SHORTLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE
WINNER OF THE COMMONWEALTH WRITERS' PRIZE
A BBC2 BIG JUBILEE BETWEEN THE COVERS READ

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. Soon Thornhill, a man no better or worse than most, has to make the most difficult decision of his life.

About the Author

Kate Grenville's bestselling novel The Secret River received the Commonwealth Writers' Prize, and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and the Miles Franklin Literary Award. The Idea of Perfection won the Orange Prize. Grenville's other novels include Sarah Thornhill, The Lieutenant, Lilian's Story, Dark Places, Joan Makes History and A Room Made of Leaves.

www.kategrenville.com

Reviews
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 * *


Awards
Winner of Commonwealth Writers' Prize - Best Book 2006 (UK). Short-listed for The Man Booker Prize 2006 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781782118879
Author Kate Grenville
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Canongate Canons
Publisher Canongate Books
Weight(grams) 246g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 22mm