| Author | Dorothy Cottrell |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Houghton Mifflin Company |
Publication date | 1929 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 298 pp. |
The Singing Gold is the debut novel written by Australian author Dorothy Cottrell, first published in 1929 by Houghton Mifflin in the United States [1] and Hodder & Stoughton in the United Kingdom. [2] 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.
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. [3] The narrative explores themes of endurance, adventure and the challenges of outback life. [4] It vividly describes the Australian landscape and the resilience needed to survive in such a harsh environment. [5]
Upon its release, The Singing Gold received widespread acclaim and positive reviews. [6] It was praised for its authentic depictions of Australian bush life and having a strong, independent female protagonist. [7] Mary Gilmore, a renowned Australian poet and writer, on reading The Singing Gold pronounced Cottrell "a genius". [8] The novel's success led to its publication in multiple countries, becoming a top six bestseller of 1929. [9]
The Singing Gold established Cottrell as a notable writer in early 20th century Australian literature. [9] The novel's exploration of the Australian outback and its portrayal of a determined female lead contributed to the genre of Australian bush fiction. [5]