Madeleine is from Naarm/Melbourne and lives at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges with her husband. She holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Melbourne and an associated honours degree from RMIT University. Oblivious to her history, Madeleine completed her studies a block from her family's tawdry brothel in Romeo Lane. Madeleine served as an Australian diplomat in China. Before joining the Public Service, Madeleine spent five years working in bookshops where she met her husband. When not working or writing, Madeleine is reading, bush walking, eating, travelling, or spending time with her family and friends.
'Impeccably researched and beautifully told, The Butterfly Women is a daring novel that gives voice to the silenced women of early Melbourne - women who were maligned, judged and buried under layers of mainstream history. Weaving a marvellous, and oft dark tale, that doesn't hesitate to expose class and cultural differences, as well as trenchant sexism, misogyny and racism, Madeleine Cleary breaks down an imposing door and, invoking the ghosts and monsters of other places and times, beckons the reader to follow her into Australia's hidden past. Go with her - you won't regret it.' Karen Brooks