The Moving Finger: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Moving Finger: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Moving Finger is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Gaunt, Mary (1861–1942).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Moving Finger" by Mary Gaunt is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative explores the complex lives of characters in a desolate Australian landscape, centering on themes of love, loyalty, and tragedy amid the harsh realities of bush life. A key focus is on Nellie Durham, a young woman caught in an emotional tumult involving Gentleman Jim, an outlaw, and Ben Fisher, a decent man seeking her affection. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a small, rough-hewn accommodation house run by the Durhams, where Nellie sits idly, lost in thought, as the sunlight casts a warm glow. We quickly learn of her romantic entanglement with Gentleman Jim, described as charismatic yet dangerous, and how her family's reputation in a wild bush setting complicates her feelings. As the story unfolds, ghostly tales and superstitions are mingled with the realities of their lives, hinting at impending calamities. The interplay between characters sets the stage for conflicts driven by love, jealousy, and societal expectations, establishing a gripping foundation for the narrative ahead.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Moving Finger
- Author credits: Gaunt, Mary (1861–1942)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Australia -- Fiction
- Short stories, Australian
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Historical Novels
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


