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phillipsmithy's review against another edition
2.0
This is a book I was forced to read for English class at school and is outside my usual genre of novels. Despite this however, I found a certain charm to the text in its simplicity which made it quite pleasant reading, especially on my second time through. There is certainly a case to be made that this book is boring, and if you're looking for an action packed experience then this definitely isn't what you're looking for, but if it's an interesting look at Australian history, a side to which doesn't usually get discussed then you're in the right place. One thing I particularly enjoyed about the book is the interactions between Rooke and Tagaran which in my opinion is beautifully written and very insightful. Ultimately, I quite enjoyed Grenville's writing style, and whilst I doubt that I will pick up this book again in the future (at least for a long time) I am glad that I read it.
A more accurate rating would be 2.5.
A more accurate rating would be 2.5.
tcm_62's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
4.25
soupy_twist's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
burrowsi1's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lucyhargrave's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I was not expecting to enjoy this so much but it kept me hooked! Rooke was a delightful character and the way he viewed the world was unique, fascinating and perhaps a little naive. I loved his interactions with Taragran and the other members of her tribe. I found the sections on language and linguistics particularly interesting.
The writing was accessible, flowed beautifully and gave a great sense of atmosphere without getting bogged down in unnecessary description.
The writing was accessible, flowed beautifully and gave a great sense of atmosphere without getting bogged down in unnecessary description.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Slavery, and Colonisation
quiche12's review against another edition
5.0
Another beautiful novel from Kate Grenville. This is the story of an English soldier (who was also an astronomer) who travels to Australia in the early days of colonialism and forms a friendship with the local Cammeraygal people. It shows how things could have been and also foreshadows the terrible things that were to follow. It is beautiful and heartbreaking at times. But it’s also an important book tells history as it was.
emmarach's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely story. Easy to read, whilst touching my heart. Another gem by a brilliant author.
quiche12's review against another edition
5.0
Another beautiful novel from Kate Grenville. This is the story of an English soldier (who was also an astronomer) who travels to Australia in the early days of colonialism and forms a friendship with the local Cammeraygal people. It shows how things could have been and also foreshadows the terrible things that were to follow. It is beautiful and heartbreaking at times. But it’s also an important book tells history as it was.
michellel123's review against another edition
3.0
Based on the true story of an astronomer and linguist who came out with the First Fleet. Daniel Rooke sets up home in a quiet area of the new Sydney settlement to study the stars and wait for an expected comet. While there, he encounters and befriends an Aboriginal girl Tagaran and they learn each other's language. As his job as a military officer, though, Rooke is required to go out on a party to arrest or kill Aboriginal men as punishment for the death of the gamekeeper, and must battle his conscience. Enjoyable.