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The novel is an invasion dystopia which depicts a Russian military attack on a major colonial city.
Notes
In 1882 three Russian Navy ships - the Africa, Vestink (Herald or Messenger) and Platon (Plato) - made port in Melbourne, sparking fears in the press of a Russian invasion. A brief mobilisation of defence forces ensued before the lack of aggressive intent was made clear. The Battle of the Yarra details a fictional conflict between the Russians and troops in Melbourne, and is likely based on this incident, although it is set "many a long year ago".
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