Madonna of the Eucalypts

A powerful story of immigration, desire and the conflicting ties of family and faith.  

In 1900 the Aeolian island of Salina is a small paradise of fruit trees, vines and fishing boats.  When the life of their new-born baby is saved, Angelina and Fortunato give thanks for the miracle to the island’s patron saint, the Madonna del Terzito. 

Delfina is destined to marry Nino, her childhood sweetheart, against the wishes of his ferocious mother, Ludevina.  And when Nino sails to Australia to start a new life for them, Delfina is bereft. 

By the time she follows him to their new home in the scorching sun of outback Mildura, with their two daughters, she carries a terrible secret to her heart. 

Madonna of the Eucalypts is a stunning debut, a powerful story of immigration, desire and the conflicting ties of family and faith. 

Praise for Madonna of the Eucalypts

"Simply brilliant. Madonna of the Eucalypts is an important addition to our literature." - Alex Miller (author of Journey to the Stone Country and Lovesong)

"Karen Sparnon writes a lyrical, haunting prose that depicts the contrasting landscapes of Mediterranean Salina and their hypnotic Australian desert, where some found it difficult to transport their hearts as well as their homes. The story of Delfina’s journey to her outback shrine is one that will stay with you long after the final page." - Sue Wallace, Border Mail

"Karen Sparnon’s Madonna of the Eucalypts is a fresh piece of writing with a lively spirit and the verve of all good first novels." - Salley Vickers, Weekend Australian and author of the bestselling Ms Garnet’s Angels

"It’s a real treat as a reader to come across a book that you just can’t put down, and Madonna of the Eucalypts is one such book." - Diane Stubbings, The Canberra Times

"Madonna of the Eucalypts is a beautiful multilayered story; a story of faith, cultures, families, and a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Australia’s migrants in the early decades of the last century." - Reg Anderson, Courier Mail Brisbane