About the book
It was one of the greatest human experiments ever undertaken: to populate an unknown land with the criminal, the unloved and the unwanted of English society. Amid conditions of brutality that paralleled those of slavery, ‘The First Fleet’ was sent to a place no European but the legendary Captain Cook had ever seen. Left to live or die on the hostile Australian continent, these convicts – and their equally isolated guards – occupy the centre of Colleen McCullough’s compelling new epic. Richard Morgan – convicted felon and educated, intelligent, resourceful man – finds the will to survive, experience the joys of love, and finally make an indelible mark upon the new frontier. A thoroughly researched historical saga rich in romance, adventure and unforgettable characters, Morgan’s Run has the makings of a modern classic.
Reviewed by U3A Group II Reading Group:
Historically well researched. Gripping. Characters showed strenght and initiative. Painted a wide picture of the times and places.
Star rating: ****
Review by Cliffhangers Reading Group:
A real insight into life for the convicts in the 19th Century. Well written and researched.
Star rating: **/***
Review by Everton Reading Group:
Rather two dimensional characters. It took perseverance to get more than half way through. Very well researched! Some of writing led to questioning about grammar and sentence structure. Doubtful whether we would read a sequel! Rather a boring read.
Star rating: **
Review by Bookworms
Mixed response. The slow start was off putting for some. Persistence was rewarded by an interesting story of the first fleet and the abilities of some of the convicts to overcome the privations of transportation and life on the far side of the world.
Star rating: ***