Fern Vale; or, the Queensland Squatter. Volume 1

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27169

Title

Fern Vale; or, the Queensland Squatter. Volume 1

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in colonial Queensland, this novel offers a defense of Australian life against British prejudice. Colin Munro blends fact and fiction to depict the realities of squatter existence, exploring themes of land rights, indigenous relations, and social morality in a young, developing empire.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'Fern Vale; or, the Queensland Squatter,' Colin Munro presents a panoramic view of mid-19th-century Queensland life prior to its separation from New South Wales. The narrative follows John Ferguson, a young man establishing a pastoral station, and his interactions with the local community, including the Rainsfield family and the indigenous population. The story opens with John preparing to leave for the bush, leaving his sister Kitty behind. Upon his arrival, he encounters the complexities of colonial society. Munro uses the Preface to explicitly address the misconceptions held by the British public regarding Australia, arguing that the colony is not merely a penal settlement but a place of opportunity for respectable families. He details the new land systems and the government's efforts to encourage agriculture and cotton cultivation. The plot intertwines personal romance with broader social commentary. John becomes infatuated with Eleanor Rainsfield, a young woman pressured into an engagement with the unscrupulous Bob Smithers. Tom Rainsfield, Eleanor's cousin, acts as a protector, warning John of Bob's character and vowing to save Eleanor from a foolish marriage. The narrative delves into the treatment of Aboriginal people, contrasting the peaceful intentions of some settlers like John with the violence and prejudice of others. Munro includes a detailed, albeit controversial, description of Aboriginal customs and physical characteristics, reflecting the racial attitudes of the era while also highlighting the tragic reality of their displacement and the failure of assimilation attempts, exemplified by the character Jemmy Davis. The novel is punctuated by incidents of violence, including bushranging and conflicts with indigenous groups, which Munro frames as rare catastrophes rather than daily occurrences. He also touches upon the 'protection society' and a massacre at Strawberry Hill, drawing from real-life events to illustrate the dangers faced by settlers. Through these elements, Munro aims to provide both amusement and information, correcting the 'mauvais ton' associated with Australia and presenting a fair face for the 'young one of Queensland.' The work serves as both a romance and a sociological treatise, defending the honor and industry of the colonial settlers while acknowledging the harsh realities of the frontier.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Queensland