The Shadow of a Man

by E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung

"The Shadow of a Man" by E. W. Hornung is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the main characters Moya Bethune and Pelham Rigden, set against the backdrop of the Australian bush. Their experiences highlight themes of love, social class, and personal conflict as their relationship is tested by the challenges of their rural setting and surprising developments from their past. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Moya, a city-dwelling belle, and Rigden, her fiancé, as they enjoy a moment on the verandah of Eureka Station, discussing their future amidst the stark beauty of the Riverina landscape. Their idyllic encounter is interrupted by the arrival of an ominous stranger, which introduces a sense of tension and foreshadows potential conflict. The opening portion of the book portrays Moya's emotional depth and yearning for a meaningful connection, alongside Rigden's unease about their life together in the bush, setting the stage for the unfolding drama between love and the harsh realities of their environment.