Proud Meriam and Wagedagam author Lenora Thaker has released her debut novel, 'The Pearl of Tagai Town'.

Set in the 1930s and 40s, the novel follows a young woman named Pearl navigating life in a fictional shantytown on the far northeast coast of Australia, based closely on real places and community histories.

Tagai Town is not a real location, but it is deeply rooted in reality. Ms Thaker said the setting was inspired by a shantytown her father grew up in.

"Tagai Town is a fictional shantytown inspired by a real shantytown that existed on the northeast coast of Australia from the late 1800s until about the late 1940s or early 1950s," she said.

"My father grew up in one of these shantytowns on the fringe of a predominantly white town.

"He and my grandmother shared many stories when I was growing up, of what life was like for them in their real-life shantytown."

Pearl, the central character, is determined to forge her own path and becomes the first woman of colour to work front-of-shop in the nearby white town, despite open hostility from white customers and concern from her own family.

She keeps a secret relationship with the son of the local bank manager, knowing full well that such a connection could put both of them at risk.

The novel explores family bonds, identity, and self-determination against a backdrop of systemic discrimination.

Ms Thaker said placing the story in a historical setting was essential.

"That's what the story demanded," she said.

She described the writing process as both challenging and rewarding as accuracy was a central concern throughout.

"Being meticulous about getting historical details right and getting Torres Strait Islander languages and historical cultural practices right.

"Getting to visit and play in the past with a range of Torres Strait Islander characters who resonate with the determination and pride that my forebears had in order to defy living under the Act in the Islands and seek freedom and opportunities on the mainland."

Ms Thaker was awarded the Boundless Mentorship for her work on the novel, which has already drawn praise from across the literary community.

Early reviews have described The Pearl of Tagai Town as a powerful and moving work of historical fiction that brings lesser-told Torres Strait Islander stories to the forefront.

Published by Text Publishing, the novel is available now.