Isles of Despair
First edition cover | |
| Author | Ion Idriess |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | historical novel |
| Publisher | Angus and Robertson |
Publication date | 1947 |
| Publication place | Australia |
Isles of Despair is a 1947 historical novel by Ion Idriess[1] based on the true story of Barbara Thomson, a white woman who was the sole survivor of a shipwreck and was raised by Coral Sea islanders, before being rescued in 1849.[2][3]
It had a follow-up, The Wild White Man of Badu.
Critical reception
A reviewer in The Western Herald newspaper noted that, although this novel is based on an historic incident, "first and foremost this is a story. It is told with the ease and vividness, the directness and feeling for drama that are the true requisites of the story-teller."[4]
References
- ^ "Isles of Despair by Ion Idriess". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- ^ "LITERARY NOOK". Cairns Post. No. 14, 181. Queensland, Australia. 16 August 1947. p. 4. Retrieved 16 April 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "The Age - Google News Archive Search".
- ^ ""Isles Of Despair"". Western Herald. New South Wales, Australia. 8 August 1947. p. 8. Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via National Library of Australia.