John Boyle O'Reilly (1844–1890)

australia, e-book, gutenberg-project, published-1879, britain-ireland, politics, under-10-ratings, victorian
Read from August 13 to September 03, 2013

A novel based on his experiences as a convict in Western Australia

opening: THE GOLD MINE OF THE VASSE.

THE LAND OF THE RED LINE

WESTERN AUSTRALIA is a vast and unknown country, almost mysterious in its solitude and unlikeness to any other part of the earth. It is the greatest of the Australias in extent, and in many features the richest and loveliest.

But the sister colonies of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland are famous for their treasure of gold. Men from all lands have flocked
thither to gather riches. They care not for the slow labour of the farmer or grazier. Let the weak and the old, the coward and the dreamer, prune the vine and dry the figs, and wait for the wheat to ripen. Strong men must go to the trial--must set muscle against muscle, and brain against brain, in the mine and the market.

Men's lives are short; and unless they gather gold in the mass, how shall they wipe out the primal curse of poverty before the hand loses its skill and the heart its strong desire?

http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks06/0602...

Somewhat over-rendered but that's what is alluring about Victorian writings. This is a fictional account of his escape from Australia and I couldn't recommend it. A better book is Keanally's The Great Shame.
5 likes… (mere)