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1841: Inspired by the true story of The Rajah
1841: Inspired by the true story of The Rajah
Two hundred Englishwomen file aboard the RAJAH, the ship that will take them on a three-month voyage to the other side of the world.
They’re daughters, sisters, mothers – and convicts. Transported for petty crimes.
Except one of their number is a secret killer, fleeing justice.
When a woman is mortally wounded, the hunt is on for the culprit.
But who would attack one of their own, and why?
This novel is inspired by a real life story. The author explains that she saw the so-called Rajah Quilt and it was her inspiration to write the story of the women who made it during their three month journey to the other side of the world. It was the women who were arrested in England for relatively petty crimes, and then taken to Australia. The convicts were put on the ship known as The Rajah.
The women received the material to make the quilt from the Ladies Society of England who were promoting the reformation of female prisoners. The author includes one of these real life characters in the book which really makes it sparkle with authenticity.
The author also visited the National Gallery of Australia to see photos of the many fabrics of the quilt.
Destination/location: London, Hobart, Tasmania Author/guide: Hope Adams Departure Time: 1841
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