A Darker Music
Maris Morton
Winner of the 2010 Scribe Fiction Prize
'a beautifully written, evocative tale.'
(The West Australian)'This is an evocative story layered with mystery, longing and regret. Set on a sheep stud in WA the rural landscape is a background for a narrative that succinctly shows what the human heart can endure. Passion can extend beyond human love. It can fill our soul.'
Nicole Alexander (author of The Bark Cutters)'This is the inaugural winner of the CAL Scribe Fiction Prize — and no wonder. In this enthralling tale, Mary arrives at a WA sheep stud to help the Hazlitts prepare for their son's wedding. But the neglected homestead has secrets, and as Mary befriends Clio, the owner's wife, the answers are unveiled. Troubled relationships culminate in an unforgettable ending.'
Julie Redlich (Woman's Day)When Mary Lanyon takes on the job of temporary housekeeper at Downe, a famous Merino stud, she is looking forward to staying in a gracious homestead with the wealthy Hazlitt family. The owner’s wife, Clio, has been ill, and Mary’s task is to get the house back into shape in the lead-up to the wedding of the only son and heir, Martin.
When she arrives, however, Mary realises things are not right. Clio Hazlitt rarely ventures from her room. The house is shabby, redolent of dust and secrets. As a friendship develops between the women, Mary discovers answers to the questions that have puzzled her: What is the nature of Clio’s illness? What has caused the grim estrangement between Clio and her husband? And why did Clio give up playing music, when she says it meant so much to her?
A Darker Music is a gripping mystery that takes you into the heart of rural Western Australia, and into one family’s troubled past.
'Twelve years in the writing, this is a carefully crafted novel that weaves the theme of music into its storyline, as the reasons for the characters’ estranged relationships are gradually revealed. A Darker Music touches on the complexities of human nature and the decisions that can change the course of one’s life forever. Maris Morton’s first published novel should find its place in the popular fiction market.'
Candice Capp, bookshop manager NLA (Bookseller & Publisher)'This debut work is simple but impressive. Refreshingly clear of ambiguity and post-modernism, the narrative draws you into the lives of the characters and the beauty of the landscape. Morton says that winning the prize will allow her to continue doing what she loves best — telling stories.'
Mary Philip (Courier Mail)'Maris Morton won the inaugural CAL Scribe Fiction Prize an award for the best unpublished manuscript by authors aged over 35 with this first novel. At over 70, she is a late bloomer, but the novel is a heritage rose ... A Darker Music is not Gothic, but the dark and the domestic mix to powerful effect.'
Lucy Sussex (Sunday Age)'Morton gently tarnishes the romanticised facade of a rural existence and paints what feels like a personal and truthful account of an industry that remains largely unchanged with the passing of time.'
Emily Lloyd-Tait (Sydney Observer)'Maris Morton has written a gripping tale of endurance and loss, a story in which the errors of the past wreak havoc in the lives of all concerned.'
Carmel Bird (Australian Book Review)Maris Morton
Maris Morton was born in 1938 and currently lives in Uki in rural NSW. She has worked in various jobs around Australia, including as an English teacher, shearers’ cook, shed hand, artist, art restorer and director of an art gallery. A Darker Music is her first novel.
Buy from Readings
Extent: 320pp
Size: 234mm x 153mm
ISBN (13): 9781921640650
RRP: $32.95
Pub date: October 2010
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