Anthea Hodgson at Helensvale Library

Discover the real women of the gold rush in Anthea Hodgson’s 'The Palace of Lost Virtue', a story of friendship, survival and scandal.

Join Australian author Anthea Hodgson for a conversation exploring history, storytelling and the real women at the heart of her latest novel, The Palace of Lost Virtue.

In 1898, Marigold Harrington arrives on the goldfields of Western Australia with dreams of rescuing women the gold rush has forgotten. Across town, Pansy Arlington presides over the Palace of Pleasure, her own small empire built from ruin. The two women spark an unlikely friendship, but in a rough, lawless town built on greed and desire, their bond will be tested by betrayal, violence and a crime that will echo through the years.

Anthea Hodgson is an acclaimed Australian author of historical and rural fiction. She is the author of The Drifter, The Cowgirl and the highly acclaimed 2023 historical novel based on the Bangka Island Massacre, The War Nurses. Anthea is a country girl at heart, having grown up in the wheatbelt of WA. She writes Australian stories with courage, heart and history about life, love and the land.

Anthea will be in conversation with Kristina Ross, writer and producer for stage and screen, and author of First Year, the winner of the 2024 The Australian/Vogel’s Award for Young Writers.

Don’t miss this chance to join us for a compelling conversation perfect for readers who enjoy rich historical detail and strong female characters – book your tickets today.