The Boy from the Hulks
by Barbara Yates Rothwell
Trafford Publishing

book review by K.R.Mecom

Lemuel Parker, accused of a crime he did not commit, is sentenced to prison and sent away to a new life in Australia, and so begins his amazing adventure. Rothwell's historical novel is full of unique, engaging characters, from the villainous Bulstrode, who is responsible for the death of Lemuels' friend Collie, although Lemuel cannot prove it yet, to the wonderful Mr. Larksville who gives Lemuel a second chance to make something of himself. Perhaps the most successful character of Rothwell's work is that of Lemuel himself, a character with such a good nature and natural likeability. As the novel is intended for a younger audience, he is sure to appeal to readers who will find in him that sense of adventure that lives in all children's hearts. Young girls will find a kindred spirit in that of Georgina who overcomes her shyness and clumsiness to become a confident woman and Lemuel's wife. The story moves at a pretty fast pace, and one small complaint would be that the story could have benefited from being slowed down in spots. For instance, the novel opens as Lemuel has already been tried and convicted, and it would have been interesting to see that played out in the present instead.

In the second part of the novel, Lemuel, now grown, must protect his land and family from a new villan. Lemuel's brothers, Tim and Percy, carry on his sense of adventure as Rothwell uses them to explore the vastness of Australia's land and culture. Overall, Rothwell has created a satisfying adventure story that is truly engaging and fun. Young readers will delight in following Lemuel's journey as he grows from a wronged child to a responsible adult, while older readers will enjoy reading this historical story that showcases the trials and tribulations of the early settlers of Australia.

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