AustLit

Fascinating, if romanticised, atmosphere of convict transportation, colonial Sydney, Aboriginal relations with white settlers, the Sydney military and convict punishemnt. The aristocratic heir Ralph Chandos pairs up with Gerda Pelham, to the chagrin of his wicked cousin. The latter's response is to kill Chandos' uncle, the Baron, and incriminate Chandos. With Chandos transported to Botany Bay, his cousin, now Lord Strathmore, takes a posting as Governor in the colonies and persuades Mr Pelham to join him , bringing his daughter. Chandos, Strathmore and the Pelhams travel to Sydney on the same ship, although mutiny errupts. Eventually upon arrival, Chandos is assigned to Dr Moore out on a sheep farm near Parramatta where they have extensive interaction with the Aboriginal population. Dr Moore is wounded which requires a trip tp Sydney for treatment, where the Pelhams and Strathmore are staying at Government House ... (PB)