UQP acquires historical YA 'A Flash in the Dust' from Meg Caddy

UQP is thrilled to announce that we have acquired Meg Caddy's historical YA novel set in 1890s Western Australia, A Flash in the Dust. This captivating novel follows two queer young people, Gil Brady and Norah Devaney, as they escape Fremantle Asylum, become bushrangers, and hunt down a serial killer: the policeman who killed Norah's mother. UQP have acquired world rights in a deal brokered by Abigail Nathan at Alex Adsett Literary.

Author Meg Caddy says:

‘As someone who identifies as both asexual and nonbinary, I grew up without seeing my own experiences represented in Australian fiction. As it stands, there are currently no traditionally published queer YA novels set in Australia prior to 1900. Given the current anti-trans and anti-queer sentiment in both local and international media, these nuanced and diverse queer stories are more important than ever … A Flash in the Dust sends a strong message that queer people have both a history and a future in this country.’

Publisher Cathy Vallance says:

‘I was captivated from the moment I started reading. The plot, pacing, characterisation and historical research have all been expertly executed. This book provides a queer perspective on Australian history, which is severely lacking in the market.’

About Meg Caddy

Caddy is a bookseller and writer. Their fantasy novel Waer (Text) was shortlisted for the 2013 Text Prize and the 2017 CBCA Book of the Year Award for older readers, and their historical fiction novel Devil’s Ballast (also Text) was shortlisted for the 2020 Readings YA Book Prize. Caddy began A Flash in the Dust as part of their PhD thesis.

For more information or media enquires contact jean.smith@uqp.com.au