delivers on drama and atmosphere, it’s not without its hiccups.

Set in early 19th-century New South Wales, the story centers around the interconnected lives of settlers, particularly the Taggart and Dawson families, as they navigate life under a volatile colonial show more administration. You’ve got Jenny Taggart, who’s smart and resilient, trying to hold her family together amid shifting loyalties. Then there’s Andrew Hawley, a man torn between duty and desire, and Abigail Tempest, whose quiet strength adds emotional depth to the ensemble. The characters are varied, and you definitely get a sense of the social hierarchy, personal ambitions, and moral gray areas that defined the era.

What The Traitors does really well is evoke the tension of the time. The political unrest surrounding Governor Bligh—yes, that Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame—is portrayed with a decent amount of historical fidelity. The way the colonial elite, especially those profiting from the rum trade, maneuvered against a governor trying (however clumsily) to enforce order comes through clearly. You can almost feel the simmering resentment in the air, and Long does a good job showing how these larger forces ripple through everyday lives.

The pacing can be a bit uneven, though. There are moments—especially during political debates or logistical descriptions of colonial trade—where the narrative drags a little. If you’re not deeply into colonial economics or military logistics, you might find yourself skimming. And while the characters are generally well-intentioned, some feel a bit underdeveloped. Jenny Taggart stands out as compelling and layered, but others—particularly some of the secondary players—tend to veer into archetypes: the stern patriarch, the rebellious son, the virtuous maiden.

On the plus side, the book doesn’t shy away from moral complexity. Its title, The Traitors, isn’t just for show—allegiances are questioned, betrayals cut deep, and the line between patriot and traitor gets blurry depending on who’s holding the pen. That nuance keeps the story from feeling too black-and-white, which is refreshing for a historical series aimed at a broad audience.

Stylistically, the prose is straightforward, which makes it accessible but occasionally lacks flair. This isn’t a lush, literary dive into the Australian bush—think more family saga meets docudrama. It’s not trying to be Gone With the Wind, but for fans of the genre, it gets the job done.

In short: The Traitors is a satisfying read if you’re already invested in The Australians series or enjoy historical fiction that blends real events with fictional family drama. It’s informative, emotionally engaging at times, and gives a vivid picture of early colonial Australia. It won’t revolutionize the genre, but it holds up as a solid, character-driven period piece—just come prepared for a few dry patches and familiar tropes.

Worth picking up for historical fiction buffs, especially if you’re continuing the series. It won’t blow your mind, but it’ll keep you company on a long weekend. show less