The Secret River

I read a book a few years ago, English Passengers I think, which told some of the story of Australia's colonisation from the Aboriginal viewpoint. Secret River is very much from the white side but in a way that allows the reader to empathise with both peoples. Will and Sal are sent from destitution in London where petty thieves are hung, violence commonplace and class distinction rubbed in their faces at every turn. Upon arrival, they believe are no longer the lowest of the low, misunderstanding the native people's independence from material possessions as savagery. I love how Kate Grenville understands Will and Sal, their partnership and their desperation to improve their lot. Her descriptions of the as yet unspoilt wilderness are inspirational and she has a great sense of time and place. The novel is a lesson in how ignorance breeds fear which breeds anger which leads to destruction. It is so sad that this tale of over 200 years ago should still be as relevant now.

The transposition from inured hardship into earned hardship translating into comfort has probably been done a million times and more. Even the idea of setting it on the Hawkesbury and including such unsubtle reminders of the nature of life in a colony - and especially the challenges between diverse peoples likely also has antecedents.
But beside that it was engaging. It didn't fall into the trap which far too many novels containing a large group of players tend to do of trying to create complex characteristics for all of the. Even so, some of the characters were disappointing. The lead pair especially so. I never empathised with either. And found myself continually confusing the children and the convict servants with each other. And which blackfella was which?
The Prose, though, magnificent in so many places. From London of the early 19th century to the trials of Sydney Cove as it struggled to survive and the beauty of the Hawkesbury I was drawn in. The use of language was interesting throughout - from the flitting and interlacing between scenes to the use of the conversation as a part of the prose. Such like the vocal is just an instrument in the best songs or we are just players in a greater story.
An intriguing story on one level, unfulfilling on so many others. No doubt it'll attract those obsessed with "Historical Fiction" but I'm more likely to wonder which scene was set where as I visit Wiseman's Ferry and if the Pub in St. Albans is actually the scene for Blackwoods camp.