The Secret River

by Andrew Bovell, Bovell (Adapter)

William Thornhill arrives in New South Wales a convict from the slums of London. Upon earning his pardon he discovers that this new world offers something he didn't dare dream a place to call his own. But as he plants a crop and lays claim to the soil on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, he finds that this land is not his to take. Its ancient custodians are the Dharug people. A deeply moving and unflinching journey into Australia's dark history, Andrew Bovell's adaptation of Kate Grenville's acclaimed novel The Secret River was first performed by the Sydney Theatre Company in 2013. The play had its UK premiere in August 2019, as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, before transferring to the National Theatre, London. 'The Secret River is a sad book, beautifully written and, at times, almost unbearable with the weight of loss, competing distresses and the impossibility of making amends' Observer on the novel The Secret River 'A stunning and shattering piece of theatre' - Sunday Telegraph (Australia)

Genres: Plays, School

130 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2013

Reviews

[N Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a couple of days ago, and just saw it performed at the Arts Centre in Melbourne today. Now, I know most people don't live in Australia, but if you have the opportunity to go and see this show, YOU NEED TO GO. This play is incredible, however incredibly emotionally harrowing: you have been warned.
This is the kind of story that brings to light a part of Australian history that is quite often forgotten in our culture, and I know that education on Australian history in other countries is practically nonexistent, which makes this play even more important.

[Nini · Rating 3 out of 5]

A school read for me, but nevertheless an enjoyable one :) I think this adaptation was a good read.

[WYKW · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad for this Nick Hern edition that that provides insights and perspectives on the process of the staged adaptation. The result is a nuanced and critical look at the long standing issues that continues to be perpetuated today.

[lilsyreadsbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me angry but it was quite interesting and there were good parts of it

Read it for school

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing adaptation of the novel. Brought tears to my eyes. Enabled empathy for all characters, no matter how evil they appeared. Of course, I’m hating my English heritage. How do we deal with this? Can there ever be reconciliation which I desire?

[Paschalis]

elibrary