Self-published: The Settlers' Journey by Susan Stokes is a tale of romance and adventure that is set on the Murray River in 1851.
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Inspired by Jane Austen and other classic authors, Susan Stokes has written and self-published her first novel, The Settlers’ Journey, From Loch Ness to the Murray River.
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The story is set in 1851, and follows the journey of a young Scottish couple who are forbidden to marry.
They embark on an arduous sea voyage all the way to Australia where they eventually elope and settle into their new home on the Murray River.
Having grown up on the Murray River in Echuca, she is well versed in the history of the region — a history that she weaves seamlessly throughout the story.
Four of her grandparents settled along the Murray River in the 1850s and her family home was even named ‘Cadell’ after Captain Francis Cadell — the first man to navigate the Murray.
Author: Susan Stokes said she always had the ambition of writing a novel.
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Ms Stokes said she had wanted to write a novel for a long time.
Having retired at the height of the pandemic, it seemed the perfect time for her to make a start on it.
“I always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to write a book,” Ms Stokes said.
“I ran it past a couple of friends who were really supportive of the decision.”
Ms Stokes drew upon family folklore and stories from her parents to write a tale of romance, adventure, endurance and triumph.
In the throes of Victoria’s COVID-19 lockdowns, it took only a few months for her to compose.
In creating the story, Ms Stokes said she drew upon her love of history and of the Murray.
“I always feel at home in Echuca. It’s just beautiful up there,” she said.
As to whether she had now caught the writing bug, Ms Stokes said she thought she only has the one book in her.
A small supply of The Settlers’ Journey can be found at Collins Booksellers in High St, Echuca.
Ms Stokes will be presenting a talk about the book at the Echuca Library on Friday, February 17.
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