Books matching: convict transportation
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- #1
Save:Powerful, atmospheric, and heartbreaking, The Exiles offers a moving window into a little-known chapter of history - perfect for fans of beautifully written, character-driven historical fiction.
'The Exiles' by Christina Baker Kline is a historical novel set in the nineteenth century that follows the lives of three women - Evangeline, Hazel, and Mathinna. Evangeline, a governess falsely accused of a crime, is sentenced to exile in Australia, where she meets Hazel, a skilled midwife, and herbalist who was transported for stealing. Mathinna, an aboriginal girl taken from her home and adopted into a household, faces mistreatment and cruelty. The novel beautifully weaves together the stories of these resilient women, portraying a narrative that is heartbreaking yet full of hope and strength.
By the time the rains came, Mathinna had been hiding in the bush for nearly two days. She was eight years old, and the most important thing she’d ever learned was how to disappear. Since she was old e...August 2020•389 pages - #2
Save:A vivid, well-researched slice of forgotten history - sometimes a slow burn, but eye-opening and memorable for anyone interested in women’s roles in the making of Australia.
'The Floating Brothel' by Sian Rees is a non-fiction history book that vividly recounts the journey of female convicts aboard the Lady Julian as they are transported to Australia in the 18th century. The book delves into the women's background, crimes, the harsh conditions of the voyage, the romances and struggles they faced, and their eventual settlement in the new British colony of New South Wales. Rees skillfully combines historical records to create a compelling narrative that brings to life the everyday experiences of these women during this tumultuous period.
The book offers a detailed insight into the lives of the female convicts, the challenges they encountered, and the resilience they displayed in the face of adversity. Through engaging storytelling, Rees explores various themes such as justice, morality, colonization, and the treatment of women, weaving together a fascinating tale that sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of Australian British history.
2001•236 pages A vivid, human-focused retelling of Australia’s improbable origins that’s both enlightening and entertaining - best for readers who enjoy immersive storytelling over strict academic analysis.
Thomas Keneally's 'A Commonwealth of Thieves: The Improbable Birth of Australia' vividly brings to life the early days of the penal colonies in Australia through detailed research and character-driven storytelling. The book delves into the struggles, triumphs, and hardships faced by the convicts, officers, and native Australians during the colonization of New South Wales. Keneally's narrative style switches seamlessly between individual stories and broader historical events, providing a rich insight into the complexities of this period in Australian history.
The book explores the challenges of survival in a new and harsh environment, the clashes between different cultures, and the personal journeys of those involved in the founding of Australia. Through meticulous attention to detail and a focus on individual experiences, Keneally paints a compelling picture of the early settlers and the circumstances that shaped the birth of a nation.
IF, IN THE NEW YEAR of 1788, the eye of God had strayed from the main games of Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, and idled over the huge vacancy of sea to the south-east of Africa, it would have...January 2005•500 pages- #4
Save:A sweeping, meticulously researched saga that brings history alive - best enjoyed by readers who savor rich detail over breakneck pacing.
Morgan's Run by Colleen McCullough is a historical novel that follows the life of Richard Morgan, a man wrongfully accused of a crime and sentenced to be deported to Botany Bay, Australia's first penal colony. The story spans the years from 1775 to 1793, depicting the hardships faced by convicts during that time period. The book delves into the detailed descriptions of the conditions in which convicts were forced to endure, both in jails and on the prison ships, as well as the challenges of settling in the harsh landscape of the penal colony.
The plot of Morgan's Run unfolds through various segments, starting with Morgan's early years, his unjust conviction and incarceration in England, his transport to Australia, and finally his life in the penal colony. Colleen McCullough's writing style is praised for its ability to vividly portray the trials and tribulations faced by Richard Morgan, making the reader feel immersed in the story and connected to the characters, especially Richard Morgan, who is depicted as a believable and compelling protagonist.
Every head save Richard Morgan’s lifted and turned toward the door, where a bulky figure stood brandishing a sheet of flimsy. For a moment a pin might have been heard dropping, then a confused babble...August 2000•856 pages - #5
Save:A sharp, cheeky romp through Australia’s early days - historically sound, deeply funny, and absolutely unfiltered. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but a must-read for anyone who thinks history should come with a laugh track.
'Girt' by David Hunt is a humorous and delightful take on the early days of the establishment of the transportation colony in Australia. Through a mix of research-backed tales and tongue-in-cheek humor, Hunt presents a brutally true and direct history of Australia, shedding light on the characters and events that shaped the country's history. The author's cheeky writing style brings to life the warts-and-all portrayal of historical figures like Captain Cook, Governor Macquarie, and Governor Bligh, challenging the conventional dry nature of history writing.
It is the 29th of April 1770 and Captain James Cook, the greatest explorer of his age,3 strides across the deck of the HMS Endeavour while his pet botanist, Joseph Banks, scurries in his wake witterin...July 2013•298 pages - #6
Save:A darkly imaginative and atmospheric riff on Dickens, Jack Maggs is perfect for fans of literary reimaginings and historical fiction with a twist.
"Jack Maggs" by Peter Carey is a Dickensian-inspired novel set in Victorian London, revolving around the character of Jack Maggs, a reformed convict who returns from Australia to London seeking to reconnect with Henry Phipps, the young man he has been supporting. The narrative weaves between Maggs' quest, dark past, and encounters with various individuals, including Tobias Oates, an author and amateur hypnotist, who becomes fascinated with Maggs' history. The story explores themes of redemption, power struggles, intertwined fates, and the dark side of nostalgia in a richly textured and atmospheric portrayal of 19th-century London.
IT WAS A SATURDAY NIGHT when the man with the red waistcoat arrived in London. It was, to be precise, six of the clock on the fifteenth of April in the year of 1837 that those hooded eyes looked out t...1997•368 pages - #7
Save:A colorful, dramatic historical saga that brings early Australia to life - great for fans of big, character-driven epics, but may not suit those looking for subtlety or a fast, streamlined plot.
The Potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay is a historical fiction novel that takes inspiration from Charles Dickens's Fagin. The story follows the lives of characters like Ikey Solomon, Mary Abacus, and Hannah as they navigate the criminal underworld in Victorian London, eventually leading them to the convict settlement of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). The plot unfolds with intricate details about their crimes, relationships, and struggles as they try to establish new lives in Australia. The narrative style blends elements of real historical events with fictionalized accounts, creating a captivating portrayal of the characters' journeys and the harsh realities they face.
Ikey Solomon was so entirely a Londoner that he was a human part of the great metropolis, a jigsawed brick that fitted into no other place. He was mixed into that mouldy mortar, an ingredient in the s...1995•786 pages - #8
Save:A classic, steamy historical romance with a unique Australian setting and plenty of angst - great for genre lovers, but some elements haven’t aged gracefully.
Set in Australia in the mid 19th century, "Dark Torment" by Karen Robards tells the story of Sarah Markham, the daughter of a sheep rancher, and Dominic Gallagher, an Irish convict wrongly transported to Australia. Their forbidden love story unfolds amidst the challenges of convict life, trust issues, and societal expectations. The book is described as a blend of passionate romance, humor, action thrills, and vivid character development set against the backdrop of the Australian frontier.
“I don’t know what Pa can have been thinking about, telling us to meet him down here!” As Liza Markham stared over the high wheels of the pony trap her sister was driving, she wrinkled her pert, freck...August 1985•401 pages A landmark, unflinchingly detailed history of convict Australia - disturbing, fascinating, and brilliantly written. Not for the faint of heart, but essential reading if you want to understand the origins of modern Australia.
The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes is a comprehensive history of the founding of Australia as a penal colony, detailing the brutal and harrowing conditions faced by convicts and settlers. Hughes weaves a narrative that spans nearly a hundred years, from the initial discovery of Australia to the end of the convict system, incorporating detailed accounts of the transportation of convicts, the challenges faced by the first settlers, and the interactions with the indigenous population. The book is praised for its meticulous research, compelling storytelling, and the author's ability to bring to life the complexities and cruelties of Australia's early history.
Never had a colony been founded so far from its parent state, or in such ignorance of the land it occupied. There had been no reconnaissance. In 1770 Captain James Cook had made landfall on the unexpl...1986•707 pages- #10
Save:A frothy, entertaining romantic romp on the high seas - perfect for those craving fun pirate antics, sassy heroines, and golden-age historical romance vibes. Suspend disbelief and enjoy the adventure!
The Pirate Lord by Sabrina Jeffries is a historical romance novel set in the 19th century, following the story of Sara Willis, a reformer and the step sister of an earl. Sara decides to accompany a shipload of female convicts being transported to Australia to ensure their well-being. However, things take a turn when the ship is captured by the notorious Pirate Lord, Gideon Horn, who is looking for wives for himself and his crew to settle down on an isolated island. The book explores the clash between Sara's reformist ideals and Gideon's pirate ways, leading to a passionate and tumultuous love story amidst the backdrop of high seas adventure and unexpected alliances.
Sabrina Jeffries weaves a tale filled with sassy dialogue, humorous interactions, and passionate love scenes. The plot unfolds with twists and turns as Sara and Gideon navigate their conflicting personalities and desires, ultimately finding themselves drawn to each other despite their differences. The story delves into themes of adventure, romance, and redemption, offering a unique take on the pirate romance genre with a strong focus on character development and engaging storytelling.
Miss Sara Willis had known a great many awkward moments in her twenty-three years. There was the time as a seven-year-old when her mother had caught her filching biscuits from the grand kitchen at Bla...December 1975•384 pages
