The Broad Arrow (eBook)

Being Passages From the History of Maida Gwynnham, a Lifer

Caroline Woolmer Leakey (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
320 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654705466-5 (EAN)

Infos

In "The Broad Arrow," Caroline Woolmer Leakey masterfully intertwines the themes of survival, injustice, and resilience within the harrowing narrative of convict life in Australia during the 19th century. This novel employs a rich, descriptive literary style that captures both the stark brutality and fleeting beauty of the Australian landscape, reflecting the inner turmoil and fortitude of its characters. Seamlessly blending historical facts with imaginative prowess, Leakey paints a vivid portrait of the socio-political climate of the time, critiquing the penal system while evoking empathy for those deemed outcasts of society. Caroline Woolmer Leakey, an English-born writer, was profoundly influenced by her own heritage and the convict history of Australia, where she spent several years. Her deep understanding of the psychological landscape of exile and punishment stems from her extensive research and her connections to the penal colonies. Leakey's own experiences and observations bear significant weight in shaping the authentic yet poignant tales woven throughout this novel, making it not just a work of fiction but a reflective account of human endurance. I wholeheartedly recommend "The Broad Arrow" to readers interested in historical fiction that probes into the complexities of human nature and societal structures. It resonates with those fascinated by tales of resilience against adversity, offering both an educational experience and a moving exploration of the human spirit in the face of unfathomable challenges.

Autor

Caroline Woolmer Leakey (1827-1881), often recognized by her nom de plume Oliné Keese, was an English writer whose literary works reflected a poignant exploration of life in nineteenth-century Tasmania. Leakey's most significant contribution to literature is her novel 'The Broad Arrow', first published in 1859, which is notable for its early feminist tones and the vivid portrayal of convict life in Australia. Authored during Leakey's convalescence due to illness, the book provides profound insights into the harsh realities and moral complexities faced by female convicts of the era. The novel is distinguished by Leakey's sensitive characterizations and her meticulous depiction of the Tasmanian landscape, evidencing a deep empathy for human suffering combined with a sharp critique of the penal system. Leakey's narrative unfolds in a gripping, realist style, marked by its evocative language and rich, descriptive passages. Although 'The Broad Arrow' is Leakey's most celebrated work, paving the way for subsequent Australian literature, her literary output was curtailed by her deteriorating health. Despite a limited bibliographical presence, Leakey's contribution to the literary portrait of convict Australia endures, and her work remains a critical resource for understanding the social and historical context of the time. Her novel continues to be examined by scholars interested in colonial and women's literature, standing as a testament to her compelling blend of social commentary and storytelling prowess.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 3.6.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Historische Romane
• Schlagworte: 1860s works • 1900s works • 19th century fiction • 19th century struggles • Australian historical novels • british author • Caroline Woolmer Leakey works • Classic • classic English novels • colonial Australia settings • Convict Era • convict literature • Convict settlement • detailed character portraits • English convict lives • Female authors • gender roles exploration • historical fiction • historical fiction enthusiasts • historical penal system • immersive narrative style • Justice and Redemption • Life prisoner • Melancholic tone • novels about crime and punishment • penal colony • Port Arthur • Social Reform Advocate • Tasmania • The Broad Arrow novel • Van Diemen's Land • victorian era literature • Victorian social structures