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Sale

The Ballad of Desmond Kale

by Roger McDonald
$6.20 Now $3.90 Save 37%
Compare to estimated retail price: S$34.18  

The item you've got your eye on is secondhand. You probably already know that, but just in case!

The estimated retail price shown next to any listed item represents the first-hand prices we've seen elsewhere, or the estimated original retail price of a comparable item of the same quality, construction and material offered elsewhere in new condition.

The Ballad of Desmond Kale
The Ballad of Desmond Kale

Historical saga of rebellion in early Australian lands.

If you're fascinated by the rugged landscape of early Australia and enjoy a tale rich in historical detail, "The Ballad of Desmond Kale" could be the perfect book for you. Roger McDonald interweaves a rebellious spirit with the vastness of Australian pastoral life, creating an epic that's both informative and entertaining. The book offers a deep dive into the country's colonial history and the indomitable characters that shaped it.

  • Miles Franklin Literary Award (2006)
  • Adelaide Festival Award for Fiction (2008)
Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
Sale

The Ballad of Desmond Kale

by Roger McDonald
$6.20 Now $3.90 Save 37%
Compare to estimated retail price: S$34.18  

The item you've got your eye on is secondhand. You probably already know that, but just in case!

The estimated retail price shown next to any listed item represents the first-hand prices we've seen elsewhere, or the estimated original retail price of a comparable item of the same quality, construction and material offered elsewhere in new condition.

ISBN: 9781741661149
Authors: Roger McDonald
Publisher: Random House Australia
Date of Publication: 2005-01-01
Format: Paperback
Related Collections: Historical Fiction
Goodreads rating: 3.31
(rated by 119 readers)

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Description

Winner of the Miles Franklin Award. The Ballad of Desmond Kale is a broad-sweeping novel set in the early days of British settlement in Australia. At the center is the pursuit of Desmond Kale, an Irish political prisoner and a rebelliously brilliant breeder of sheep. The novel explores themes of greed, ambition, conceit, and redemption against the backdrop of the Australian bush, Westminster, Yorkshire, Spain, and the Southern Ocean. A brilliant and inspired recreation of early Australian settlement.
Condition guide

Book Condition Guide

Books in Like New Condition

This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Very Good Condition

This book has been used, but it is still in a clean condition. There should be no foxing or annotations of any kind on the inner pages, but a sparse amount may be present on the cover, title pages, or outside edges of the book. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be light crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Good Condition

We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Well Read Condition

This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

 

Find out more about our process here.

 

Historical saga of rebellion in early Australian lands.

If you're fascinated by the rugged landscape of early Australia and enjoy a tale rich in historical detail, "The Ballad of Desmond Kale" could be the perfect book for you. Roger McDonald interweaves a rebellious spirit with the vastness of Australian pastoral life, creating an epic that's both informative and entertaining. The book offers a deep dive into the country's colonial history and the indomitable characters that shaped it.

  • Miles Franklin Literary Award (2006)
  • Adelaide Festival Award for Fiction (2008)
Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

Historical Fiction Books

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This book is perfect for readers who enjoy fast-paced action with a touch of romance and political intrigue. The author's unique writing style and vivid descriptions allow the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of feudal Japan while following the daring mission of Mariko and Okami to save their loved ones from peril. The intricate plot twists and character development keep the reader engaged until the very end. Overall, a must-read for fans of young adult fiction and Japanese culture.
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This book is a perfect read for those who love historical romance. Mary Balogh's storytelling transports you back in time, where you'll witness the journey of Ellie and Falloden as they navigate a marriage built on duty but devoid of love. As Christmas approaches, the holiday spirit works its magic, bringing hope for a love that cannot be bought or sold. Get ready to be swept away by the warmth and joy of this enchanting novel.
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If you were captivated by the vivid storytelling of "Shantaram," "The Mountain Shadow" will draw you back into the heart of Bombay with its masterful continuation of Lin's journey. As the city transforms, so does the underworld – and Lin's quest for love and purpose amidst chaos will resonate with anyone who relishes deep immersion into the complexities of loyalty, love, and survival in a shifting landscape. Consider this novel an intricate dance of morality and attachment, set against the backdrop of a city's relentless metamorphosis.
Labyrinth
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Labyrinth is an intriguing novel for readers who enjoy historical mysteries. With a dual timeline, the author effortlessly weaves a tale of the suppression of the Cathars in the 13th century, and modern-day French Pyrenees, where Alice Tanner is investigating the mysterious skeletons she discovered. The labyrinth, a symbol that transcends time, is what connects these parallel stories. The book is an enthralling mix of mystery, danger, and historical connections that will keep readers engaged till the end.
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"Last of Her Name" stands out as a riveting assembly of stories that feels both intimate and expansive. It weaves a tapestry of experiences from different eras and locations, all while exploring the powerful themes of identity, memory, and the multitude of ways women navigate their lives amidst the pressures of history and culture. If you're someone who appreciates narratives that delve into the complexity of human connections and the personal as political, Mimi Lok's award-winning collection could be a profoundly moving read for you.
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Historical Fiction Books

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