The Broad Arrow

The Broad ArrowDiscover the powerful narrative of 'The Broad Arrow', a rare gem of Australian literature revived in a critical edition. Authored by Caroline Leakey under the pseudonym Olin Keese, this captivating novel, first published in 1859, intricately weaves the poignant tale of Maida Gwynnham, a young middle class woman ensnared in the shadows of deception. Lured into forgery by her treacherous lover, Captain Norwell, Maida's life plunges into chaos as she

Discover the powerful narrative of 'The Broad Arrow', a rare gem of Australian literature revived in a critical edition. Authored by Caroline Leakey under the pseudonym Oliné Keese, this captivating novel, first published in 1859, intricately weaves the poignant tale of Maida Gwynnham, a young middle-class woman ensnared in the shadows of deception. Lured into forgery by her treacherous lover, Captain Norwell, Maida's life plunges into chaos as she faces wrongful conviction for infanticide. This evocative story, marked by gothic undertones and a profound exploration of moral dilemmas, paints a vivid picture of the 19th-century penal system and its societal implications. The novel’s title alludes to the infamous broad arrow stamped on government property—a striking symbol of shame and confinement that resonates throughout the narrative. This brand-new critical edition, edited by Jenna Mead, carefully restores previously omitted material, offering readers an opportunity to experience the complete original text for the first time in over a century. Ideal for literature enthusiasts seeking to dive deep into a significant chapter of Australian history through a female lens, 'The Broad Arrow' is a must-read. Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW, ISBN: 9781920899745, Format: B-format paperback, Year: 2019, Publisher: Sydney University Press.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781920899745
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2019
Publisher: Sydney University Press


Description:


Caroline Leakey, writing as Oliné Keese, published her first and only novel, The Broad Arrow, in 1859. It tells the story of Maida Gwynnham, a young middleclass woman lured into committing a forgery by her deceitful lover, Captain Norwell, and then wrongly convicted of infanticide. The novel's title describes the arrow that was stamped onto government property, including the clothes worn by convicts — a symbol of shame and incarceration. With its 'fallen woman' protagonist, its gothic undertones and its exploration of the social and moral implications of the penal system, this little-known novel gives an insight into a significant chapter of Australian history from a uniquely female perspective.


In this new critical edition, editor Jenna Mead restores material that was cut for a radically abridged version in 1886, restoring for the first time in over a century the complete original text of Leakey's important work.