A dramatic and evocative historical novel set between the slums of Nineteenth-century London and the convict colonies of Australia. Following a childhood marked by poverty and petty crime in the slums of London, William Thornhill is sentenced in 1806 to be transported to New South Wales for the term of his natural life. With his wife and children, he arrives in a harsh land to a life that feels like a death sentence. But, among the convicts there is a whisper - that freedom can be bought - an opportunity to start afresh on lush, 'unclaimed' land away from the infant township of Sydney, up the Hawkesbury River. As Thornhill and his family stake their claim on a patch of ground by the river, the battle lines between old and new settlers are drawn. Whilst some attempt to reconcile themselves with the place and its native people, others fear of this alien world turns into brutal depravity towards it. "The Secret River" joins a tradition of grand historical action. It sensuously etches the intense light and scribble of the Australian bush onto the page, making them the backdrop to a story about ownership, belonging and identity - themes which are timeless and universal.

I'm about half-way through this book at the moment and I'm really enjoing it.

This second copy will be a Birthday RABCK to...

Thank you, freelunch! Thank you so much. I keep picking this up in the bookshops, and then thinking, and being awfully tempted. How very thoughtful of you. I'd almost decided against having birthdays, but maybe they're not such a bad idea!

Claimed by L1nda in the Oz VBB. Round 10.

I am currently reading it (16 August 2008) and it's great, so far. Will send to L1nda with The Mermaid Chair once I'm finished.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thanks so much, freelunch, for giving me the opportunity to read it. I'll be acquiring a copy for my PC.

arrived today, thanks!

I loved this book. Kate Grenville's descriptive writing puts you right there with the characters. A wonderful piece of Australian historical fiction

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Mailed to Carole888 who has this on her wishlist! Enjoy!

L1nda! What a surprise!! I almost tripped over the bag when I opened my front door this morning. I have been wanting to read this for a while now and have eyed it, a few times at the bookshop .... Thank you so much!! I am looking forward to reading it!!

L1nda!! freelunch!! livrecache!! And everyone else who is reading this journal entry, Helloooo!!!!! I have held this one hostage for a long, long, time. Sorry!! My TBR pile is growing instead of getting smaller. Well the play is almost here (in a couple of weeks) as the Festival of Perth is on. I am hoping to see it so I thought I'd better start reading it quick. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing is beautiful. At times, I felt I was floating along the Secret River ... going back in time. What a very sad and dreadful time ..... A real clash of cultures..... Thank you so much for sending it my way. I will try to get it moving along soon.

(addit. Feb24) Am attaching some pictures taken at the Octagon Theatre and UWA grounds where the Perth Writers' Festival was held. We heard Kate Grenville talking with Mark Naglazas about The Secret River, The Lieutenant, Sarah Thornhill and the adaptation of The Secret River to become a Play. We were able to meet her later and she signed this book for us. Yay!! She was curious about bookcrossing and asked how it worked.

(addit. Mar5) We saw the play on Sunday. It was performed by the Sydney Theatre Company and was so good! The whole story came to life. It was different in that the Aboriginal people who do not speak in the story, actually have a voice in the play. It was interesting to see the confrontation of the two people of different worlds on stage and the horror of what was to enfold. The music was just beautiful!
You Tube link to play (7:42)
The Secret River - Festival of Perth Website
ABC Arts blog (with pictures)

Thanks again everyone! I have put the book into Round 35 of The OZVBB and it is now on its way to meet an old friend.

Happy reading!!

Many apologies. This book arrived some time ago, but I was away at the time, and I'm afraid it sank to the bottom of my thing that I must do pile.

I have read it, and I very much enjoyed it. I subsequently went to the launch of Grenville's follow-up book and I realised I wanted to read this one again.

Thanks so much for sending this on from the OZ VBB, Carole.