The Crooked Stick or Pollies's Probation By: Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915)
Rolf Boldrewood's novel is a riveting piece of Australian literature that delves into the world of convicts and bushrangers during the mid-nineteenth century. Set against the backdrop of the sprawling Australian outback, the story follows the journey of a young protagonist named Pollie, who finds herself entangled in a web of crime and adventure. One of the most striking aspects of Boldrewood's writing is his ability to transport readers to the heart of the Australian bush. With vivid and descriptive prose, he paints a picture of the rugged landscapes, the harsh weather conditions, and the untamed wilderness that define the setting. This immersive depiction not only enhances the story but also brings to life the gritty and unforgiving nature of colonial Australia. Pollie, the novel's central character, is a relatable and sympathetic figure. As a young girl thrown into a world of crime, she must navigate the complexities of survival and redemption while enduring the trials and tribulations of her probation period. Boldrewood skillfully explores Pollie's growth as she encounters various individuals, from fellow convicts and bushrangers to benevolent protectors and steadfast friends. Through these interactions, Pollie's resilience and determination become evident, making her a compelling character to follow. The author's meticulous research shines through in his portrayal of the historical context. The depiction of the convict system and the criminal underworld feels authentic and well-documented, which adds depth and credibility to the narrative. Boldrewood captures the nuances of the period with accuracy, providing readers with a fascinating glimpse into Australian history. However, while the story excels at capturing the essence of the setting and the historical aspects, it occasionally falters in terms of pacing. Some sections of the novel tend to drag on, as lengthy descriptions and meticulous details slow down the plot's momentum. As a result, readers may find themselves yearning for more action and faster-paced developments. Overall, Rolf Boldrewood's novel offers a captivating and immersive adventure set in the Australian outback. With its historically accurate portrayal of the convict system and richly depicted characters, the story opens a window into the past, allowing readers to experience the challenges and triumphs of the time. Although the pacing may be uneven at times, the book remains a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a taste of Australian history and a thrilling tale of survival and redemption. First Page: THE CROOKED STICK OR, POLLIE'S PROBATION BY ROLF BOLDREWOOD AUTHOR OF 'ROBBERY UNDER ARMS,' 'THE MINER'S RIGHT,' 'NEVERMORE,' ETC. London MACMILLAN AND CO. AND NEW YORK 1895 All rights reserved CHAPTER I The time, the close of a lurid sultry February day, towards the end of a long, dry summer succeeding a rainless winter, in the arid region of West Logan. A blood red sun sinking all too slowly, yet angrily, into a crimson ocean; suddenly disappearing, as if in despotic defiance of all future rainfall. A fiery portent receding into the inferno of a vast conflagration, was the image chiefly presented to the dwellers in that pastoral desert, long heartsick with hope deferred. The scene, a limitless stretch of plain its wearisome monotony feebly broken by belts of timber or an infrequent pine ridge. The earth adust. A hopeless, steel blue sky. The atmosphere stagnated, breezeless. The forest tribes all dumb. The Wannonbah mail coach toiling over the furrows of a sandhill, walled in by a pine thicket. 'Thank God! the sun is down at last; we must sight Hyland's within the hour,' exclaimed the passenger on the box seat, a tall, handsome man, with 'formerly in the army' legibly impressed on form and feature... Continue reading book >>

The Crooked Stick or Pollies's Probation By: Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915)

Rolf Boldrewood's novel is a riveting piece of Australian literature that delves into the world of convicts and bushrangers during the mid-nineteenth century. Set against the backdrop of the sprawling Australian outback, the story follows the journey of a young protagonist named Pollie, who finds herself entangled in a web of crime and adventure.

One of the most striking aspects of Boldrewood's writing is his ability to transport readers to the heart of the Australian bush. With vivid and descriptive prose, he paints a picture of the rugged landscapes, the harsh weather conditions, and the untamed wilderness that define the setting. This immersive depiction not only enhances the story but also brings to life the gritty and unforgiving nature of colonial Australia.

Pollie, the novel's central character, is a relatable and sympathetic figure. As a young girl thrown into a world of crime, she must navigate the complexities of survival and redemption while enduring the trials and tribulations of her probation period. Boldrewood skillfully explores Pollie's growth as she encounters various individuals, from fellow convicts and bushrangers to benevolent protectors and steadfast friends. Through these interactions, Pollie's resilience and determination become evident, making her a compelling character to follow.

The author's meticulous research shines through in his portrayal of the historical context. The depiction of the convict system and the criminal underworld feels authentic and well-documented, which adds depth and credibility to the narrative. Boldrewood captures the nuances of the period with accuracy, providing readers with a fascinating glimpse into Australian history.

However, while the story excels at capturing the essence of the setting and the historical aspects, it occasionally falters in terms of pacing. Some sections of the novel tend to drag on, as lengthy descriptions and meticulous details slow down the plot's momentum. As a result, readers may find themselves yearning for more action and faster-paced developments.

Overall, Rolf Boldrewood's novel offers a captivating and immersive adventure set in the Australian outback. With its historically accurate portrayal of the convict system and richly depicted characters, the story opens a window into the past, allowing readers to experience the challenges and triumphs of the time. Although the pacing may be uneven at times, the book remains a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a taste of Australian history and a thrilling tale of survival and redemption.

First Page:

THE CROOKED STICK

OR, POLLIE'S PROBATION

BY ROLF BOLDREWOOD

AUTHOR OF 'ROBBERY UNDER ARMS,' 'THE MINER'S RIGHT,' 'NEVERMORE,' ETC.

London MACMILLAN AND CO. AND NEW YORK 1895

CHAPTER I

The time, the close of a lurid sultry February day, towards the end of a long, dry summer succeeding a rainless winter, in the arid region of West Logan. A blood red sun sinking all too slowly, yet angrily, into a crimson ocean; suddenly disappearing, as if in despotic defiance of all future rainfall. A fiery portent receding into the inferno of a vast conflagration, was the image chiefly presented to the dwellers in that pastoral desert, long heartsick with hope deferred.

The scene, a limitless stretch of plain its wearisome monotony feebly broken by belts of timber or an infrequent pine ridge. The earth adust. A hopeless, steel blue sky. The atmosphere stagnated, breezeless. The forest tribes all dumb. The Wannonbah mail coach toiling over the furrows of a sandhill, walled in by a pine thicket.

'Thank God! the sun is down at last; we must sight Hyland's within the hour,' exclaimed the passenger on the box seat, a tall, handsome man, with 'formerly in the army' legibly impressed on form and feature... Continue reading book >>

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