A story of transportation and life in a new world.
At the tender age of eight, chimney sweep Tom Appleby is convicted of stealing and sentenced to deportation to Botany Bay. As one of the members of the First Fleet, he arrives in a country that seemingly has little to offer - or little that the English are used to, anyway.
Luckily, not long after Tom's arrival in the colony, the fair and kind Sergeant Stanley decides to take on Tom as a servant. Together Tom, Sergeant Stanley and his son, Rob, build a house, set up an orchard and a vegetable garden for themselves - and thrive, unlike many others in the new colony.
Jackie French weaves Tom's story in with the story of the development of Australia. She tells of a colony that, despite its natural abundance, cannot offer what the colonists want - familiarity. While the people's health is better than it ever was in England, their morale is low as they wait for news from home.
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I must have read Tom Appleby more times than any other book I own, it certainly is one of my most favourites. A deeply touching read that shows how even under the more dire and difficult circumstances one can rise up and survive.
At a tender age of 8 years old Tom, who has become a chimney sweep, is convicted of stealing and sentenced to deportation to Botany Bay. What lies ahead of him is 8 harrowing months at sea on a tiny boat, going to a mysteries place no white man has settled before....Australia. Will he have the strength and skills to survive this new unknown land?
The first time I read this book I was astounded. I learnt so much about London and early Australian settlement in a short 280 page young adult book, than I would in a non fiction book. This was because I felt a personal connection with the main character and also the quality of the author's writing is of such a high standard. It is compelling but also written in a manner that both adults and young adults can follow and enjoy this marvellous historical fiction book. - Amorette (QBD)
Guest, 23/03/2017
