Cirrus@Austlit

'This is a story of our adventures in 'Out-back' Australia. We have often told small parts to different friends and many times it was suggested that our experiences should be put in book form.I have tried to be as accurate as possible when I am talking about tradition but, as the title suggests, I am a novice and all the things I have learnt have been through personal experience.Events that have happened to us have sometimes been a real eye opener but they are true situations. I have related them because it is truly what happens on communities. To counteract the violent times, I hope that I have been able to balance it with all the wonderful things that have also happened.All these events have taken place over the past nine years. Things unfortunately have not improved during this time and in some cases have become worse. But I hope that you will read this book with an open mind,and not be too critical of events described in it.I hope that you enjoy the photos. Over the years we have taken hundreds of photos. In the past we have had a photo exhibition in South Australia.Some of the photos I have taken and others taken by Bill. To us, they hold great memories and hope that for you, they will give an insight into the wonders of the outback of Australia.' (Publication summary)

'Orphaned at an early age, and abandoned by her siblings, Maggie MacDonald faces poverty, drudgery and brutality. She escapes to discover the only way open to her is to find work as a servant girl. At first glimpse of her employer’s mansion she makes a promise to own a similar house, one day. Her dream causes money to be an obsessive motivation. Courage and determination enable the beautiful, dark-haired, Maggie to use her talents to their best advantage. A calico purse full of pennies, which she carries around her waist, is her talisman and a constant reminder that money is power. Several men exert their strong influence on Maggie’s life; and children, friends and vicious enemies change her fortunes many times. Several tragedies, and pursuit of wealth, happiness and love, take her from her birthplace ‘in the North East of England, to London in the twenties, the Home Counties during WWII, and finally to Australia in the late forties. Conflicts, tragedy, romance, closely following the history of the Century, insofar as it affects Maggie and those who travel life’s path with her.' (Publisher's blurb)