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The Secret River

By Kate Grenville
Series: Historical Trilogy
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3.81 goodreads logo

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Secret River by Kate Grenville is a gripping historical fiction novel that delves into the early 19th-century colonisation of Australia. It follows the story of an English convict, William Thornhill, who is transported to New South Wales with his family. There, he seeks to claim land along the Hawkesbury River, leading to tensions and conflicts with the Indigenous people. Grenville explores themes of survival, conflict, and cultural clashes in a new and challenging world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2400
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to compelling narratives about exploration, colonisation, and the complex interactions between settlers and Indigenous peoples in 19th-century Australia. The story offers a poignant look at the moral struggles and personal transformations experienced by characters seeking new beginnings in a challenging land. If historical fiction that explores cultural and ethical dilemmas interests you, this masterfully written novel will likely captivate you.

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The Secret River

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

After a childhood of poverty and petty crime in the slums of London, William Thornhill is transported to New South Wales for the term of his natural life. With his wife Sal and children in tow, he arrives in a harsh land that feels at first like a death sentence. But among the convicts, there is a whisper that freedom can be bought, an opportunity to start afresh.

As Thornhill stakes his claim on a patch of ground by the Hawkesbury River, the battle lines between the old and new inhabitants are drawn. The critics agree, The Secret River is a masterpiece; a spellbinding Australian classic about ownership, belonging, and identity with universal themes.

Series: Historical Trilogy

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Kate Grenville's The Secret River is highly acclaimed for its vivid storytelling and deep exploration of Australia's colonial past. Critics praise the novel for its imaginative power and engaging narrative, with many highlighting its impact on readers' perceptions of history. The writing is lauded for its poetic and insightful nature, offering a chilling yet compelling account of cultural collisions and the haunting legacy of colonialism. The novel's ability to evoke strong emotional responses and its resonance with contemporary themes make it widely regarded as a must-read in historical fiction.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781922147424

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 May 2013

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 352

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Historical Fiction Kate Grenville Literary Fiction Penguin Books Series: Historical Trilogy

About the Author

Authors Bio, not available

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