The Butterfly Women

‘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
‘A beautifully researched and unforgettable Aussie tale.’ * Take 5 *
‘Madeleine Cleary threads fictional mystery and romance into a grim but fascinating chapter of Australia’s hardscrabble past, bringing to richly detailed life the women so often overlooked by history.’ * The Canberra Times *
‘Absorbingly written and impeccably researched.’ * The Australian *
‘Think Pride & Prejudice where Lizzie is a sex-worker and Darcy an upper-class magistrate, with Jack the Ripper lurking in the shadows.’ * The Herald Sun/The Daily Telegraph *
‘The Butterfly Women is a love letter to the rich history of Melbourne. You can see it bleed through in every page.’ * ArtsHub *
‘Cleary’s approach to writing about Papillon and about prostitution is refreshingly balanced.’ * The AU Review *
‘This page turning work of historical fiction illuminates stories that were ignored — essential reading for anyone interested in Australia’s complex social history.’ * WellBeing Magazine *
‘I had to keep reading until the very last page!’ * Better Reading *
‘A gripping page-turner … authors like Cleary are bringing archival recovery into the mainstream.’ * Honi Soit *

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.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.