It's 1789, and as the new colony in Sydney Cove is established, Surgeon John White defies convention and adopts Nanberry, an Aboriginal boy, to rai...
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reviews
Aug 27, 2011
Christine
rated it: 
A compelling read bringing to life historical characters from the time of white settlement of this country. Interesting choice for YR.It depicts the violence,squalor and appalling treatment of women in Sydney Cove, the decimation of indigenous clans due to small pox, the cruel mistreatment of convicts in the Second Fleet, and the endemic corruption of the marine corps. Yet despite the horrors contained within its pages, the book provides a fascinating insight into Aboriginal culture, and a sympa
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Sep 04, 2011
Sheree
rated it: 
4.5 stars
This was both a compelling and challenging read. It's the relatively unknown story of the small aboriginal boy, Nanberry, adopted by surgeon John White, chief surgeon of the first fleet sent to establish a convict settlement at Botany Bay. Spanning the years 1788 to 1823, French employs meticulous research of actual historical figures; old letters, court transcripts and journal entries to provide a thoroughly absorbing backdrop to true events.
Nanberry was one of More...
This was both a compelling and challenging read. It's the relatively unknown story of the small aboriginal boy, Nanberry, adopted by surgeon John White, chief surgeon of the first fleet sent to establish a convict settlement at Botany Bay. Spanning the years 1788 to 1823, French employs meticulous research of actual historical figures; old letters, court transcripts and journal entries to provide a thoroughly absorbing backdrop to true events.
Nanberry was one of More...
Jan 24, 2012
Michelle
rated it:
I cannot image how invaded the Aborigines would have felt. I cannot image myself living in Australia during the late 1700s. I appreciate and admire the people who came to Australia, who respected the land they had come to and the people who lived here first.
The stigma of being a convict. It has taken generations for some families to leave their convict history in the past. I love that Australia isn’t divided by class. A ‘Gentleman’ can fall in love with anyone and marry her. A person, wh More...
The stigma of being a convict. It has taken generations for some families to leave their convict history in the past. I love that Australia isn’t divided by class. A ‘Gentleman’ can fall in love with anyone and marry her. A person, wh More...
Jan 01, 2012
Readingjay
rated it:
Jackie French has brought us an extraordinary story in yet another thoroughly researched historical novel. As usual, her notes are as fascinating as the narrative. It is a story of first contact. Not just about Nanberry, although much of it is, but we also see the lives of many historical figures in the early days of the colony of New South Wales.
My copy was an electronic galley from the publishers and one disadvantage of the form is that it is hard to flip through, although I have be More...
My copy was an electronic galley from the publishers and one disadvantage of the form is that it is hard to flip through, although I have be More...
Feb 04, 2012
Judy
rated it:
Have read another fabulous Jackie French novel. This historical fiction called "Nanberry" is about a young aboriginal boy adopted by the First Fleet surgeon. Many themes such as racism, class divisions, cruelty, responsibility, friendship, and empathy are explored. As usual Jackie has thoroughly researched the topic and includes references to the real people on whom the story is based. She can really bring a story to life. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in early Aust
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