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Miles Franklin Undercover
After the success and celebrity of her coming of age novel My Brilliant Career, published when Miles Franklin was only 21, she disappeared. This is the story of the decade that made her second career as a fearless advocate for working women.
'There is a theory that any woman can be rescued from the shoals of failure and despair by finding some man to ask her in marriage, but before I could be happy in love I should at least need to realize myself.'
She dazzled Australia with her rebellious novel My Brilliant Career, inspiring generations of young women chafing under conventional expectations. Only 21, Miles Franklin, was lauded as the Bronte of the bush, and feted by the rich and influential.
But fame can be deceptive. In reality, the book earned her a pittance. The family farm was sold, her new novels were rejected, and she was broke. Just two years after her debut, Miles disappeared.
In this real-life sequel to My Brilliant Career, author Kerrie Davies uncovers a little-known period in Miles' life, from the servant's quarters of Sydney and Melbourne's wealthy houses to volatile Chicago, in the turbulent years after her early success. Davies draws on a never-before published manuscript and diary extracts of Miles' year undercover as a servant, intimate correspondence with poet Banjo Paterson, and archival sources from Australia and Chicago.
Miles Undercover is a powerful story of a young woman's enduring resilience, and her determination to always be her own heroine.
'There is a theory that any woman can be rescued from the shoals of failure and despair by finding some man to ask her in marriage, but before I could be happy in love I should at least need to realize myself.'
She dazzled Australia with her rebellious novel My Brilliant Career, inspiring generations of young women chafing under conventional expectations. Only 21, Miles Franklin, was lauded as the Bronte of the bush, and feted by the rich and influential.
But fame can be deceptive. In reality, the book earned her a pittance. The family farm was sold, her new novels were rejected, and she was broke. Just two years after her debut, Miles disappeared.
In this real-life sequel to My Brilliant Career, author Kerrie Davies uncovers a little-known period in Miles' life, from the servant's quarters of Sydney and Melbourne's wealthy houses to volatile Chicago, in the turbulent years after her early success. Davies draws on a never-before published manuscript and diary extracts of Miles' year undercover as a servant, intimate correspondence with poet Banjo Paterson, and archival sources from Australia and Chicago.
Miles Undercover is a powerful story of a young woman's enduring resilience, and her determination to always be her own heroine.
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2025
23 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 27, 2025
What an absolute treat. Miles Franklin, the lost years is a beautifully researched book that unpacks the life of such an important Australian writer. There are , of course, many biographies of Stella Miles Franklin but none that seem so completely in sync with who she was and the times that she lived through. Her success, whilst immediate with My Brilliant Career was not always easy after that. Her relationship with Henry Lawson and other literary figures reads as if told by Miles herself. She was determined to not to marry and passionate to support the rights of women in so many ways in Australia, the United States and London. Her Undercover work as a servant in Sydney and Melbourne are fascinating documents of the treatment of women in the early 1900s. Her little known time in America is poignant as she carts her unpublished manuscripts in her case as she moves around finally finding work in editing a Labour Journal. Her own family’s tragedy with the death of her sister , a letter sent to her contains such terrible news are all beautifully portrayed by Kerrie Davies. It ends all too suddenly with a coda. I wish there had been more.Thanks to @netgalley for a copy to review in return for my unbiased thoughts and opinions and especially to Allen and Unwin for publishing such a great book.
April 19, 2025
A beautiful biography of the early 1900s feminist and one of Australia’s first female authors, Miles Franklin.
I loved learning about the life of this significant author as well as reading about life in Australia and Chicago at the start of the last century.
It is very well strung together if you consider how many sources were required, however it feels a bit jumpy because of this commitment to detail and with many characters introduced without much explanation.
I’m still very glad I read it.
I loved learning about the life of this significant author as well as reading about life in Australia and Chicago at the start of the last century.
It is very well strung together if you consider how many sources were required, however it feels a bit jumpy because of this commitment to detail and with many characters introduced without much explanation.
I’m still very glad I read it.
March 11, 2025
This book follows Miles Franklin’s life from 1901 (when My Brilliant Career was published) to 1915. During this time she spends a year working as a servant in a few different places, the book she writes is unprintable as many of the rich people she mentions are clearly identifiable! A few years later she travels to the US. She arrives in San Francisco in 1906 two weeks after a massive earthquake has destroyed the city. From there she travels to Chicago and becomes involved in women’s trade Union activities and other women’s rights issues. This was such a great read, I really enjoyed reading about this fascinating and fiercely independent woman.
August 9, 2025
The very beginning is the most interesting because of the creation of people within setting. However, at one point, I am reading deep in the era of the very early 1900s when the author throws up the term, 'First Nations', telling us, 'The district's farms were built on the meeting place of thirteen First Nations people's lands'. I come out of my reverie exclaiming, 'The term 'First Nations' was not used at that time'. Maybe the author has dragged the reader back to the present day by paying respect to Miles Franklin, stating, 'Miles only knew what had been taken by the settlers'. Is this meant to free up Franklin as a no-blame famous person in this politically-correct and highly judgmental age? It is a dubious claim because there is no reference to this statement to prove this is what Franklin actually thought.
In a previous chapter we are told that Rose Scott is a busy letter writer and has a written (inferred) list for 'shopping and errands...' (referenced); but that she keeps track of more letters and her lectures, 'on the to-do lists in her mind'. There is no reference that she kept 'to-do lists in her mind', or that she used the term 'to-do list'. Furthermore, the term 'to-do list', according to Quora, online, the first recorded use was in 1921 in the USA. In Australia I have only noticed its use, only in literature, in the last 15 years. From a personal point-of-view, I find the term very ugly. It's use often upsets the flow and rhythm of the sentence. It is also often a case of over-information, because the word 'list', on its own, is enough, and we already know, in the context of the narrative, that it is a list...of things to do.
My final gripe is, in Chapter 7, we are told that A.B. Paterson 'wants to know more (about Miles Franklin), at least about her horsemanship. Or is that horsewomanship?' Again, there is no reference that A.B. Paterson actually used the term 'horsemanship' in relation to women. It appears to be an assumption, by the author, that he may have done, given the era...as judged by today's standards, and our dangerous habit of generalising.
From then on I lost much confidence in the information I was reading, and it became a plodding story of: and then...and then...and then...
I have to give this book as much as three if only to recognise the author's persistence, and dedication to, researching all the trivia and putting it together into a book. A reader would need to have a deep interest in Miles Franklin to read this book without fear of falling asleep.
In a previous chapter we are told that Rose Scott is a busy letter writer and has a written (inferred) list for 'shopping and errands...' (referenced); but that she keeps track of more letters and her lectures, 'on the to-do lists in her mind'. There is no reference that she kept 'to-do lists in her mind', or that she used the term 'to-do list'. Furthermore, the term 'to-do list', according to Quora, online, the first recorded use was in 1921 in the USA. In Australia I have only noticed its use, only in literature, in the last 15 years. From a personal point-of-view, I find the term very ugly. It's use often upsets the flow and rhythm of the sentence. It is also often a case of over-information, because the word 'list', on its own, is enough, and we already know, in the context of the narrative, that it is a list...of things to do.
My final gripe is, in Chapter 7, we are told that A.B. Paterson 'wants to know more (about Miles Franklin), at least about her horsemanship. Or is that horsewomanship?' Again, there is no reference that A.B. Paterson actually used the term 'horsemanship' in relation to women. It appears to be an assumption, by the author, that he may have done, given the era...as judged by today's standards, and our dangerous habit of generalising.
From then on I lost much confidence in the information I was reading, and it became a plodding story of: and then...and then...and then...
I have to give this book as much as three if only to recognise the author's persistence, and dedication to, researching all the trivia and putting it together into a book. A reader would need to have a deep interest in Miles Franklin to read this book without fear of falling asleep.
June 2, 2025
This remarkable ‘slice of life’ fictionalised biography follows Stella Miles Franklin in the years following the release of her first novel
‘My Brilliant Career’
. Kerrie Davies skillfully narrates the years when Stella’s own brilliant career begins. In the coming years her fortunes are mixed. Moving to Sydney, she has admirers including Banjo Patterson and several feminist patrons. However, soon her career ambitions begin to stall.
Impoverished and desperate to write another novel and to prove herself a recognized author, Miles engages in a daring experiment in which she “goes undercover” for a year working as a “Slavey” or “Maryanne” in multiple houses in Sydney to to expose the exploitation of housemaids. Her resulting novel is rejected by publishers because the wealthy clients for whom. she worked are too recognizable and there is a high risk of defamation for author and publisher. These people are too powerful!
Despite her straightened circumstances , Miles rejects a number of wealthy suitors and ventures to the USA where she finds secretarial and journalistic work in the feminist Union movement who are advocating for a fair working wage and improved working conditions for women factory workers. Once again her charm and intelligence also attract the protection of the wealthy she comes in contact with and who support her through extended bouts of homesickness and severe depression. Before returning home to Australia she also journeys to London where she works closely with Emily Pankhurst and the suffragette movement.
Throughout her ‘brilliant career’ Miles (Stella) fiercely maintains her independence and refuses to marry any of her many suitors. While she was a prolific writer and journalist she was not successful in publishing another novel until much later in her life.
I am so glad that I re-read Miles Franklin’s own renowned novel, a thinly disguised autobiography of her youth in the Australian outback, before reading this novel. I found Kerrie Davies’ biography fascinating and remarkably moving. She has created a sympathetic portrait bringing Miles (Stella) to life in all her complexity. Beautifully researched, I also loved the inclusion of a curated collection of personal photos from the State Library of New South Wales. A highly recommended read. 4.5 stars
Impoverished and desperate to write another novel and to prove herself a recognized author, Miles engages in a daring experiment in which she “goes undercover” for a year working as a “Slavey” or “Maryanne” in multiple houses in Sydney to to expose the exploitation of housemaids. Her resulting novel is rejected by publishers because the wealthy clients for whom. she worked are too recognizable and there is a high risk of defamation for author and publisher. These people are too powerful!
Despite her straightened circumstances , Miles rejects a number of wealthy suitors and ventures to the USA where she finds secretarial and journalistic work in the feminist Union movement who are advocating for a fair working wage and improved working conditions for women factory workers. Once again her charm and intelligence also attract the protection of the wealthy she comes in contact with and who support her through extended bouts of homesickness and severe depression. Before returning home to Australia she also journeys to London where she works closely with Emily Pankhurst and the suffragette movement.
Throughout her ‘brilliant career’ Miles (Stella) fiercely maintains her independence and refuses to marry any of her many suitors. While she was a prolific writer and journalist she was not successful in publishing another novel until much later in her life.
I am so glad that I re-read Miles Franklin’s own renowned novel, a thinly disguised autobiography of her youth in the Australian outback, before reading this novel. I found Kerrie Davies’ biography fascinating and remarkably moving. She has created a sympathetic portrait bringing Miles (Stella) to life in all her complexity. Beautifully researched, I also loved the inclusion of a curated collection of personal photos from the State Library of New South Wales. A highly recommended read. 4.5 stars
May 5, 2025
Besides being a well-written, well-researched look at the early life of Miles Franklin, this book was an absolute delight! A slow burn, the book nevertheless covered Miles journey across Sydney and Melbourne and then onto the United States. The use of such descriptive language made me feel like I was there in the early 1900s, living life alongside Miles and finding fodder for her stories.
I particularly liked how she weaved in news stories and happenings of the times, alongside Miles brilliant career. And it was brilliant, in all that she accomplished and the places she travelled. Miles was a feminist, a fighter for women’s rights and a celebrated novelist — just don’t call her Miss or Mrs!
I grew up knowing Miles and her impact in the literary world, as my grandmother’s brother was a confidant, her accountant, next-door neighbour and one of the first judges for the Miles Franklin prize (we have letters from Miles and details about what to do with her manuscripts and correspondence upon her death in our family files!).
I hope this book reaches a new audience, one that appreciates Miles and sees a glimpse of her life that deserves to be known.
I particularly liked how she weaved in news stories and happenings of the times, alongside Miles brilliant career. And it was brilliant, in all that she accomplished and the places she travelled. Miles was a feminist, a fighter for women’s rights and a celebrated novelist — just don’t call her Miss or Mrs!
I grew up knowing Miles and her impact in the literary world, as my grandmother’s brother was a confidant, her accountant, next-door neighbour and one of the first judges for the Miles Franklin prize (we have letters from Miles and details about what to do with her manuscripts and correspondence upon her death in our family files!).
I hope this book reaches a new audience, one that appreciates Miles and sees a glimpse of her life that deserves to be known.
April 13, 2025
4 ⭐️
This is the story of the icon, Miles Franklin, and her career as a successful Australian author.
I had never heard of Miles Franklin before, but felt drawn to picking this book up. I am so so glad i did, Kerrie Davies has done an AMAZINGGG job in telling this story. I didn’t even feel like i was reading a biography, it felt like a fun yet emotional at times story about a girl navigating creative dreams and adulthood.
The history was obviously well researched and it definitely shows in the writing. I didn’t know what to expect when going into this but i was so surprised and loved every minute of it!!
This is the story of the icon, Miles Franklin, and her career as a successful Australian author.
I had never heard of Miles Franklin before, but felt drawn to picking this book up. I am so so glad i did, Kerrie Davies has done an AMAZINGGG job in telling this story. I didn’t even feel like i was reading a biography, it felt like a fun yet emotional at times story about a girl navigating creative dreams and adulthood.
The history was obviously well researched and it definitely shows in the writing. I didn’t know what to expect when going into this but i was so surprised and loved every minute of it!!
December 21, 2025
I enjoyed this engaging insight into the life of Miles Franklin. So admire how she took a different path from most other women of her time, even though that path, although offering adventure, was also so insecure. And the pressure to marry and reproduce within an unequal partnership - ugh!
It gave me insight too into how life must have been for my grandmother, born about the time Miles reached adulthood. It helped me appreciate all over again the work that Miles and women like her did to improve the situation of women. Because of them I can vote.
Sorry to read that Miles did not receive the acclaim she deserved for 'My Brilliant Career'. I loved that book and the film.
It gave me insight too into how life must have been for my grandmother, born about the time Miles reached adulthood. It helped me appreciate all over again the work that Miles and women like her did to improve the situation of women. Because of them I can vote.
Sorry to read that Miles did not receive the acclaim she deserved for 'My Brilliant Career'. I loved that book and the film.
May 4, 2025
Oh my goodness, just finished the book. It’s so good. I feel like I got not just a deep dive into Miles but also the feminist women of her time. The author has placed Miles’ story so squarely in the social context she lived in that the context is as fascinating as her story. Miles’ story resonates today…the way the patriarchy did and still can gaslight our talents…how many young women have had the ability to bring forth brilliant art and world changing ideas, only to be sexually harassed into ashamed silence
May 14, 2025
A must read book to learn about Australia, America and UK around 1900s..from the experience of Miles Franklin mainly in her rural family area, Talbingo, then Sydney then Chicago.
It's fascinating to learn about Miles in the years after she wrote My Brilliant Career, which perhaps was an unlikely success. Although she never achieved these heights again, her journalism and involvement in the suffragette movement and her attention to detail in her diaries is really worth reading. The book reads like a diary interpretation, and explains so much. Great to have read it.
It's fascinating to learn about Miles in the years after she wrote My Brilliant Career, which perhaps was an unlikely success. Although she never achieved these heights again, her journalism and involvement in the suffragette movement and her attention to detail in her diaries is really worth reading. The book reads like a diary interpretation, and explains so much. Great to have read it.
July 2, 2025
As someone who has never read or watched anything about miles Franklin but intrigued by a great looking cover, and the knowledge of a primary school in Canberra named after this woman…. I picked this up and loved it. A great angle to begin with and as a result I will definitely continue my pursuit of knowledge about this woman. Absolutely fascinating to see how society has shifted in just a century and to appreciate the bravery miles displayed in that era. Great read and especially good if you are a creative, activist or writer yourself!
March 21, 2025
A thoroughly well-researched (and well written) look into Miles Franklin. This is far more lively and entertaining than I expected, largely thanks to the warts and all look at an author who most people venerate as a literary saint. This book, however, is no hagiography: instead, Davies shows the humanity behind Miles Franklin, with both her many strengths and foibles on display, making this book (and Miles) all the more interesting.
September 10, 2025
A wonderful and insightful novel about one of Australia's most successful authors. Kerrie Davis has done a wonderful job of making you feel like you a reading a novel more than a non fiction texts.
A wonderful read for anyone interested in a story about a powerful and resilient Australian female.
Thank you to Allan and Unwin for a review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
A wonderful read for anyone interested in a story about a powerful and resilient Australian female.
Thank you to Allan and Unwin for a review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 16, 2025
Well researched and an interesting book
May 17, 2025
This was an interesting read - so thoroughly researched. I had expected it might read like a text-book - but it was a good easy read.
Miles (Stella) was such a determined woman!
Miles (Stella) was such a determined woman!
June 5, 2025
A fascinating read and very informative about life in the early part of the 20th century in general but specifically about Miles Franklin's life and some contemporary writers.
June 28, 2025
an amazing woman
September 9, 2025
Fantastic book - while I’m not usually a fan of historical novels this one changed my view on this. A fast-paced read that’s a great surprise. Highly recommend.
October 4, 2025
“Except for her excellence in riding a horse, in writing and in outraging relatives, she had no other skills, outside those learned in forced domesticity as an eldest daughter…”
November 9, 2025
I have read a lot about the life of Miles Franklin but here we have the inside story - or stories of her many lives. A treat to understand her spirit!
December 6, 2025
A captivating read into the life of Miles Franklin.
Such a courageous woman of her time.
Such a courageous woman of her time.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews