AustLit

'Forced to leave plague-riddled London, the ageing, blind poet John Milton is dependent on his all-female family in the village of Chalfont-St Giles. Drawing inspiration from his scribe and youngest daughter, the vibrant and curious Deborah, John experiences a breakthrough in the writing of his epic poem Paradise Lost and the elusive character of Eve. As his writing proceeds, he neglects Deborah, and then treats her with contempt as she tries to extend their relationship and learn from him. Ultimately, as his family threatens to fall apart, Milton must decide between domestic fulfilment and literary greatness.'  (Introduction)