'Wow, just wow! Whether you know Ned Kelly, the infamous Australian bushranger, by name only, or you’re familiar with his story and how it ended, Lament is an incredibly captivating and heart-stopping story you need to read! I was astounded by how well the author seemed to be able to get into, not just Ned Kelly’s head, but his entire gang. The constant pull between knowing they caused so much death and destruction, but seeing their rebellion goals, and understanding how they might have been feeling, made for a read I didn’t want to put down.' Jenny, Reviewer
‘Kelly has written this story with obvious attention to historical detail, and her dialogue in particular is reminiscent of the time. The words and accents draw the reader in. The plot is clever and satisfying. The book delves into Ned Kelly’s family, his love life, his objectives, his choices, his ideals and his loyalties. The small but important details that are included add to the authenticity and believability of this alternate universe in which an alternative reality might indeed have happened. If you are a fan of the Ned Kelly legend or Australian history in general, this book will surprise and delight you.' Cass Moriarty
‘Lament is a captivating book which had me enthralled from the first page, I simply could not put it down. Nicole Kelly’s portrayal of the historically famous Ned Kelly story from a first-person perspective is brilliant. She delves into the mind of Ned in a way that makes you feel like it is really happening. I felt like I could see her story playing out in front of me, I was completely involved in all the action, my emotions riding each wave as the story evolved, cheering for the Kelly gang and sitting on the edge of my seat nervous about what will come next. Lament offers an amazing perspective on a ‘what if…’ for the Kelly Gang. A brilliant read, which I highly recommend!’ Sharon Sealey
'I enjoyed reading Lament. It was a fresh take on the legend that is Ned Kelly. Nicole certainly knows how to write, with Ned’s voice coming through loud and clear… it’s an impressive work of fiction which highlights the author’s range of talents.' Brad Webb, Australian Iron Outlaw website
‘Deserving of a mini-series adaption! Nicole Kelly and Hawkeye have done Australian folk history proud, Lament cleverly weaving fact and fiction together, staying true to history and vision, all while being respectful to those involved.’ Lawrey Goodrick, Author
‘Last night I dreamt I had been shot in the shoulder by Ned Kelly. When I woke it took me ages to settle and not feel aggrieved; to realise my shoulder, and neck, had seized-up as a consequence of reading most of Nicole Kelly’s captivating novel, Lament, in a single session during the night.’ Peter Long, Author
‘Nicole Kelly writes with such engaging olde world charm, you’ll be immediately pulled into discovering the person Ned Kelly might have been. If you’ve ever wondered what might have happened if the Kelly gang lived on, this is the heartbreaking read for you.’ Bren MacDibble, Author
‘I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of Lament from Hawkeye Publishing. My shelves groan with the number of books on bushrangers – the Kelly gang in particular. I’ve read the worthy tomes from Ian Jones (the benchmark), Peter Fitzsimons, Frank Clune et al, but this from Nicole Kelly is definitely my first, ‘first person’ account. No-one can possibly know what was going on inside the helmet, but the author has had a bloody good crack at it. Lament is a terrific read – made even more notable given that it’s Nicole Kelly’s first novel. And, for a tale that has been so well documented over the last 140 years, it has a twist you won’t see coming.' Greg Tobin, Journalist
‘I didn’t see the bombshell coming. Thrilling re-write. I couldn’t get enough of Ned. Lament brings landscape and characters to life.’ Cate Sawyer, Author
‘Lament is clever, wicked, action-packed, thought-provoking and satisfying. I highly recommend to all. This book took me on a journey packed with emotions and delightfully bittersweet moments where I couldn’t help but root for the success of Ned Kelly. If you want a story that connects your mind, body and soul then this is a definite read. And what have I learned by reviewing Lament as part of my final year university internship? – the wonderful experience of broadening knowledge by reading outside our usual genres. A whole new world awaits. An epic story that connects you mind, body and soul. Highly recommended.' Catie Leigh, Reviewer
‘I reckon it takes a fair bit of ticker to tackle a subject as enormous as the controversial bushranger with your debut novel – but not if you’re as game as Nicole Kelly.' John Harms
‘The writing style is full of personality from the onset. The descriptions of the Australian outback are stunning, woven into the internal monologue of Ned’s thoughts and balancing out harsh criminal actions and turbulent character dynamics between Ned and the rest of his gang. Even though we stay exclusively in Ned’s head, we get a good sense of how each and every character feels when they make whatever choice they make. A very interesting novel.' Nita Delgado, Reviewer
