Women Authors Book Club Philly

Our June book discussion will be on Outlaw and Lawmaker by Rosa Praed (also known as Mrs. Campbell Praed), an Australian author writing in 1893. Per Goodreads:

How can traditional values be preserved when many a respectable citizen could well be concealing a convict past? How far are people to be trusted? How can a young woman like Elsie Valliant, be expected to make a decision about the man she is to marry when so many of the conventional guidelines no longer apply in the new land? Set in the early days of political struggle, Rosa Praed’s probing novel explores this intriguing aspect of Australian life where the lawmaker could well have been – and might still be – the lawbreaker. Rosa Praed has woven together elements of the thriller and fundamental questions about heredity and environment.

Please see the bottom of this listing for tips about finding this book.

Possible discussion questions may be:

1. How does the novel portray the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations?

2. How are characters like Elsie and Morres shaped by their environment and circumstances?

3. In what ways does the novel explore the theme of duality or double lives, particularly through the character of Blake?

4. How does Rosa Praed depict gender roles and expectations, especially
through Honoria's character?

5. What does the title Outlaw and Lawmaker suggest about the intersection of legality and morality in colonial society?

6. To what extent does the landscape of Australia function as more than just a setting in the novel?

7. How does the novel portray political ambition and corruption within the colonial government?

8. What role does romantic idealism play in the characters' decisions, and how does it clash with their political or social realities?

9. How are Indigenous Australians represented in the novel, and what does this say about the period's attitudes?

10. In what ways does the novel critique British colonialism, either subtly or directly?

11. How does Praed use symbolism or motifs (such as disguise or wilderness) to deepen the narrative?

12. How effective is the novel in balancing romance with political commentary? Does one overshadow the other?

Also at this meeting, we'll vote on our book to discuss in July. In keeping with our group's design, we discussed a 21st century woman author in April, we'll be discussing a 19th century (or earlier) author in June, and a 20th century author in July.

As always with cafe-based events, please plan to purchase a beverage or snack from our host to thank them for the use of their space. Higher Grounds also has a delicious lunch/brunch menu, so feel free to come early and dine.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Tips for finding the book

When we chose this book, no one realized it was hard to find in a print edition. The book is in the public domain, so it's easy to find in a digital edition, and some pointers for getting a copy appear below. If your heart is set on reading it in print form, I was able to find it in paperback at a couple of sites for around $25 including shipping. While the print book isn't available in most public libraries, it is in some university libraries, if you have access to one of those. Or you could print yourself a copy of the free PDF you can get online.