Author Description

1850, a small town in Australia: Glindi, an Aboriginal woman, gives birth to a daughter, the result of a rape by a white man. She names her Maraglindi, meaning "Glindi's sorrow," but the girl is a joy to all those around her. She has the gift of love.During her short life, she encounters everything intolerant, cruel Victorian society can throw at people it considers to be animals. She surmounts the savagery of the white invader by conquering hate with love. Even beyond death, she spreads compassion, then she returns a second time, with an ending that will touch your heart.Maraglindi: child of the land, fruit of an evil deed, and instrument of love.Here is one of the pivotal moments in the story:Gerald sat on the edge of his bed, exhausted from the effort of having got dressed. The door opened, and the great stomach came in, followed by Father. That's how Gerald always thought of him. Only, this time he didn't manage to have the usual inner grin.Father stopped and looked down at Gerald. "You ready to come home?" he asked, as if he didn't care one way or the other."Yes Father, but...""But what?""Roger. How is Roger?""Your dog? I had to put him out of his misery.""Oh." Gerald managed not to cry."It was only a dog. You can have another one if you want."Gerald wanted to say no, he was not only a dog, he was my friend, but Father would never understand."Come on then." Father turned and started walking for the door.Gerald managed to stand, then with a little cry collapsed back onto the bed.Father turned, impatience painted on his face. "Be a man," he grated.Gerald bit his lip and stood again. He took a step, wobbled, then slipped to the floor.Father's roar vibrated the room. "A man shows no weakness! What are you, a milksop?"Dr Horton stormed through the door, shouting nearly as loudly as Father, "Mr Kline, this is unconscionable!" He lifted Gerald back onto the bed even as Bill came running in. The doctor said to him, "Get the letter of instructions." Bill returned almost