New novel Diamond Of The Desert reveals Mid West’s untold colonial history of love, loss and truth-telling

A new historical novel, Diamond Of The Desert by David Wray, revisits the early days of the Mid West and the colony’s push north 175 years ago. Drawing inspiration from his own ancestors who settled in Champion Bay in the 1850s, Wray blends family lore with documented history to created a vivid and authentic tale. “The plot follows an actual family event where our ancestor had an affair with a young ticket-of-leave convict,” Wray said. “Imagine the shock for her husband, arriving home after several years away to discover a few more kids than he remembered.” The novel offers a richly detailed portrayal of early Swan Colony life, combining romance, adventure and truth-telling. Unlike many works in the genre, Diamond Of The Desert openly explores the Aboriginal experience of colonisation, balancing harsh realities with a message of reconciliation and hope. “Fiction gave me the opportunity to paint a picture of Western Australian history that could live again through its characters,” Wray said. “But from the outset I wanted this book to reflect actual WA history, to tell our story — the story of Western Australia — accurately and respectfully. “I wanted a true WA, one that we can be proud of as well as be shocked by.” Diamond Of The Desert launches at Greenough Museum and Gardens on Saturday, November 1, with invitations extended to the community. RSVP to david@switchconsultancy.org to secure a spot, as attendance is limited. Copies are available via local bookshops or www.switchconsultancy.org/switchpub.