A FAITHFUL PICTURE. The letters of Eliza and Thomas Brown at York in The Swan River Colony 1841-1852. With an introduction by Alexandra Hasluck.

by Eliza Brown

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

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Reviews

[Dallas Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a stunning book, one in which letters from an early West Australian settler to her father and husband are reprinted. They bring to life the hardships endured by 19th century colonisers in Western Australia shortly after its settlement. The letters read like a novel, slowly unfolding a story in which a daughter and her husband try to assuage the fears of her wealthy father who is awaiting the return of his investment. The human element is paramount, with Eliza Brown’s rosy nature versus her husband’s more depressed outlook on life. When you throw in her father’s lack of empathy towards their hardships, the loss of children, the never-ending workload, and the everyday struggles of a depression, it’s easy to buy into this family’s story as if it’s happening live. Highly recommended.