For years, Alfred, the eldest son of the Bligh family, has traveled the world like a vagabond. However, since he is a poor communicator, his whereabouts and activities are often left to his family’s imagination. One morning, as the Bligh family gather around their breakfast table, they are no longer left to wonder. Having only sent a letter after his voyage across the ocean, Alfred writes his family a letter to warn them of his arrival, and tells them of an even bigger surprise. While on an Australian adventure, Alfred met the love of his life, Gladys, and promptly married her. Now, the newlywed couple were back in Alfred’s home country of England, and ready to meet the family for the first time. Though Alfred acknowledges that he understands the shock the news might cause, he promises his family that they will love Gladys. However, it is apparent that the young man has overestimated his family’s affection when Alfred and Gladys arrive. Disliking even her name, the Bligh family are unapologetically British, and are convinced that Australians are barbarians. As Gladys tries to fit in and overcome the family’s prejudices, she quickly recognizes faults and hypocrisies in the Bligh’s’ distain for her nationality. Partially inspired by E.W Hornung’s own travels to Australia, A Bride from the Bush is a descriptive and comedic tale that exposes the flaws in 19th century British culture through the perspective of an Australian native. With themes of identity and prejudice, A Bride from the Bush remains to be a fresh and relatable dramatic comedy. This edition of author E.W Hornung’s debut novel, A Bride from the Bush, features a new, eye-catching cover design and is reprinted in a modern and readable font. With these accommodations, contemporary readers are encouraged to revisit this classic comedy.
