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First in the Field A Story of New South Wales   By: (1831-1909)

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First in the Field: A Story of New South Wales by George Manville Fenn is a captivating historical novel that offers a vivid and immersive experience of early Colonial Australia. Set in the early 1800s, the narrative follows the lives of several characters who embark on a daring journey to establish new settlements in the untamed wilderness of New South Wales.

Fenn masterfully combines historical accuracy with a thrilling fictional plot, transporting the reader to a time when Australia was still a harsh and unforgiving land. He paints a vivid picture of the struggles and hardships faced by the colonizers as they battle the formidable forces of nature, hostile indigenous tribes, and their own personal demons.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its well-developed characters. From the headstrong and ambitious Lieutenant-Colonel Downward to the cunning and unpredictable character of Ralph Conway, each individual is uniquely portrayed, with their own motivations and flaws. This adds depth and allows the reader to develop a strong emotional connection with them, sharing their victories, setbacks, and heartaches.

Furthermore, Fenn's descriptive prowess is admirable, as he vividly depicts the breathtaking landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, encompassing both the awe-inspiring beauty and the harsh reality of the Australian wilderness. The reader can almost feel the oppressive heat, hear the crackling of dry leaves, and smell the exotic flora that surrounds the characters.

The pacing of the story is generally well-maintained, with enough suspense and action to keep the reader engaged. Fenn expertly weaves a tapestry of bravery, adventure, and romance, creating an enthralling narrative that deftly captures the essence of Australia's early colonization period.

On the downside, at times, the author's reliance on certain stereotypes and tropes can be somewhat predictable, reducing the element of surprise. Additionally, some readers may find the level of detail in regards to landscape and botanical descriptions excessive, which occasionally slows down the pace of the story.

Overall, First in the Field: A Story of New South Wales is a captivating historical novel that skillfully combines history, adventure, and romance. With its well-drawn characters, meticulous attention to detail, and evocative descriptions, George Manville Fenn takes readers on an enthralling journey through the early days of Australia's colonization. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply seeking an exciting tale set against an exotic backdrop, this book is sure to transport you to a time and place filled with danger, hope, and the spirit of adventure.

First Page:

First in the Field, by George Manville Fenn.

Here we have another Manville Fenn book, full of realistic characters who get into positions of great suspense the usual formula for this excellent author.

The time of the story is the early part of the nineteenth century, and the place is, for most of the book, a sheep and cattle station in New South Wales. The owner is a former Doctor who had practised in London, and who had driven himself to illness with his work: the only possibility for him was a new outdoor life. There are various people working on the farm, including three "tame" aborigines; old Samson, full of wisdom; Brookes, a younger farm servant; and Mayne, known as Leather, who is a convict whose good behaviour so far has meant that he can be trusted to work on a farm. There are also Mrs Braydon, and Nic's two sisters, Nic being the protagonist of the story.

Nic, who had been left behind aged ten in an English suburban boarding school, is collected from there when he was fifteen, and brought out to Australia on the Northumbrian, an East Indiaman. After an "uneventful" voyage, they arrive in Sydney. The main part of the book concerns the doings of Nic and the farm workers on The Bluff, along with some upsetting interventions from the man farming a nearby sheep and cattle station, The Wattles... Continue reading book >>




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