The Scarecrow: Text Classics

The same week our fowls were stolen, Daphne Moran had her throat cut.

Neddy Poindexter's sister, Prudence, has turned sixteen and is the prettiest girl in Klynham. Neddy can't protect her from the men in town, but can he protect her from the killer on the loose?

Part boys' own adventure story, part small-town comedy and part horrifying thriller, The Scarecrow is of its own kind, an unexpected and irresistible masterpiece. Introduction by Craig Sherborne.

Born in 1922, Ronald Hugh Morrieson lived his entire life in the house his grandfather built in Hawera, a small town on New Zealand's north island. The Scarecrow was published in 1963, and was followed a year later by Came a Hot Friday. After a subsequent novel was rejected Morrieson's health declined, compounded by depression and grief at his mother's death in 1968. He died in 1972.

Craig Sherborne is the author of two acclaimed memoirs, a novel, The Amateur Science of Love, two volumes of poetry and a verse drama. His journalism and poetry have appeared in Australia's leading literary journals and anthologies.

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'One of the most unusual and original novels published in this country for many a long day.' Sydney Morning Herald

'Had Dickens begun his career in the twentieth century and with a novel whose major theme was sex he might very well have produced a book like The Scarecrow.' Meanjin

'Infectious warmth and gusto - one of the most unusual and original novels published in this country for many a long day.' Sydney Morning Herald