The Sawdust House

Overview

San Francisco, 1856. Irish-born James ‘Yankee’ Sullivan is being held in jail by the Committee of Vigilance, which aims to rout the Australian criminals from the town. As Sullivan’s mistress seeks his release and as his fellow prisoners are taken away to be hanged, the convict tells a story of triumph and tragedy: of his daring escape from penal servitude in Australia; how he became America’s most celebrated boxer; and how he met the true love of his life.

Reviews

'David Whish-Wilson is a storyteller, there is no greater praise. He tells stories, rather than embellish cafes and cloisters with flourishes designed to suggest a sense of purpose. The craft can be seen in the research but the art is in the passionate use of language.' —Bruce Pascoe

Author Biography

David Whish-Wilson was born in Newcastle, NSW, but grew up in Singapore, Victoria, and WA. He left Australia aged 18 to live for a decade in Europe, Africa, and Asia. David lives in Fremantle and coordinates the creative writing program at Curtin University.