Madonna
of the
Eucalypts
A powerful story of immigration, desire and the conflicting ties of family and faith.
In 1900 the Aeolian island of Salina is a small paradise of fruit trees, vines and fishing boats. When the life of their new-born baby is saved, Angelina and Fortunato give thanks for the miracle to the island’s patron saint, the Madonna del Terzito.
Delfina is destined to marry Nino, her childhood sweetheart, against the wishes of his ferocious mother, Ludevina. And when Nino sails to Australia to start a new life for them, Delfina is bereft.
By the time she follows him to their new home in the scorching sun of outback Mildura, with their two daughters, she carries a terrible secret to her heart.
Reviews for Madonna of the Eucalypts
"It's a real treat as a reader to come across a book that you just can't put down, and Madonna of the Eucalypts is one such book." -- Diane Stubbings, Canberra Times
"Karen Sparnon's Madonna of the Eucalypts is a fresh piece of writing with a lively spirit and the verve of all good novels." -- Salley Vickers, The Australian