Research Background
A book of historical fiction aimed at a readership from 10-14 years, which describes a landmark Australian era - the building of the Snowy Mountains hydroelectric scheme by a diverse migrant workforce – through the eyes of a twelve-year-old girl, the eponymous Eva Fischer. The book is part of the My Story series, which examines turning-points in Australian history through a diary format with a young protagonist.
Research Contribution
The book is heavily based on McHugh’s award-winning history of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, The Snowy – The People Behind The Power (Heinemann 1989 and Harper Collins 1995; winner of the Douglas Stewart award for non-fiction in the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards). The fictional storyline is dense with plot and character to engage the reader, while a comprehensive Historical Note explains what is true and what aspects have been adapted /altered. Although a gripping yarn, Eva Fischer is based on extensive primary research conducted by McHugh.
Research Significance
The book has been on the NSW Premier’s Reading List for Years 7 and 8 (high school) since its publication in 2003. It has a high return on Educational Lending Right and sells well, indicating that it fills a gap in the field. It has also been well reviewed in quality newspapers like The Age.
Confirming their significance, the collection of almost 100 oral histories documented by McHugh, and on which both books are based, was acquired by the Mitchell Library, at the State Library of NSW.
Publication Details
McHugh, S. A. (2003). My Story: Snowy - The Diary of Eva Fisher. Scholastic, Gosford, NSW, 248p.
Further information available here and here.
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RESEARCH IMPACT STATEMENT
Research Background
A book of historical fiction aimed at a readership from 10-14 years, which describes a landmark Australian era - the building of the Snowy Mountains hydroelectric scheme by a diverse migrant workforce – through the eyes of a twelve-year-old girl, the eponymous Eva Fischer. The book is part of the My Story series, which examines turning-points in Australian history through a diary format with a young protagonist.
Research Contribution
The book is heavily based on McHugh’s award-winning history of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, The Snowy – The People Behind The Power (Heinemann 1989 and Harper Collins 1995; winner of the Douglas Stewart award for non-fiction in the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards). The fictional storyline is dense with plot and character to engage the reader, while a comprehensive Historical Note explains what is true and what aspects have been adapted /altered. Although a gripping yarn, Eva Fischer is based on extensive primary research conducted by McHugh.
Research Significance
The book has been on the NSW Premier’s Reading List for Years 7 and 8 (high school) since its publication in 2003. It has a high return on Educational Lending Right and sells well, indicating that it fills a gap in the field. It has also been well reviewed in quality newspapers like The Age. Confirming their significance, the collection of almost 100 oral histories documented by McHugh, and on which both books are based, was acquired by the Mitchell Library, at the State Library of NSW.