The Challenge (novel)
 First edition | |
| Author | E. V. Timms |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Great South Land Saga |
| Publisher | Angus and Robertson |
Publication date | 1952 |
| Publication place | Australia |
| Pages | 316pp |
| Preceded by | The Valleys Beyond |
The Challenge is a 1952 Australian novel by E. V. Timms. It was the fifth in his Great South Land Saga of novels.
It is set in Australia during the 1850s.[1]
Plot
[edit]"On her deathbed, Susan Leigh's mother tells her a strange story, and gives her a strange task to carry out. As a result, Susan sets out to find her father, and justice. Background is Bass Strait, Melbourne, and the Victorian goldfields in the 1850s."[2]
The Gubbys, Martha and Henry, make an appearance.
Reception
[edit]The Northern Standard said "The yarn is better than it sounds and should prove popular with those who like historical romance told with some gusto against an Australian background."[3]
The Adelaide News said it had "Plenty of action and rich, ripe melodrama, but a very readable yarn, nevertheless."[4]
The Age said "the story moves swiftly. The chapters on the island are forceful, vivid and effective."[5]
The Bulletin criticised "the artificial dialogue and cardboard characterisation" and "the mechanised devices by which Mr. Timms puts into the mouths of his characters long tracts of historical research."[6]
Radio adaptation
[edit]The novel was adapted for radio in fifteen minute episodes in 1953, read by Lyndall Barbour.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "HISTORY TOLD AS STORY". Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate. National Library of Australia. 22 November 1952. p. 5. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
- ^ "QUICK LOOKS". The News. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 14 November 1952. p. 11. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
- ^ ""THE CHALLENGE"". Northern Standard. Vol. 8, no. 1. Northern Territory, Australia. 2 January 1953. p. 3. Retrieved 11 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "QUICK LOOKS". The News. Vol. 59, no. 9, 132. South Australia. 14 November 1952. p. 11. Retrieved 11 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Enjoyable romance". The Age. 27 December 1952. p. 10.
- ^ "Two Bestsellers", The Bulletin, 74 (3806), Sydney, N.S.W: John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, 21 January 1953, nla.obj-532501528, retrieved 11 March 2024 – via Trove
- ^ "No title", ABC Weekly, 15 (27), Sydney: ABC, 4 July 1953, nla.obj-1549632655, retrieved 11 March 2024 – via Trove
External links
[edit]- The Challenge at AustLit
- Serialisation in Daily Telegraph - Part One 21 June 1953
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