General News
26 April, 2023
Historical novel launched after early success
A BOOK published among a small circle of friends has stirred enough interest to drive publication after years in development.
A BOOK published among a small circle of friends has stirred enough interest to drive publication after years in development.
Terang’s Harold Eller has launched his historical novel, ‘Silence means consent’, at retailers in Terang, Camperdown, Mortlake and Warrnambool.
Mr Eller, a retired teacher in the fields of mathematics, science and computer studies, has long held an interest in local history and creative writing.
The concept for the novel has been in development for years, during which time he made the decision he would highlight elements of Western Victoria’s factual history intertwined among “an imaginative rendering of actual people and events”.
“We moved to Terang in 1970 when I was a teacher, but I was interested in local history and discovered the assistant protector of Aboriginal history, Charles Sievwright, at one time had a reserve at Lake Terang,” he said.
“I started to investigate, back in the good old days when you could get your hands on the documents he had written, so I spent many years researching him.
“I decided I would like to write a book about it, and thinking about how to do this I decided I wanted to put the settler’s opinions in; they were very prejudiced and denied Aboriginal ownership of the land.
“I decided I wanted to be able to put other subjective opinions in rather than a strictly factual story – so I turned it in to a novel.”
Mr Eller said the book had been pushed through a number of writing schools which connected him with notable authors and figures in the literary world.
“Bryce Courtney once told me, “Harold; sit down, shut up and write”,” he said.
“It was excellent advice.
“I also met John Marsden through a writing school and I was encouraged to push forward with the idea.”
Mr Eller originally published just 25 copies of the book, which he gifted to friends, family and associates in 2017.
“When the COVID-19 lockdowns arrived in 2019 I was approached by others asking for a copy of the book,” he said.
“I had a spare copy which I loaned to people, and loaned it out to around 20 further people, so at this point I knew there was a demand for it.”
The cover art was designed by Boorcan’s Margaret Moloney, capturing a glimpse of the narrative to unfold.
“Margaret and I have been friends for 50 years,” Mr Eller said.
“She asked what I wanted on the cover, and she has done a wonderful job of depicting that.”
Due to the positive feedback, Mr Eller set about putting together a larger publication, which is currently underway.
‘Silence means consent’ hit shelves last week.
“The novel is available from the Terang newsagency, Terang post office, Camperdown newsagency and Collins bookstore in Warrnambool – I also hope to organise a retailer in Mortlake,” Mr Ellar said.
A book launch has also been planned from 5pm at the Commercial Hotel in Terang on Friday, May 5.