The Singing Gold
The Singing Gold is the debut novel written by Australian author Dorothy Cottrell, first published in 1929 by Houghton Mifflin in the United States and Hodder & Stoughton in the United Kingdom. The novel was initially serialised in the Ladies Home Journal in 1927, where it gained significant attention, but once published as a book became a top six bestseller of 1929.
Plot summary
Set in the Australian outback, The Singing Gold follows the journey of Joan Jerrington-Whatmore, a young woman who sets out on a 3000-mile sheep drive across regional Australia. The narrative explores themes of endurance, adventure and the challenges of outback life. It vividly describes the Australian landscape and the resilience needed to survive in such a harsh environment.
Reception
Upon its release, The Singing Gold received widespread acclaim and positive reviews. It was praised for its authentic depictions of Australian bush life and having a strong, independent female protagonist. Mary Gilmore, a renowned Australian poet and writer, on reading The Singing Gold pronounced Cottrell "a genius". The novel's success led to its publication in multiple countries, becoming a top six bestseller of 1929.
Legacy
The Singing Gold established Cottrell as a notable writer in early 20th century Australian literature. The novel's exploration of the Australian outback and its portrayal of a determined female lead contributed to the genre of Australian bush fiction.