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This Secret River was awarded the Commonwealth Writers� Prize and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. It takes place in the early 19th century when New South Wales was a penal colony of England (1778-1823). The author’s inspiration was her research into the life of her own convict great-great-great-grandfather.

The story recounts the life of Will Thornhill, a convict transported to New South Wales after avoiding a death sentence in London. He is accompanied by his wife, Sal and two small children.

After serving his term, Thornhill lays claim to a parcel of land originally occupied by the native aborigines. Both parties are initially curious and react passively towards each other. Eventually, feelings intensify as Will Thornhill and the Aboriginal people become confrontational.

Thornhill is a man incapable of grasping any notion that he is not the true owner of his hand-picked parcel of land. He considers the Aborigines inferior which allows him to rationalize and even justify the escalating violence and ultimate massacre of the indigenous people.

It is compelling historical fiction similar in themes with settler colonialism accounts of the American West. As the story evolved, I was unnerved with a sense of impending dread and shattered with parts of the outcome. Recommended.