Jean Devanny's Queensland Novels

Abstract

Jean Devanny published Sugar Heaven in 1936 and subsequently wrote several more novels set in North Queensland to which she had moved following an eight-month visit in 1934. All her work has been out of print for many years and her autobiography, which she completed in 1954, has never been published. The reasons for the lack of recognition and knowledge of Devanny's work are complex, but central is her relationship to, and activity and problems within, the Communist Party of Australia, which had a decisive impact on her work and its reception that will be discussed in more detail. The fact that Devanny's first seven novels had New Zealand settings—since she spent the earlier part of her life there—also militated to a degree, against her recognition as a writer in Australia.