The Pearler's Wife

Roxane Dhand

The Pearler's Wife
Format
Paperback
Publisher
Penguin Books Australia
Country
Australia
Published
1 September 2020
Pages
400
ISBN
9781760899189

The Pearler’s Wife

Roxane Dhand

This stunning debut is a compelling piece of historical fiction, set at the turn of the century, among the pearl merchants making their fortune in the ports of Western Australia.

From the high seas to the deep seabed, from the latticed verandahs of Buccaneer Bay to the gambling dens in Asia Place, The Pearler’s Wife is a stunning debut, inspired by a small yet pivotal moment in Australian history.

A distant land. A dangerous husband. A forbidden love.

It is 1912, and Maisie Porter stands on the deck of the SS Oceanic as England fades from view. Her destination is Buccaneer Bay in Australia’s far north-west. Her purpose- marriage to her cousin Maitland, a wealthy pearling magnate - and a man she has never met.

Also on board is William Cooper, the Royal Navy’s top man. Following a directive from the Australian government, he and eleven other ‘white’ divers have been hired to replace the predominantly Asian pearling crews. However, Maitland and his fellow merchants have no intention of employing the costly Englishmen for long …

Maisie arrives in her new country to a surprisingly cool reception. Already confused by her hastily arranged marriage, she is shocked at Maitland’s callous behaviour towards her - while finding herself increasingly drawn to the intriguing Cooper.

But Maisie’s new husband is harbouring secrets - deadly secrets. And when Cooper and the divers sail out to harvest the pearl shell, they are in great danger - and not just from the unpredictable and perilous ocean …

‘An appealing tale of forbidden love and the perils of an unfamiliar land’ Herald Sun

‘Dhand’s compelling debut explores racism, homosexuality and social class, with a hefty dose of romance thrown in’ Sunday Times, Perth

This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in 3-5 days

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.