Mark Svendsen

Poison Under Their Lips

Mark Svendsen

Arthur Wilbraham is lost – between love and hate, between his romantic vision of an earthly heaven and his descent into a very personal hell. Is it ever possible to forgive the unforgivable? Will he find his way? Can he earn his redemption? In the year 1876, Arthur Wilbraham, an idealistic young Christian, comes from South Australia to the Colony of Queensland, Australia, to join the Native Police Force. Under the infamous Lieutenant Frederick Wheeler, his education in the methods of this notorious police force begins.

As Hammers Fall

Mark Svendsen

Empire, love, war, betrayal and Spanish Influenza meet youthful naiveté. Set in the political melting pot of Australia's early Federation, a nation and its youth must overcome personal and global adversity to build a life of integrity, justice and a fair go for all. Joseph Hill is a passionate idealist. He believes in socialism and peace. But life is complicated. Joe Hill is also in love with his best mate's girl, friends with the 'treacherous' Russian émigrés and firebrand trade unionists, is a pacifist fighting the forced conscription of men to the army, the son of radical Socialists and, in spite of all, needs to keep believing that only the Revolution can heal the planet. As old world certainties crumble around him, Joe Hill must try to make sense of the maelstrom of social and personal change, insecurity and betrayals that the First World War and its aftermath brings.