The Shiralee (novel)
 First UK edition | |
| Author | D'Arcy Niland |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Angus & Robertson (Australia/UK) William Sloane Associates (USA) |
Publication date | 1955 |
| Publication place | Australia |
| Pages | 223 pp |
| Preceded by | – |
| Followed by | Call Me When the Cross Turns Over |
The Shiralee is the debut full-length novel by D'Arcy Niland published in 1955.[1] It was adapted into a movie in 1957 and a mini series in 1987.
Plot
[edit]The swagman Macauley takes his young daughter Buster on the road with him.
Reception
[edit]It sold more than 90,000 copies in Australia.[2]
The Argus called it a "great Australian novel".[3]
The New York Times called it a "fine story" which Niland "told well... Mr Niland's approach is honest as it is refreshing... one wants to hear more from him".[4]
Adaptations
[edit]Film rights were sold in 1955 for a reported £10,000.[5]
In 1957 a British film was made by Ealing Studios, directed by Leslie Norman.
A second adaptation was made in 1987. It was an Australian TV film directed by George Ogilvie, starring Bryan Brown and Noni Hazelhurst.
Notes
[edit]- Dedication: This book is for my Mother / Barbara Lucy Niland[1]
- Epigraph: Consists of an extract from a poem 'The Ballad of the Shiralee', by Ruth Park.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Austlit - The Shiralee by D'Arcy Niland
- ^ Australia. Department of Education.; Australia. Department of Education and Science.; Australia. Commonwealth Office of Education. (February 1960) [1957], "THE BOOKS AUSTRALIANS READ", Section v. : ill. (some col.); 28 cm., Hemisphere, 4 (2), North Sydney, N.S.W: Dept. of Education and Science, ISSN 0018-0300, nla.obj-3135886198, retrieved 1 June 2023 – via Trove
- ^ "NOVELS An Australian couple give us rare reading". The Argus. Melbourne: National Library of Australia. 24 September 1955. p. 6 Supplement: The Argus WEEKENDER. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
- ^ "Dinkum Cobbers: THE SHIRALEE. By D'Arcy Niland. 250 pp. New York. William Sloane Associates. $3.50." Cobb, Jane. New York Times 25 Sep 1955: BR32
- ^ "Darcy hits the jackpot". The Argus. Melbourne: National Library of Australia. 25 July 1955. p. 4. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
External links
[edit]- The Shiralee at Darcyniland.com