Synopsis
The Low Road is set in the 1820s and follows the story of Hannah Tyrell, a young girl sent to the Refuge of the Destitute in London after the sudden death of her mother.
She soon meets fellow resident Annie Simpkins, and they develop a friendship that blossoms into love.
The girls later find themselves facing trial for theft, and ultimately receive a staggering punishment: transportation to Australia for seven years.
Review
Katharine Quarmby.
The Low Road is a beautifully written novel.
Katharine Quarmby masterfully captures the essence of Hannah and Annie’s relationship, portraying their emotions with sensitivity and authenticity. Her skilful storytelling also keeps readers engaged in their journey, their resilience shining through despite adversity.
The characters’ voices are authentic: and the dialogue perfectly captures the nuances of speech from the 1820s. This attention to detail adds a layer of realism that enhances the overall reading experience.
Additionally, the settings are brought to life with vibrant descriptions. From the streets of London to the distant shores of Australia, readers are immersed in a world that is rich in detail and atmosphere.
Quarmby did extensive research – even visiting the Cascades Female Factory in Hobart – in order to lend an extra layer of realism and depth to The Low Road. As a person who has studied Australia’s convict era for over a decade now, and I can attest to the novel’s historical accuracy and authenticity.
The Low Road is a testament to Quarmby’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to delivering an immersive and captivating story. It will be published in Australia in January 2024.
About the author
Katharine Quarmby has written non-fiction, short stories, and children’s books. The Low Road is her first novel.
She is also an investigative journalist and editor. Her articles have been published in several publications, including The Guardian, The Telegraph, and The Spectator.
She currently lives in London.
Callum J. Jones studied English, History, and Journalism at the University of Tasmania. He has written fiction and non-fiction for Tasmanian Times since 2018, and can be traced by the smell of fresh coffee.
Follow him on Twitter (@Callum_Jones_10) and Facebook (@callum.j.jones.creative).
