The Commandant

I knew little of Jessica Anderson, except in passing as the author of the popular Tirra Lirra by the River. Then, in 2012, Text Publishing re-released The Commandant amongst a large batch of 'lost Australian classics'. Anderson's 1975 novel about an unfolding crisis in Brisbane's convict settlement was a worthy inclusion with this collection.

The commandant of the title, Captain Patrick Logan, is a shadowy and increasingly malevolent presence in the book. His traits and behavior are related by others, primarily his recently arrived sister-in-law Frances. Her natural compassion and naivety quickly begin to jar against the harsh realities of life in a penal colony, especially as it is run by Captain Logan. The tensions build slowly as the show more commandant's methods come into question and his grip on power is loosened.

The Commandant was apparently Anderson's only foray into historical fiction, which is a shame, since it is researched and written with great flair. Highly recommended. show less

This book is a novelistic account of certain events that took place in Moreton Bay, Australia in 1830. Moreton Bay, 600 miles north of Sydney, was the penal colony where convicts who were considered "more dangerous" were sent. Patrick Logan is the commandant at Moreton Bay, and this novel is told from the pov of his wife's sister Frances, newly arrived from England.

Certain prisoners from Moreton Bay who have returned to Sydney have made allegations of extremely harsh treatment of the convicts at the hands of Logan, and these allegations have been published in the Sydney press. Logan has sued the Sydney newspapers for libel.

Frances, Logan's sister-in-law, arrived in Australia with an idealistic outlook on what she would find. Before show more going to Moreton Bay, she befriends some of the more liberal members of Sydney society. When she arrives in Moreton Bay, and begins to experience the harsh life there, her viewpoint begins to change. I found this book to provide amazing insight into how those in charge of the convicts attempted to maintain a "civilized" society in circumstances where brutality was prevalent, both against the convicts and the aboriginal people. Frances's ideals are threatened when an event occurs that made me think of Adela in A Passage to India, a classic with similar themes. This is an outstanding novel.

Highly recommended. show less

The Commandant by Jessica Anderson is based on a real person, Captain Patrick Logan who served as the commander of the Moreton Bay Penal Colony from 1826 to 1830. During his time there were rumours and accusations of extreme and harsh punishments. These were taken up by some of the more liberal press but the Commandant, who felt his harsh discipline was necessary mostly ignored the criticism.

The novel introduces the fictional character of Frances, the young sister-in-law to Patrick Logan, and she is horrified by the brutality she encounters and it is through her that Logan eventually is forced to face a severe judgment of his own. I found this to be a fascinating read, and although the subject matter is very different from her novels, show more the writing style reminded me somewhat of Jane Austin’s. Her descriptions of the customs, culture and rules of Colonial society are described in great detail but with a light touch that includes a certain amount of humor. The characters are well developed and interesting but the Commandant himself remains somewhat of a mystery. He is an aloof character, cold, stiff and brooding. While Frances represents the changing views of society on punishment and reform, Patrick is an unchanging man of the old school, doing what he sees is his duty.

Told with various viewpoints highlighted, The Commandant is an interesting, highly readable story that covers both the drawing room manners of the day, the role of women in the colonies as well as the changing of the rules of society on prisoner treatment. Anderson recreates a piece of Australian history and through her skilful and witty writing delivers a great read. show less

I found this book on the 1001 books to read before you die list. It is Australian historical fiction that explores prison settlements in 1800s Australian. Idealistic Frances goes to a work camp to live with her sister who is married to the officer in charge of the prison, the Commandant.

The premise was really interesting, but this book just didn't work for me. The trajectory of character development wasn't even and I felt like the plot kept shifting focus. At first Frances and her struggle to understand the different political ideologies in Australia was the focus. But then it sort of shifts more to the Commandant and his job security. And then there are a few moments where it seems like it might be heading to a romance novel feel.

If show more this is a confused review, it's because I really lost interest and lost the train of thought in this book. Maybe I needed a better background in 1800s Australia to really get into this book.

Original publication date: 1975
Author’s nationality: Australian
Original language: English
Length: 339 pages
Rating: 2.5 stars
Format/where I acquired the book: kindle purchase
Why I read this: 1001 books show less

This is part of the Text Classics series, forgotten books by Australian writers. It is Jessica Anderson's only historical novel, set in the penal colony of Moreton Bay, in the vicinity of current-day Brisbane. The prisoners are re-offenders, treated as hardened criminals who can be controlled only by severe physical punishment. The commander, Patrick Logan, is notorious for the harsh treatment he metes out, with 100 lashes the norm for even minor infractions. A journalist in Sydney has published a rumour that Logan's excessive punishment has killed a prisoner, and Logan is suing for slander, but is unable to see that the court case will put his reputation and career at risk. Logan himself believes that he is carrying out the Governor's show more orders, and that the Governor will back him, but the government in England has changed, as have policies on the treatment of prisoners. The Governor has sent a Captain, the same rank as Logan, ostensibly as a replacement for a Lieutenant but, unknown to Logan, in reality to take over his command.

The Commandant dominates the book, but he is a background figure. In the foreground are his wife Letty, her sister Frances, and the two doctors. The doctors deal with the aftermath of Logan's punishments, but the women remain unaware until a domestic incident results in a revelation.

The Commandant is based on real events and real people. Logan is remembered for his exploration of the land around Brisbane, as well as for his notorious cruelty. show less

Excellent historical novel about early convict settlement in Australia. Reviewed at whisperinggums.wordpress.com: http://whisperinggums.wordpress.com/2009/11/22/jessica-anderson-the-commandant/