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.
Buy a copy of The Palace of Lost Virtue here
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
The Palace of Lost Virtue is a beautiful story about the unlikely friendship that blossoms between Marigold Harrington, a member of the Christian Women’s Temperance Union, and Pansy Arlington, the owner of the local brothel, in 1898 Kalgoorlie during the gold rush. These two women who seem so different on the surface, have so much in common, especially how they deal with adversity. I really enjoyed seeing how both women grew and pushed each other. This was my first Anthea Hodgson novel, but I will definitely be reading her earlier works. Maria, NSW, 5 Stars
The setting of Kalgoorlie a place I know well as a born and bred West Australian, Anthea portrayed Kalgoorlie and its people in a time setting of 1898 the gold rush, so well! After reading maybe 50 pages I turned back to the beautiful cover realising that both ladies story’s Marigold and Pansy names came from the wonderful flowers on her front cover. Inspired by true events, this historical story comes out of an unlikely friendship, women and survival often not heard about in a story of the gold rush time period. A beautiful tale told by a great writer… Thanks Anthea. Debbie, WA, 5 Stars
From the first page of The Palace Of Lost Virtue, I felt like I was in the heat and environment of Kalgoorlie in 1898. Anthea Hodgson’s style of writing is beautifully descriptive. We meet two women in this story. Pansy runs a brothel and is tough, forthright and ready to stand up for her choice of lifestyle and her women. Marigold has come there with her mother to locate her father who is prospecting. She also wants to improve the life of the women who work in brothels and bars. As different as their lives are, Pansy and Marigold find things in common and become friends. When Marigold’s family suffers a loss and she makes some wrong choices, Pansy supports her when friends and family don’t. There is also a 1926 storyline involving Marigold, and I was intrigued to how it was connected to the rest of the story. When that connection is revealed, it shows how truly strong the women’s bond was. I loved this book. It showed the reality of these harsh times. All the characters have distinctive personalities and I loved being part of their world. I highly recommend it. Theresa, NSW, 5 Stars
Another book inspired by true events by the author of War nurse’s which I also loved, it’s a tale of unlikely friendship in the harsh environment of the Western Australian Goldfields.Pansy a life hardened owner of the brothel The palace of Pleasure and Marigold the innocent and naive member of the Christian women’s Temperance union and daughter of a missing prospector are brought together to form the most unlikely friendship from mutual respect and loyalty despite nobody expecting them to have anything in common. They have each other’s backs when many around them betray and use violence when blinded by greed. An amazing look into the lives of women in the 1890’s Goldfields and their determination not only to survive but thrive. A very emotional and empowering book. I truelly loved it and can’t wait to see what Anthea will create next. Janet, NSW, 5 Stars
I love any book written set in this era, so I was really looking forward to reading it- and it didn’t disappoint. The Palace of Lost Virtue, is a powerful historical novel that brings the harsh realities of the WA goldfields to life. The characters are strong and opinionated, and I loved seeing the unlikely friendship between Pansy & Marigold develop through the chapters. The book actually brings to life the struggles and challenges of women of that time, something that is often overlooked through history, and it felt as though I was right there with them during the hard times they faced. It was emotional, engaging and thought provoking, and I would definitely recommend if you like Australian Historical fiction with strong female characters Kelly, SA, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this historical read!Marigold moves to the Gold Fields to join her father. Life is about to change for Marigold and she will learn how hard and rough life is living in the Gold rush. Pansy runs a brothel and likes a drink or two and her and Marigold become unlikely friends. This book is well written with great characters.. Some characters you would like to have a drink with, some you’d like to help and others you’d need to stay away from! It was hard to put down. Judy, NSW, 5 Stars
Incredible story of two women, both with different backgrounds. Built a friendship in the rough goldfields in Western Australia 1898. Love this book, Anthea really captured the moments in time, that stay with you long after you finish the book. Holly, NSW, 5 Stars
The Palace of Lost Virtue, took me on a journey from the leafy suburbs of Melbourne to the hot dusty plains around Kalgoorlie. I enjoyed the writing of Anthea Hodgson, I could feel the heat and the dust through her descriptions. Marigold was a young, somewhat naive woman in a rough environment that she had never been exposed to before. Anthea’s description of her and the ensuing story reminds us that for the most part, women and strong in mind and conviction if not also in body. Throw in a friendship that would never have occurred normally and stood the test of time, a love, a loss, a murder and the lengths that female friends go through for each other and you have a rollicking good read. Nicola, VIC, 5 Stars
I was unsure what to think when I read the synopsis on the back cover. I was pleasantly surprised and inspired by these women. I really enjoyed the book. Kay, QLD, 5 Stars
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