The Palace of Lost Virtue

Name: The Palace of Lost Virtue
Price: 34.99 AUD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781761356063

Anthea Hodgson

$34.99

Paperback

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English

Penguin
21 April 2026

Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945); Australian Fiction

By the bestselling author of The War Nurses, this is an unforgettable new novel set in the WA goldrush era inspired by real characters and a shocking true crime.

'A stirring work of historical fiction...

Fans of Pip Williams should enjoy this atmospheric novel.' Bookseller+Publisher

In 1898, Marigold Harrington arrives on the goldfields of Western Australia with conviction in her heart. The daughter of a prospector and a proud member of the Christian Women's Temperance Union, she dreams of rescuing women the gold rush has forgotten, those trapped in the shadows of brothels and bars.

Across town, Pansy Arlington presides over the Palace of Pleasure, her own small empire built from ruin. When Marigold arrives at her door, offering God's forgiveness, Pansy surprises her with unexpected kindness.

The two women spark an unlikely friendship, but in a rough, lawless town built on greed and desire, their bond will be tested by betrayal, violence and a crime that will echo through the years.

Inspired by true events and the real women of the gold rush, The Palace of Lost Virtue dares to rewrite history books, giving voice to the lives of the formidable women who lived and died in the goldfields.

By the bestselling author of The War Nurses, this is a lively and colourful tale about loyalty, forgiveness and freedom.

By: Anthea Hodgson
Imprint: Penguin
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 235mm, Width: 155mm, Spine: 30mm
Weight: 512g
ISBN: 9781761356063
ISBN 10: 1761356062
Pages: 400
Publication Date: 21 April 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Anthea Hodgson is a country girl from the WA Wheatbelt. She worked as a radio producer in WA, NSW and Queensland before returning to WA, where she lives with her husband and two children. She is the author of The Drifter, The Cowgirl and the highly acclaimed 2023 historical novel based on the Bangka Island Massacre, The War Nurses. She is co-host of the Rachael Johns Book Club on facebook and the podcast Reading Between Deadlines.