Subject
Australians -- England -- Fiction Books
Best books
E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung
A Bride from the Bush
"A Bride from the Bush" by E. W. Hornung is a novel published in 1890. Written while Hornung worked as a tutor in rural Australia, the story critiques British society by presenting it through an Australian lens. The novel sparked debate about its portrayal of the titular Australian bride, with some calling her a libel to Australian women while others praised her character. Critics noted the work's "piquant contrast between civilization and crudity," exploring cultural tensions between the two worlds.
E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung
At Large
"At Large" by E. W. Hornung is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces the characters Edmonstone and Flint, two partners engaged in licensed hawking across the wilds of Australia. The narrative begins with their journey through the harsh Australian landscape, detailing Edmonstone's ambitions for prosperity and the tensions arising from Flint's more cynical outlook on their endeavors. The opening portion of the book sets the scene as Edmonstone and Flint travel in their wagon, highlighting their contrasting personalities—Flint is laid-back while Edmonstone is eager and anxious about their journey. As they navigate the difficult terrain, Edmonstone expresses his worry about their money and the possibility of encountering danger, especially after learning of recent robberies in the area. Their dialogue reveals Edmonstone's desperation to maintain their financial prospects, culminating in their fateful encounter with a group of masked bushrangers. The tension escalates as they find themselves bound and threatened by the outlaws, marking the beginning of their trials and perhaps foreshadowing the challenges that lie ahead in their quest for fortune.
E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung
My Lord Duke
"My Lord Duke" by E. W. Hornung is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around Claude Lafont, an aspiring poet who learns that he is now the head of the Lafont family after the death of the Duke of St. Osmund's. The story unfolds as he navigates familial expectations, societal status, and the unexpected arrival of his newly discovered Australian cousin, known as "Happy Jack," who is quite the contrast to the aristocratic world Claude inhabits. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Claude Lafont, who is dealing with the news of his title and the arrival of his estranged relative, the Duke of St. Osmund's. As Claude prepares to leave a seaside retreat to confront his new responsibilities, he is met with a mix of sympathy and skepticism from those around him. The opening scene sets a humorous tone as the characters express concern for Claude upon learning that he must find the Duke, who he imagines could be quite different from what he expects. The arrival of Jack, a rough-and-tumble man with an affinity for cats, complicates matters further, as both men must reconcile their disparate backgrounds and newfound familial ties. This sets the stage for an exploration of identity, societal expectations, and personal growth as they embark on their journey together.
E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung
Tiny Luttrell
"Tiny Luttrell" by E. W. Hornung is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around Christina Luttrell, affectionately known as Tiny, who returns to her family's sheep station, Wallandoon, in Australia after spending time away in Melbourne. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and the clash between urban sophistication and rural simplicity as Tiny navigates her changing relationships and the complexities of her past. The opening of the narrative introduces us to John Swift, the manager of Wallandoon, who is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Mr. Luttrell and his daughter, Tiny. We learn that Swift feels threatened by Tiny's return, worried that her presence might disrupt his stable position at the station. Christina is depicted as a charming and spirited young woman, already stirring mixed feelings of excitement and apprehension in Swift as she engages with the station they both hold dear. The early interactions hint at previous connections between Swift and Tiny, suggesting a complicated history that will unfold as the story progresses. The scene effectively sets the stage for a tale filled with emotional depth and character-driven drama.
Recently surfaced classics