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Dan and Charlotte, both questioners of established Christian doctrine circa the 1800s, seek to leave behind their renegade reputations in Wales and England by escaping into what they hope is their promised land of Australia. But the stability allowing for their navel-watching philosophy is overwhelmed by the need to simply survive in the Social Darwinist world of the Australian gold rush. Through this adventure, they discover answers to theological and cosmic questions. For readers, tales of heroic ancestors might be a familiar yarn, but this book takes the reader into the 18th century world of Australia, where survival was the first order of the day. Having put the reader into the mindset of an 18th century rebel/adventurer, the author gives the story of taking care of one’s family a universal appeal. Faced with these daily travails, the characters are provided answers to theological questions that forced them out of Wales and England.
Themes of a "brave new land" abound, Browne delivers the promise and struggle of courageous people who settle a new frontier. The author is skilled in making the reader feel the sweaty and unstable atmosphere, where cabin-fevered treasure hunters and lurking threats in the dead of night prey upon the emigrants who flocked to Australia. Yet in spite of this dangerous climate, the author imparts to readers why so many regarded the country as signifying a second chance for those who could not compete in England. It's memorable prose and story, grounded in history.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review