I would never have picked up this novel except that I am required to read it for class. That said, I think that it is a very enjoyable read that draws the reader into the characters’ insecurites and  consequenes of their choices.
The book begins with Gemmy wandering out of the scrub in a settlement north of Queensland in the 1850s. Since being cast overboard, Gemmy has lived with the native Australians, learning their language and habits before wanting to find out how the settlers live.
What Gemmy finds is that he is now in no-mans-land as not ‘white’ enough to be accepted by the community. Those offering him shelter, food and company soon find themselves as out-cast as Gemmy is and struggle, along with Gemmy, to make other put their fears behind them.
The writing is amazing, and at times I struggled to put this one down. I truly felt the fear of living in a new settlement in the 1850s, along with the courage shown by particular characters. I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in colonial Australia.Â
