I am magpie

Just as a bird yearns to sing, Eliza needs a way through to the language of the Yura. The winter settles in, and on the horizon come a series of changes that throw focus on despondency all around her.

On her walk to the headland, Eliza encounters more characters from her dream. Joy soon turns to disappointment as shadows emerge and everything seems beyond her grasp. We learn of Eliza's husband, Thomas.

We meet Eliza as she wakes from a lucid dream, her body reawakened. Holding fast to this newly discovered joy, she shares her delight and her new intention with her neighbour Meg, the midwife.

'I am magpie' is a lyric novel that will appeal to those interested in explorations of the enlightened age of the late 1700s, or in Australian historical fiction of the very early colonial years in Sydney and in Indigenous language of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For those engaged in Jungian shadow work, observe Eliza’s struggle through her dreams and her daily endeavour, to integrate various female archetypes on her quest. In Eliza we see the vibrant innocence of puella, the benevolence of mother, the wild passions of lover, the determination of a pioneering spirit and the striving for wisdom echoed in her older friend and neighbour, Meg.

'I am magpie' is a lyric novel of Australian historical fiction set in the very early colonial years in Sydney. This story references the enlightened age of the late 1700s and the Indigenous language of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. Observe Eliza’s struggle through her dreams and her daily endeavour to create a worthy social contract. In Eliza we see the vibrant innocence of the young woman, the benevolence of mother, the wild passions of lover, the determination of a pioneering spirit and the striving for wisdom echoed in her older friend and neighbour, Meg.

Eliza settles into her future. Back and forth a flow of stories loud or whispered, laughter and song. They watch the glittering constellations and Eliza gives thanks for the salve to her spirit.

Deep shadows rise into the light as Eliza aligns with her purpose and integrates loss and love. She receives her third and final talisman.

Eliza encounters black cockatoo and wedge-tailed eagle, birds of different feathers. With the notebook copying complete, Eliza can finally hear the women’s entreaties and their dark predictions.

As Eliza’s past resolves, here on the other side of time, a dangerous flashpoint ignites and we witness the end of the beginning. Alarmed birdcalls signal revenge and retribution.

Meg consoles Eliza, encouraging her to remember happier times. We learn of Meg’s own loss and shining inner strength. Eliza receives her second talisman.