Set between 1882 and 1919 it is the story of the Worthing family who left England to try their luck in the world of show business in Australia. From taking part in stage shows to running their own production company, the family grows to one of the best known names in the Australian entertainment industry. However all does not always run smoothly and antagonism between Will Worthing and Michael Carlovsky becomes a threat to their growing success.
In this novel Judy Nunn introduces the reader to a range of entertainment options at this time from involvement in boxing troops, trapese and acrobatic acts, magic and illusion, dance, singing and theatrical plays as well as the arrival of film. The effect of the opening of Luna Park in Melbourne also features.
Events occurring in Australian history are often mentioned including the coming of Federation, votes for women and visits by members of the Royal Family. The greatest outside impact is, however the First World War.
Judy Nunn has written another memorable novel, this time about the entertainment industry and its role in major Australian cities at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth century. The book is also the story of multiple generations of two families determined to make an impact in the Australian entertainment industry, despite hostilities that might exist between some of the protagonists.
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