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The Challenge (novel)

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The Challenge
First edition
AuthorE. V. Timms
LanguageEnglish
SeriesGreat South Land Saga
PublisherAngus and Robertson
Publication date
1952
Publication placeAustralia
Pages316pp
Preceded byThe Valleys Beyond 

The Challenge is a 1952 Australian novel by E. V. Timms. It was the fifth in his Great South Land Saga of novels.

It is set in Australia during the 1850s.[1]

Plot

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"On her deathbed, Susan Leigh's mother tells her a strange story, and gives her a strange task to carry out. As a result, Susan sets out to find her father, and justice. Background is Bass Strait, Melbourne, and the Victorian goldfields in the 1850s."[2]

The Gubbys, Martha and Henry, make an appearance.

Reception

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The Northern Standard said "The yarn is better than it sounds and should prove popular with those who like historical romance told with some gusto against an Australian background."[3]

The Adelaide News said it had "Plenty of action and rich, ripe melodrama, but a very readable yarn, nevertheless."[4]

The Age said "the story moves swiftly. The chapters on the island are forceful, vivid and effective."[5]

The Bulletin criticised "the artificial dialogue and cardboard characterisation" and "the mechanised devices by which Mr. Timms puts into the mouths of his characters long tracts of historical research."[6]

Radio adaptation

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The novel was adapted for radio in fifteen minute episodes in 1953, read by Lyndall Barbour.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "HISTORY TOLD AS STORY". Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate. National Library of Australia. 22 November 1952. p. 5. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  2. ^ "QUICK LOOKS". The News. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 14 November 1952. p. 11. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  3. ^ ""THE CHALLENGE"". Northern Standard. Vol. 8, no. 1. Northern Territory, Australia. 2 January 1953. p. 3. Retrieved 11 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ "QUICK LOOKS". The News. Vol. 59, no. 9, 132. South Australia. 14 November 1952. p. 11. Retrieved 11 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ^ "Enjoyable romance". The Age. 27 December 1952. p. 10.
  6. ^ "Two Bestsellers", The Bulletin, 74 (3806), Sydney, N.S.W: John Haynes and J.F. Archibald, 21 January 1953, nla.obj-532501528, retrieved 11 March 2024 – via Trove
  7. ^ "No title", ABC Weekly, 15 (27), Sydney: ABC, 4 July 1953, nla.obj-1549632655, retrieved 11 March 2024 – via Trove
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