'Policy and Passion' Summary

Thomas, a promising politician in colonial Australia, finds his ambition challenged when his love for a married woman comes to light. His daughter, Honora, also faces societal pressures as she falls in love with an English nobleman. The novel weaves together the personal struggles of Thomas and Honora with the broader context of Australia's early development, showcasing the conflicts between individual desires and societal expectations, the complexities of love and duty, and the impact of colonialism on a burgeoning nation. The story explores themes of social class, gender roles, political ambition, and the pursuit of happiness within a society grappling with its identity.