In 1806, Thames bargeman William Thornhill is sentenced to transportation in the New South Wales colony. Stripped of his London life, he sets his sights on untamed land along the Hawkesbury River and sees a chance to forge a new future for his family.
As Thornhill secures a foothold on the gentle riverbank, he confronts the reality that the land is not unclaimed. His determination to protect his home leads to tense encounters with local Aboriginal groups and fellow settlers whose own ambitions collide with his.
Kate Grenville’s novel weaves historical research and imaginative storytelling into a powerful reflection on the costs of colonial expansion. Through Thornhill’s journey, readers witness fierce resilience, moral ambiguity and cultural misunderstanding.
- Rich portrayal of early Australian settlement
- Nuanced depiction of colonial and Indigenous perspectives
- Deep exploration of family, belonging and survival
- Winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction