What if a young woman, falsely accused of murder, must create her own success when the community is determined to see her fail?

Burnt tells the story of a young ambitious woman, Ann, born of convict parents and a difficult upbringing, who wants to belong in the small town of River Don. She is falsely accused of murdering her newborn baby and is imprisoned for twelve months. Upon returning home, she faces the prejudice of the town and is hindered by the indifference and drunkenness of her husband. Ann persists and works to improve her standing in the community. The return of her long-lost brother Henry, from the Victorian goldfields, also sets in motion changes that lift Ann’s fortunes. Despite her family’s poverty, can she build a successful life for herself? Or will she be burnt?

This ‘rags to riches’ historical fiction based on a true story will appeal to fans of Tasmanian history of the pioneering era 1860-90s and is based on the life of Mary Ann Sullock and her brothers and sisters living in northwest Tasmania.

Photo by Rejlander, ~1854 to 56. From Victorian Working Women by Michael Hiley. This picture was posed in a photographer’s studio.