New writer Kevin Rabalais uses the ill fated Burke and Wills expedition to craft a magical tale of love and longing. Against the back drop of their disastrous journey, Burke and Wills share their infatuation for a young actress; it is this passion that drives them in their expedition. For the impetuous and unstable Burke it becomes an obsession that clouds his judgement and ultimately leads to disaster.

For the methodical Wills, his desire to prove himself and to return successful leads to terrible disputes with Burke. Neither is aware of the other’s relationship. Rabalais crafts a complex and rewarding novel that is sure to excite much attention. The Landscape of Desire has already attracted glowing advance praise from writers such as David Malouf, Colum McCann and Alex Miller