Picnic at Hanging Rock is a hauntingly atmospheric and enigmatic novel that will leave readers spellbound. Set in the summer of 1900, the story centers on a group of schoolgirls from Appleyard College who mysteriously vanish during a day trip to the stunning and foreboding Hanging Rock in the Australian outback. As the investigation into their disappearance unfolds, the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, leaving both characters and readers questioning what truly happened. With lush, evocative prose and an unsettling sense of unease, Lindsay's classic work explores themes of repression, desire, and the eerie tension between civilization and nature. This 2017 Penguin edition features a captivating forward by Maile Meloy, adding a contemporary reflection on the novel's timeless impact. Perfect for fans of suspenseful, atmospheric fiction, Picnic at Hanging Rock is a must-read for anyone who loves stories of mystery, obsession, and the unexplained.
Foreword by Maile Meloy
Editorial Reviews
"A haunting, hypnotic work of fiction... Joan Lindsay's evocative prose and eerie storytelling make Picnic at Hanging Rock a timeless masterpiece of suspense." —The Sydney Morning Herald
"This novel lingers long after the final page is turned. It is a masterwork of atmosphere, mystery, and psychological tension, and its questions about reality and illusion remain unanswered." —The Guardian
About the Author
Joan Lindsay (1896–1984) was an Australian author best known for her evocative and mysterious writing. Her most famous work, Picnic at Hanging Rock (1967), has become a classic of Australian literature and has inspired countless readers, as well as a successful film adaptation. Lindsay’s work is characterized by its blending of the real and the supernatural, often leaving her readers with more questions than answers. Throughout her career, she was also a passionate painter and involved in the Australian art scene. Though Picnic at Hanging Rock remains her best-known work, Lindsay’s contributions to literature and her unique style have secured her a lasting place in Australian literary history.
