The Shiralee (novel)

The Shiralee is the debut full-length novel by D'Arcy Niland published in 1955. It was adapted into a movie in 1957 and a mini series in 1987.

Plot
The swagman Macauley takes his young daughter Buster on the road with him.

Reception
It sold more than 90,000 copies in Australia.

The Argus called it a "great Australian novel".

The New York Times called it a "fine story" which Niland "told well... Mr Niland's approach is honest as it is refreshing... one wants to hear more from him".

Adaptations
Film rights were sold in 1955 for a reported £10,000.

In 1957 a British film was made by Ealing Studios, directed by Leslie Norman.

A second adaptation was made in 1987. It was an Australian TV film directed by George Ogilvie, starring Bryan Brown and Noni Hazelhurst.