Madeleine Cleary's "The Butterfly Women", in conversation with Marion Taffe

Event Description

Lush, dark and meticulously researched, "The Butterfly Women" weaves romance and mystery into an unforgettable tale of Australian history, and the women so often erased from it. Join us to hear from Madeleine Cleary, in conversation with fellow author, Marion Taffe, whose just released debut novel, "By Her Hand", is a tale of family, battles and female empowerment, for readers who love Geraldine Brooks and Maggie O'Farrell.

Madeleine holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Melbourne and an associated honours degree from RMIT University. Oblivious to her history, Madeleine completed her studies a block from her family's tawdry brothel in Romeo Lane. Madeleine served as an Australian diplomat in China. Before joining the Public Service, Madeleine spent five years working in bookshops where she met her husband.

It's 1863, and Melbourne is transitioning from a fledgling colony to a thriving, gold-fuelled metropolis. But behind its shiny new façade, the real Melbourne can be found in the notorious red-light district of Little Lon, full of brothels where rich and poor alike can revel all night. The most glamorous among them is Papillon, home to the most alluring women in the city.

For poor Irishwoman Johanna Callaghan, a job at Papillon could be her ticket to success, but in a time when women's lives are cheap, it also brings great danger. Meanwhile, for respectable women like journalist Harriett Gardiner, Papillon is strictly off-limits, but when a murderer begins stalking the streets of Little Lon, she becomes determined to visit it and find the truth.

As both women are drawn into the hunt for the killer, a long-hidden side of old Melbourne is revealed.

Copies of "The Butterfly Women" and "By Her Hand" will be available for sale on the night.