Description

Title: Bettany's Book
Author/Publisher: Thomas Keneally, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication Year: 2000
Format: 598-page Signed Hardcover

The epic Australian novel that was inspired by a diary Tom Keneally discovered while researching The Great Shame. When Sydney film producer Dimp Bettany discovers the memoirs of her ancestors, John Bettany and Sarah Bernard, she is convinced she has found the vehicle for her next masterpiece. Filtered through Dimp's correspondence with her sister, Prim, an aid worker in the Sudan, we are drawn into the lives of John Bettany, a man far ahead of his time, as he shares his vivid impressions of a new colony, and his future wife Sarah, a former convict who has been interred in the notorious Female Factory and who has a close friendship with an English murderess.

Synopsis

Authored by the celebrated Australian novelist Thomas Keneally, <i>Bettany's Book</i> is an expansive work of historical fiction, presented here in a signed hardcover edition. Keneally, widely recognised for his compelling narratives, delivers a profound exploration of Australian identity and heritage through a unique generational saga.

The novel centres on Sydney film producer Dimp Bettany, whose discovery of her ancestors' memoirs – those of John Bettany and Sarah Bernard – sets in motion a plan for her next cinematic masterpiece. As Dimp delves into these historical documents, the story unfolds through a multi-layered narrative, often filtered through her correspondence with her sister, Prim, an aid worker based in Sudan.

• An Epic Australian Narrative: Inspired by a diary discovered during Keneally's research, the novel spans generations and continents, offering a rich historical tapestry of lives and experiences that shaped a family and, by extension, a nation.
• Dual Timelines Intertwined: The narrative expertly weaves together the past lives of John Bettany and Sarah Bernard with the contemporary quest of Dimp Bettany, allowing for a dynamic interplay between historical events and modern understanding.
• Epistolary Elements: The inclusion of Dimp's correspondence with her sister, Prim, adds a unique narrative layer, providing commentary and perspective that enriches the storytelling and highlights the enduring connections of family.

As a signed hardcover edition of a significant work by one of Australia's most esteemed authors, this volume represents a compelling acquisition for collectors of modern Australian fiction and fans of Thomas Keneally's intricate storytelling. Its vintage status further enhances its appeal to discerning bibliophiles.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications