The Hanging of Mary Ann: Based on a True Story, This Colonial Woman was a Victim of the Times by Angela Badger

Book Description

Secondhand. Good condition. Wear to book corners and edges. Minor marks on tail foredge.

A gripping story of power, deceit and passion, this historical fiction is based on the true story of Mary Ann Brownlow, who was hanged in 1855 and whose case is said to have brought about the Married Women's Property Act.

When Mary Ann inherits her family's property, her husband soon begins selling off portions of the land without her consent. Not only does he cheat her of her birthright, but he also wants to bring his 'fancy' woman to live there.

Driven by desperation, Mary Ann fights with him and cuts his arm. The wound turns septic, and he dies. Mary Ann is hauled off to Goulburn Goal and branded a murderer. However, when she is found to be pregnant, the authorities decide to wait until the baby is born before sentencing her to hang.

Her real crime through all this is being born a woman in a man's world... (publisher blurb)

Historical fiction