Human Toll by Barbara Baynton is a haunting and gritty collection of short stories that explores the harsh realities of life in the Australian bush. Baynton's writing is stark and unflinching, painting a vivid portrait of the struggles faced by women and laborers in a harsh and unforgiving landscape.

The stories in Human Toll are filled with power dynamics, violence, and despair, yet Baynton manages to infuse them with a sense of resilience and defiance. Her characters, particularly the women, are complex and multi-dimensional, each facing their own battles against the harsh environment and the men who seek to dominate them.

Baynton's prose is spare and piercing, with every word carefully chosen to evoke a sense of unease and disquiet. Her descriptions of the landscape are vivid and evocative, creating a palpable sense of place that adds to the overall atmosphere of tension and unease.

Overall, Human Toll is a powerful and evocative collection that offers a raw and unflinching glimpse into the lives of those struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Barbara Baynton's writing is both captivating and challenging, making this collection a must-read for fans of Australian literature and anyone interested in exploring the darker aspects of human nature.

Book Description:
Ursula (Ursie) Ewart, orphaned as a young child, is sent away from her home in the Australian bush. While Ursie was previously doted on by station hands, Boshy, Nungi,and Queeby, at her new home, in a nearby country town, she is barely tolerated. Her only confidante is Andrew (Andree), an older child in the same household.