Human Toll

Barbara Baynton's 'Human Toll' is a collection of stark and haunting short stories that depict the harsh realities of life in the Australian bush during the late 19th century. Baynton's sparse and unsentimental prose style effectively conveys the isolating and brutal nature of life in the outback, with themes of gender, class, and the fragility of human existence woven throughout the narratives. The book's literary context can be seen as contributing to the development of an Australian literary tradition that explores the darker aspects of settler life and challenges romanticized notions of the bush. Baynton's unflinching portrayal of violence, poverty, and social injustice make 'Human Toll' a powerful and thought-provoking read for those interested in Australian literature and history.