The Sun Walks Down: A Novel

**Embark on a Haunting Journey Through Colonial Australia with Fiona McFarlane's "The Sun Walks Down"** Experience the brilliance and lyrical prose of Fiona McFarlane in "The Sun Walks Down," a captivating novel that has garnered critical acclaim and captivated readers worldwide. Short-listed for the prestigious Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction and named a Best Book of the Year by The Wall Street Journal, Kirkus Reviews, and Chicago Public Library, this book is a must-read for lovers of literary fiction, historical sagas, and compelling storytelling. Set in the scorching South Australian outback of September 1883, "The Sun Walks Down" unfolds in the small, isolated town of Fairly. A dust storm descends, bringing with it an unsettling crimson sunset and a chilling disappearance: six-year-old Denny Wallace has vanished. As the days stretch on under the relentless sun, the tight-knit community is thrown into turmoil, their lives irrevocably altered by the desperate search. McFarlane masterfully weaves together the perspectives of a diverse cast of characters, each with their own secrets, dreams, and connection to the unforgiving landscape. We meet newlyweds grappling with the challenges of frontier life, hardworking farmers battling the elements, Indigenous trackers intimately familiar with the land's hidden paths, Afghan cameleers navigating cultural divides, and children whose innocence is threatened by the unfolding tragedy. Through their interwoven stories, McFarlane paints a vivid and nuanced portrait of colonial Australia, a land of both promise and peril. More than just a search for a missing child, "The Sun Walks Down" is an exploration of community, identity, and the complex relationship between humanity and nature. As the residents of Fairly confront their own vulnerabilities and prejudices, they are forced to reckon with the ghosts of the past and the uncertainties of the future. The novel delves into themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. McFarlane's writing is both evocative and insightful, capturing the raw beauty and harsh realities of the Australian outback with stunning detail. Drawing on elements of folklore and mythology, she imbues the story with a timeless quality, inviting readers to reflect on the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging. The sun itself becomes a character, a powerful force shaping the lives of those who dwell beneath its scorching gaze. Critics have lauded "The Sun Walks Down" for its compelling narrative, richly drawn characters, and exquisite prose. Ann Patchett, author of "The Dutch House," describes it as "brilliant, fresh, and compulsively readable." This is a novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, prompting reflection and sparking conversation. **Perfect for readers who enjoy:** * Historical fiction with a literary bent * Family sagas set in unique and compelling locations * Stories that explore themes of community and identity * Beautifully written prose and evocative descriptions * Novels that blend realism with elements of mythology and folklore Don't miss this unforgettable literary experience. Order your copy of "The Sun Walks Down" today and immerse yourself in the haunting beauty of colonial Australia.