The black pearl
Jeanne, a Parisian orphan fresh from a convent school, is sent to live with her wealthy guardian on his sheep station at Gwylata on Lake Alexandrina in South Australia. The novel follows her through shearing time, a hunt club ball, a courtship and an engagement into a second part set in Sydney, the Jenolan Caves and a boarding house, where a crisis of love and conscience leads her toward Theosophy and the teaching of Annie Besant. Marie Lion published the book in Melbourne in 1911 under the pen name Noel Aimir, and this edition presents it in Maude Wholohan's translation from the French. It is a rare view of Edwardian Australia through French eyes. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the first chapter free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The black pearl
The black pearl by Marie Lion can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The black pearl online?
Yes. The black pearl opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The black pearl free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The black pearl is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The black pearl in the public domain?
Yes. The black pearl by Marie Lion is a public-domain work, here in the translation by Maude Wholohan. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The black pearl?
About 2 h 26 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The black pearl?
The black pearl by Marie Lion is filed under "Fiction" in the Vinteuil library.
