The Bellarmine Jug

The Bellarmine Jug
AuthorNicholas Hasluck
LanguageEnglish
GenreFiction
PublisherPenguin
Publication date
1984
Publication placeAustralia
Media typePrint
Pages260 pp.
ISBN0140072527
Preceded byThe Hand That Feeds You 
Followed byTruant State 

The Bellarmine Jug (1984) is a novel by Australian writer Nicholas Hasluck. It was originally published by Penguin in Australia in 1984.[1]

Synopsis

In 1948 a student lawyer at the Hague discovers that the Dutch Government has potentially covered up the true story, and political implications, of the Batavia, a Dutch ship which was wrecked on a small island off the west coast of Australia in 1629. The resultant orgy of murder became known as one of the "worst horror stories in maritime history".

Critical reception

Writing in The Canberra Times reviewer Susan McKernan noted: "Nicholas Hasluck's fourth novel is an historical mystery enclosed in a spy story," although the novel "despite the elements of mystery and thriller, is concerned with more abstract legal questions. Hasluck is more interested in the balance between justice for the individual and the good of the state."[2]

Awards

Publication history

After its original publication in 1984 in Australia by publisher Penguin[4] the novel was later reprinted by Penguin in 1985.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Austlit — The Bellarmine Jug by Nicholas Hasluck (Penguin Books) 1984". Austlit. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  2. ^ ""Spoiled by abstractions"". The Canberra Times, 29 September 1984, p16. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  3. ^ "Austlit — Age Book of the Year — Imaginative Writing Prize 1984". Austlit. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  4. ^ "The Bellarmine Jug (Penguin 1984)". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 18 November 2023.