Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Me and Matilda: Across Australia by Mary Seaton is a delightful yarn that takes readers back to a simpler and harsher time, across the vast expanses of the Australian outback. Wally has returned from the war and is trying to settle back into life on the farm by the mighty Murrumbidgee River. Restless and needing to find some purpose in life, Wally packs a swag and heads out into the wild outback, seeking peace and meaning. He plans to follow the great rivers of Australia, camping, hunting, fishing, and working from time to time amongst the people who make their living in this harsh environment. He finds much more than meaning and peace out on the trail; he also finds true love in the form of the beautiful Melissa. On their journey, Wally and Melissa encounter danger, adventure, and some nefarious characters determined to ruin their lives. Most of all, though, this swagman will find family, community, and contentment. 

Me and Matilda is a touching tale of the importance of family and the search for meaning. Author Mary Seaton has drawn on some memorable characters from her own history and woven a wonderful adventure set against a stunning backdrop. To the uninitiated, the Australian outback is a seemingly barren and hostile place, but the country's mighty river systems create areas of wonderful diversity and beauty. The reader is transported into this wonderland of color, excitement, and immense vastness. The two main characters, Wally and Melissa, are both beautifully drawn, and the character development is substantial. I particularly appreciated that, despite Wally’s innate sense of propriety and manners, the typical banter, teasing, and “blokiness” that we all associate with Australian males were preserved by the author. The story wonderfully explores this wild country through a series of adventures and locations, yet the overarching themes of family, love, and community are ever-present on every page. This is a wonderful story that I highly recommend.