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The Drover's Wife

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About this listen

 Deep in the heart of Australia's high country, along an ancient, hidden track, live Molly Johnson and her children. Husband Joe is away droving, leaving his family in the bush to fend for itself. Molly's children are her world, and life is hard with only their dog, Alligator, and a shotgun for protection - but it can be harder when Joe's around.

Molly's eldest son Danny is the true man of the house, determined to see his mother and siblings safe - from raging floodwaters, hunger and intruders. Danny is mature, but there are some things no child should see. He knows more than most just what it takes to be a drover's wife.

One night, Molly has a visitor - a black 'story keeper', Yadaka. He's on the run from authorities, and exchanges kindness for shelter. Both know that justice in this nation caught between two worlds can be as brutal as its landscape. But in their short time together Yadaka shows Molly a secret truth, and the strength to imagine a different path.

In this brave reimagining of the Henry Lawson short story that has become an Australian classic, Purcell brings us a compelling thriller of our pioneering past that confronts head-on issues of today: race, gender, violence and inheritance. Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Drama & Plays Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction World Literature Marriage
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I really enjoyed this story - wow you had to be tough when settling in a new land and a fascinating insight into some of the Aboriginal culture and their real hardships.
I used my credit because I liked the story but I didn’t realise it was written and performed by the same actress I saw in North Country TV series and a number of others. Multitalented. Hope she writes another one.

Fantastic and an insight into Australian history

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incredible story of heartbreak and tragedy. The 1890s are not that long ago yet the creulity and barbaric behaviour of men was unpresidented.
I guess they are much the same today, Joan suffering at the hands of men.

excellent read

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I'm so sorry that this didn't work for me because I really like the writer as an actress. I see how some people might really like the story but the style and reading just doesn't come through for me.

didn't work for me

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