Demons at Dusk

by Peter Stewart

Fact-based historical novel
Historical Novel
“…..every Australian should read this book. Demons at Dusk is an extremely powerful account of one of the most tragic and remarkable chapters of Australia’s history…reading it helped me understand my own country.”
Peter FitzSimons. Sydney Morning Herald.

1838 and the British Empire is expanding relentlessly. On a remote cattle station on the frontier of the young New South Wales colony a lonely convict hut keeper is forced to confront the power and greed, which drives that expansion.

One of the convict stockmen on the station invites a group of Aborigines to the station with the promise of protection from the bands of marauding troopers and stockmen who roam the countryside. The station’s convicts and their overseer develop close relationships with the Aborigines but the threat of violence is never far away. All must ultimately face some terrible choices – choices which reverberate across the colony and leave the young hut keeper struggling to find the courage to stand against powerful oppressors.

The story behind “Demons at Dusk” is true. It is a story of love and courage, betrayal and tragedy, mystery and deceit and the strength of the human spirit.

Peter Stewart was born in Sydney in 1954. He is a former English and History teacher who has worked in the Sydney property and parking industry for over twenty years. Since leaving teaching, he has maintained a keen interest in Australian History, particularly in relation to indigenous issues.

Peter has researched the Myall Creek Massacre for many years, was involved in the planning for the construction of the memorial at the site and now serves on the committee of the Sydney Friends of Myall Creek. He is a founding member of the Australian Independents Coalition for Political Integrity and he currently heads up a company in Sydney. Peter lives in southern Sydney with his wife, and has three adult children.

Genres: History

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

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Reviews

[Marianne Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book. Well written and fabulous research. Just thought the whole terrible saga was brought to life and well presented.

[Candida Waterford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of the Myle Creek massacre which happened back in 1838.It was a horrific account of what happened to the blacks. I thought it was well worth reading

[Tanja Dieckmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be compulsory reading for every Australian and as part of the curriculum in all Australian high schools. This is as important in Australian history as colonisation, the Eureka Stockade and federation.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read highly recommend

[Lyn Ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This factual story is a tragic part of Australian history about the Massacre at Myall Creek in northern New South Wales. In the Sydney Monitor of 19 November 1838 the following appears: "A deed for which we cannot find a parallel for cold blooded ferocity, even in the history of Cortez and the Mexicans or of Pizzaro and the Peruvians".

The author, Peter Stewart, researched the Myall Creek Massacre for many years and was ultimately involved in the planning for the construction of the memorial which now stands at the site this occurred.

The book contains a brief well written Foreward by Peter FitzSimons which finishes with the following two sentences:

"Demons at Dusk" is an extremely powerful account of one of the most tragic and remarkable chapters of Australia's history and makes truly gripping and valuable reading. For me, reading it helped me to understand my own country." Peter FitzSimons, you could not have put it better. Reading this book had the same affect on me.

Every Australian should delve into our early settlement history. This book is a good place to start. There are generous and caring convict stockmen who develop close relationships with the Aborigines and there are powerful, greedy pastoralists intent on 'clearing their land' so sheep can graze.

This, and other early settlement stories, must be told and never forgotten. This book is now embedded in my psyche.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and thoroughly researched account of the massacre at Myall Creek and the first time that the European perpetrators were made accountable for their actions. Seven of the twelve were tried and executed. The writer is good on research but his writing is awkward when he tries to personalise his characters, almost cringe worthy when he describes the relationship between Anderson and the aboriginal woman who was subsequently butchered by the mob of squatters, ticket of leave convicts and convicts. However, an important look at the conflict between the squattocracy and Governor Gipps and a turning point in the way indigenous folk were treated.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Australian, especially those who are not particular aware of the atrocities committed against Indigenous Australian people over the creation of our country, should read this book for some enlightenment. Stewart uses primary and secondary sources and constructs and narrative detailing what occurred over 170 years ago to a peaceful and non-threatening group of people, by heartless, ignorant bastards. An emotionally difficult novel to read but, a must.

[Keryn]

Shocking. I don't really want to talk about it...