elizaeliza's review against another edition
3.0
Gentle and thoughtful protagonist and a gently unfolding narrative. Some beautiful language. A touching friendship between a man and a much younger girl.
hksmith's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It took me a while to get into the book but, in the end, I think the life of Daniel Rooke will stay with me
ashergeorge's review
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
susanlawson's review against another edition
4.0
The story of Lieutenant Daniel Rooke, one of the first soldiers to land in New South Wales accompanied by shiploads of convicts. His focus is not, however, on the task of keeping order amongst the new settlers, but on tracking the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere and, more importantly, forming relationships with and learning the language of the native Australians.
randomrevolutionaryreader's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
TCE English has never been so exhilarating. As a speaker of many languages myself, I really enjoyed the novel.
I cannot love this book enough as it has enlightened me to discover more about the Indigenous peoples of Australia.
I cannot love this book enough as it has enlightened me to discover more about the Indigenous peoples of Australia.
kdtoverbooked's review against another edition
2.0
I have packed or unpacked this book 9 times since I bought it and so I couldn’t simply DNF it and move on. It wasn’t that the writing was awful but rather that it was dreadfully boring. There wasn’t a lot of rising action, climax, or conclusion. If you are a diehard linguistic or a huge fan of the early settlement of Australia than this book might be for you. Anyone else I would recommend steering clear of it.
jewelhathaway's review
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lmariek's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
3.0
Based on real life events, this easy to read and charming novel focuses on a super-intelligent lieutenant who undergoes the experience of discovering new south wales while attempting to communicate with the Aboriginies. Enjoyable for anyone with an interest in that period of time.