A visionary gothic novel exploring dark secrets and moral ambiguity in early 20th century Australia.In Barbara Hanrahan'sThe Frangipani Gardens, nothing is as it seems. Set amidst the tropical beauty of a South Australian estate, this twisted fairytale unveils a world of hidden menace and corrupted innocence. Watercolour painter Doll lives a prim, respectable existence, belying her wildest fantasies. But when her young niece and nephew come to stay, Doll's true self threatens to be exposed.
As family secrets unravel and repressed desires surface, the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur. Will Doll be able to protect the innocent from the darkness that lurks beneath the surface? Or will the seductive power of the frangipani gardens claim them all? For readers of Australian literature, gothic novels, and character-driven stories exploring complex themes of identity and morality.
Barbara Hanrahan has a wonderful capacity for taking us inside her characters, peeling away layers of memory and recollection. —Sun Herald
Born in Adelaide in 1939, Barbara Hanrahan was a celebrated artist, printmaker and writer. Her first book, a semi-autobiographical account of her childhood, The Scent of Eucalyptus, was published in 1973 to rave reviews. It was followed by another twelve novels and two short-story collections. Her last book, Good Night, Mr Moon, was published in 1992, the year after her death. The Barbara Hanrahan Fellowship for South Australian writers was established to honour her memory and contribution to Australian literature.
Classic Modern Australian Literary Fiction
![The Frangipani Gardens [Paperback]](/itemImage/2/3/1/1/2_465875.jpg "The Frangipani Gardens [Paperback]")