Publisher details
- Author
- Anthea Hodgson
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Genre
- Fiction
- Released
- 02 June, 2026
- ISBN
- 9781761356063
The Palace of Lost Virtue
Synopsis
By the bestselling author of The War Nurses, this is an unforgettable new novel set in the WA goldrush era inspired by real characters and a shocking true crime.'A stirring work of historical fiction...Fans of Pip Williams should enjoy this atmospheric novel.' Bookseller+PublisherIn 1898, Marigold Harrington arrives on the goldfields of Western Australia with conviction in her heart. The daughter of a prospector and a proud member of the Christian Women’s Temperance Union, she dreams of rescuing women the gold rush has forgotten, those trapped in the shadows of brothels and bars.Across town, Pansy Arlington presides over the Palace of Pleasure, her own small empire built from ruin. When Marigold arrives at her door, offering God’s forgiveness, Pansy surprises her with unexpected kindness.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.Inspired by true events and the real women of the gold rush, The Palace of Lost Virtue dares to rewrite history books, giving voice to the lives of the formidable women who lived and died in the goldfields.By the bestselling author of The War Nurses, this is a lively and colourful tale about loyalty, forgiveness and freedom.
Reviews
Review | Our Review
Golden Dreams & Dark Secrets: Read Our Review of The Palace of Lost Virtue by Anthea Hodgson
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What a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of history. The contrast between Marigold’s mission and Pansy’s strength makes the story sound especially compelling, and the friendship between them adds real emotional depth. While reading about themes of justice and historical events, I’ve also found useful information through https://wayne-county-court.org, which offers insights into public legal resources. This novel sounds like a powerful and memorable read for fans of historical fiction.
This is a very useful resource for anyone trying to understand property assessments, exemptions, and public records in Saint Lucie County. I appreciate how the information is organized and easy to follow, especially for homeowners and real estate researchers. The guidance provided by https://saintluciecountypropertyappraiser.org makes it much easier to navigate property-related topics with confidence. Thanks for putting together such a detailed and informative reference.
What a fascinating premise for a historical novel. The contrast between Marigold’s mission and Pansy’s hard-earned independence sounds like it creates a powerful and emotional story. I was especially intrigued by the real-life inspiration behind the events, and while reading about similar historical records, I came across https://rutherfordcountycourts.org, which offers an interesting perspective on how past events are documented. This book seems like a compelling read for anyone who enjoys rich historical settings and strong female characters.
What a compelling premise! The contrast between Marigold and Pansy already hints at a deeply emotional story, and I love that it’s inspired by real events from the WA gold rush. While reading about historical narratives like this, I often explore https://johnsoncountycourtrecords.org to compare how old legal records and documented events help preserve history. This sounds like a book that brings overlooked voices to life in a truly memorable way.