The Unexpected Heiress: A Family Saga From Concentration Camp to Gold Mining Empire
In the shadow of Poisson Gold, a multi-billion-dollar gold mine conglomerate, a family's legacy unravels in a compelling tale that dives deep into the human psyche.
At the helm of this empire stands the enigmatic Abe Silver, a concentration camp survivor whose past holds secrets as complex as his fortune. With his health failing, Abe's last-minute will alters the course of history, leaving his daughter Ellie, a newly minted lawyer, to navigate a treacherous path to control the colossal riches.
As grieving Ellie grapples with the immense responsibility thrust upon her, she must confront not only the malignant opposition of her own family and the rigid glass ceiling, but also her deeply buried secret - her sexuality. Set against the backdrop of 2010, a time when LGBTQ+ acceptance was scarce, Ellie's struggle to reconcile her personal truth with her public façade adds an extra layer of complexity to this riveting narrative.
The novel seamlessly weaves between the present and the past, offering a poignant glimpse into the horrors of the Holocaust and Abe's incredible journey from a Polish concentration camp to Australia, where he emerged as a successful magnate.
With two distinct viewpoints, from Abe's harrowing past to Ellie's contemporary challenges, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a family divided by ambition, betrayal and the enduring power of love.
PRAISE FOR THE UNEXPECTED HEIRESS
'The Unexpected Heiress transcends time and weaves horrors from World War II with present-day challenges. From Abe's harrowing past to Ellie's contemporary struggles, an embittered brother, a vacuous globetrotting socialite mother, and the betrayal of a much-loved kid brother, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a family divided by loyalties, lies and the enduring power of love...this novel had things that people will enjoy, as it shines a light on what it is like to come from a family legacy and have that legacy fall on your shoulders, and the need to fight to keep it, the desire to shine a light on the different ways people are discriminated against by people who know them and people who don't.' The Book Muse
'I found The Unexpected Heiress unputdownable. I enjoyed the story of Abe's dysfunctional family and agony in naming a successor after finding out about his cancer. It certainly had many surprise moments and did not shy away from sexual choices, family drama and intrigue. I loved feeling a part of the iconic lifestyle of the Sydney Eastern Suburbs, including the morning runs, restaurants and country stays that were easy to relate to. Looking forward to the sequel.' Margaret Wave, Personal Banker. Westpac BC
'The human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity takes centre stage in The Unexpected Heiress.' Australian Book Lovers 'George writes with passion, honesty and grace. Lots of charismatic, creative and realistic characters and scenarios. I enjoyed my glimpse into the riches of the Silver family when melodramatic daily life was the norm for them. It reminded me of an 80s glamorous tv series but set in the 2000s and in the realms of successful soap Dallas. It is also reminiscent of the late great Sidney Sheldon, much in that same plot style.' Happy Valley Books'From page one, I enjoyed reading The Unexpected Heiress. I related to the people, the places in and around the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and I enjoyed the use of Yiddish words throughout the story.' Rose Sevitt, Eastern Suburbs Life
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Divided into two parts, with many reflections on the past during Abe's chapters, the novel is a lengthy examination of family legacies, gender assumptions, and familial expectations where it seems that despite it being the twenty-first century, several of the characters, including Abe for a while, are convinced a woman cannot lead a company or business - a stereotype that I felt set the tone for the characters and plot, and the ways they responded throughout the latter half of the novel....
Sydney Harbour is also a huge character in this novel, shown in its grit and glory as the novel progresses, and what different parts of the city can be like. Social prejudices of all kinds - such as those against LGBTQIA people - are littered throughout, and this aspect allows Ellie to come to terms with her sexuality in light of tragedy.
Overall, I think this novel had things that people will enjoy, as it shines a light on what it is like to come from a family legacy and have that legacy fall on your shoulders, and the need to fight to keep it, the desire to shine a light on the different ways people are discriminated against by people who know them and people who don't. The Book Muse, Ashleigh Meikle. Full review can be found on The Book Muse's website
'I found The Unexpected Heiress unputdownable. I enjoyed the story of Abe's dysfunctional family and agony in naming a successor after finding out about his cancer. It certainly had many surprise moments and did not shy away from sexual choices, family drama and intrigue. I loved feeling a part of the iconic lifestyle of the Sydney Eastern Suburbs, including the morning runs, restaurants and country stays that were easy to relate to. Looking forward to the sequel.' Margaret Wave, Personal Banker. Westpac BC
'The human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity takes centre stage in The Unexpected Heiress...' Australian Book Lovers. Full review and author interview can be found on Australian Book Lovers website and podcast
'George writes with passion, honesty and grace. Lots of charismatic, creative and realistic characters and scenarios. I enjoyed my glimpse into the riches of the Silver family when melodramatic daily life was the norm for them. It reminded me of an 80s glamorous tv series but set in the 2000s and in the realms of successful soap Dallas. It is also reminiscent of the late great Sidney Sheldon, much in that same plot style. Overall it's an entertaining and pleasing read.' Happy Valley Books
'From page one, I enjoyed reading The Unexpected Heiress. I related to the people, the places in and around the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and I enjoyed the use of Yiddish words throughout the story.' Rose Sevitt, Eastern Suburbs Life
