Into the World

Into the World by Stephanie Parkyn is based on the life of a real person - Marie-Louise Victorie Giradin (1754-1794). On 28 September 1791 disguised as a ship's steward, Louis Giraden boarded the Researche, one of the two ships sent out by the French King to search for La Perouse's two ships that had disappeared when exploring territories in the Paccific Ocean near New Holland. 

For the next four years Marie-Louise strived to maintain her identity as a man during the expedition. She had untaken this voyage as there was no future for her as an unmarried mothers in France, particularly during the uncertain times of the French Revolution (1789-1799). Marie-Louise planned to use her earnings to support a new life with her son who she would reclaim on her return to France. However, at least one person aboard the ship knew her true identity.

 As well as the search for La Perouse, the ship carried botanists charged with collecting whatever items could be found to bring back to France. Cartographers were also aboard to chart the south coast of Australia while astronomers were to study the southern hemisphere skies. Tensions often arose between those on board as to whose interests should be persued. There were also tensions, on occasion, between those who supported the King and Republicans aboard the ship.

The novel is written from the perspective of Marie-Louise but we also learn of other real people who were on the ships, especially the thoughts of the French explorers. The book provides an insight into an often dangerous time in history as well as providing a possible picture of life aboard a sailing ship travelling into the unknown.

The author located limited reference to Louis Giradin in a number of private journals written by crew members and scientists, particularly the published journal of Jacques-Julien Labillardiere, which provided background information for the novel. 

Australian Dictionary of Biography - Marie-Louise Victoire Giradin

Louis Giradin - Museum of Western Australia

Marie Louise Victoire Giradin- The first European woman to visit Tasmania

Australian Dictionary of Biography - Jean Francoise de Galaup La Perouse