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By Libby Hyett
In October I attended the pre launch event for Parramatta based author Alexandria Burnham’s debut novel, Swallow. The evening was themed as a pirate gathering, complete with a live band and maritime inspired food. Guests received small skull and crossbones flags as mementos of the occasion. The event marked the end of a five year writing process for Burnham and the beginning of her introduction of the book to readers.
The novel is set in the early nineteenth century and follows the real life story of William Swallow, a transported convict originally sentenced for petty larceny. Swallow left behind his wife Susannah and their young children in England before being sent to Australia.
The narrative opens nine years later with Swallow imprisoned aboard the government vessel Cyprus, which was bound for the penal settlement on Sarah Island in Macquarie Harbour. Facing the likelihood of severe punishment and believing he possessed the navigational skills to attempt a return to England, Swallow persuaded a group of convicts to seize the ship. The mutiny and the attempted voyage form the foundation of the novel.
The historical context is well known to maritime historians. After the mutiny on the Bounty, Captain Bligh famously navigated to safety with only limited instruments available to him. Approximately four decades later, Swallow attempted a similarly ambitious journey with a compass and sextant, but without a pocket watch or maps. The events surrounding the mutiny have been recorded in court transcripts and contemporary accounts, and remain a notable part of early Australian maritime history.
Burnham is primarily recognised for her work as a screenwriter, with credits including the feature films Unsound and Nice Package as well as several short films. Swallow is her first novel and is planned as the opening title in a trilogy.
“Australia often gravitates toward stories of outlaws and people on the margins,” Burnham said when asked about her interest in Swallow. She explained that her research into the historical case shaped the tone and direction of the book.
Since the pre launch event and the official release in November, Burnham has taken part in bookstore signings and public appearances throughout Sydney. She is scheduled to travel to Tasmania in January for further promotional activities, including an appearance at The Pirate’s Festival at Eaglehawk Neck. The event marks the anniversary of the seizure of the Seaflower, another ship associated with Swallow’s history.
When asked about the timeline for the second book in the planned trilogy, Burnham confirmed that it is already in development.
Details about Burnham’s future appearances will be listed in the 2026 Hawkesbury Library events program. Her novel is also available for purchase through WestWords. https://www.westwords.com.au/product/swallow
