An outstanding study of cultures in collision . . . a chilling, meticulous account of the sorrows and evils of colonialism . . . Kate Grenville is a sophisticated writer * * Guardian * * Splendidly paced, passionate and disturbing * * The Times * * This is a novel everyone should read * * Irish Times * * A vivid and moving portrayal of poverty, struggle and the search for peace * * Independent * * Beautifully written * * Financial Times * * Sumptuous . . . Brilliantly atmospheric * * Independent on Sunday * * A rich novel of character * * Sunday Telegraph * * A magnificent novel - an unflinching exploration of modern Australia's origins * * New Yorker * * Here is someone who can really write -- PETER CAREY Reading The Secret River may put you off anything less accomplished for a while * * Daily Express * *

London, 1806. William Thornhill, happily wedded to his childhood sweetheart Sal, is a waterman on the River Thames. Life is tough but bearable until William makes a mistake, a bad mistake for which he and his family are made to pay dearly. His sentence : to be transported to New South Wales for the term of his natural life. Before long Thornhill, a man no better or worse than most, has to make the most difficult decision of his life.