Basil and Annette: A Novel

"Basil and Annette: A Novel" by B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon is a story set in the vivid landscapes of 19th-century Australia, where duty and friendship collide. The novel introduces Basil Whittingham, arriving at his friend Anthony Bidaud's plantation after the loss of his father; here, amid the striking contrast of nature's beauty and lurking shadows, he meets the innocent Annette. As Basil and Annette's bond strengthens through shared adventures, a sense of foreboding emerges with the arrival of Gilbert Bidaud, Anthony's enigmatic brother, who stirs up long-buried conflicts and threatens the tranquility of their lives. The initial chapters highlight budding relationships, family secrets, and the ominous sense that Basil is about to become both protector and defender in a world where love and danger intertwine.