The Secret River
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Price:
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$32.95
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On Sale:
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26/01/2006
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Formats:
Hardcover
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With publication in Australia, Canada, the US, the UK and
several other European countries, The Secret River signals the arrival of
a true global literary talent. This is the newest novel from bestselling
Australian author Kate Grenville—winner of the Orange Prize—a grand epic
that sweeps across the 19th century from the teeming banks of the Thames in
London to the fledgling settlement of Sydney, Australia.
The story of William Thornhill, whose abject poverty forces him
into a decision that will banish him and his family to a life sentence spent in
New South Wales, The Secret River is a richly layered tale of a
fierce and unforgiving land, the universal quest for its ownership, and the
brutal price paid by those would who colonize it and by its first inhabitants.
At the heart of the novel runs the river, a source of power—and destruction—for
William and his family.
Kate Grenville’s immense gift for portraying the universal
emotions that both connect and divide us shines through this profoundly
rewarding book, a story that lingers long after the last page.
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Author Extras
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Awards for The Secret River |
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The Commonwealth Writers'' Prize
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The Commonwealth Writers'' Prize
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Critical Praise for
The Secret River
"A writer of extraordinary talent."
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The New York Times
"An outstanding study of cultures in collision… chilling, meticulous account of the sorrows and evils of colonialism."
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Saturday Guardian
"The Orange Prize-winner presents a powerful portrait of the conflict between convicts and Aborigines…Grenville is particularly good at inarticulate love…writes exactingly and with passion about the Australian landscape…A sad book, beautifully written and, at times, almost unbearable with the weight of loss, competing distresses and the impossibility of making amends"
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The Observer (UK)
"We have had to wait five years for The Secret River but the wait has been worth it…From an account of the family's bewildered arrival in a strange and emerging Sydney, the novel grows in conviction and power…In spare unpretentious prose, Grenville charts the brutal truth that violence breeds violence; that human beings, if done down, will, almost as a necessity, in turn do others down -- or be drawn to do so…Splendidly paced, passionate and disturbing."
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The Times (London)
"Now, in The Secret River, Grenville will satisfy her critics' craving more action, while seeking the bloody source of her relationship with Australia… In Thornhill, Grenville has created an essentially good man whose hunger for total possession of a piece of land is absolutely understandable… Grenville, as ever, describes an Australia so overwhelmingly beautiful that readers will lust after a slice of its sunbaked soul, too."
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The Daily Telegraph
"Grenville's scope and intentions are impressive."
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Financial Times
"A richly layered tale of a fierce and unforgiving backdrop, the quest for its ownership, and the brutal price paid by those who would colonise it is vividly described…This is a dramatic, beautiful work -- on a par with Patrick White or Sally Morgan -- that will ensure Grenville's place on the international market"
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Scotland on Sunday
"A vivid and moving protrayal of poverty, struggle and the search for peace."
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The Independent (UK)
"Grenville's novel brings to life an extraordinary episode in Australian and British history in gripping -- and moving -- style."
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Red
"Without overt political statements, The Secret River puts on a clear human scale the always ugly, brutal reality of conquest, domination and the temptation of one man to hold power over another.... The Secret River is funny, devastating, tragic and beautiful, from a writer of enormous talent."
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Edmonton Journal
"In this historical epic, Grenville masterfully creates three distinct and entirely believable worlds.... Grenville cranks up the tension to breathtaking levels."
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The Globe and Mail
Reader Reviews from First Look
The Secret River is a lovely book filled with lyrical prose. It is peppered with sensuous language. Kate Grenville's writing style draws me into another world. It is reminiscent of Joanne Harris' prose. Thank you Harper Collins for introducing me to another author of great talent. I plan to visit my local library and read Kate Grenville's earlier books.
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Heidi (Vancouver, BC)
The Secret River is a lovely book filled with lyrical prose. It is peppered with sensuous language. Kate Grenville's writing style draws me into another world. It is reminiscent of Joanne Harris' prose. Thank you Harper Collins for introducing me to another author of great talent. I plan to visit my local library and read Kate Grenville's earlier books.
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Heidi (Vancouver, BC)
The Secret River is a book that kept me on the edge of my seat from page one right on until the end of the book. Kate Grenville writes a book about a character with many decisions to make and it's remarkable how they were dealt with. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a tale containing great adventure and suspense.
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Wanda (Winnipeg, MB)
This is a superb book. The story did not languish at all, it was a real page turner. I appreciated that the book was so well written. I love to read fiction with an historical backdrop. The book is full of details about how difficult it was for poor people to survive in London during the early 19th century. As well, the many details of how difficult it was to stay alive and carve out a new life in New South Wales in Australia. Readers who are not familiar with the history of how Australia was settled by convicts from England will find this book very interesting. This book will make an excellent choice for discussion at a book club. I am so pleased I had the opportunity to read this book.
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Hilary (New Westminster, BC)
I really enjoyed this novel. It was sharp and intriguing!
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Suzi (Listowel, ON)
Kate Grenville's story of the early settlers in Sydney is a fascinating perspective on the frustrations, fears, courage and ultimate sacrifices people faced in battling the land that challenged their dreams. Britain sent their poor and shamed population of criminals to settle and the opportunity for them to better themselves, to actually "own" something, was unbelievable for them. This story documents how far they would go, to do things that they never would have believed, to get to that pinnacle. Kate Grenville's writing is compelling - she mixes wonderfully interesting historical facts, with humour and spirit. I thoroughly enjoyed The Secret River, and will pass it on!
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Emily (Toronto, ON)
A very visual novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. Every time I opened the book to read more I found it harder and harder to put down again. Grenville's beautiful descriptions of the landscape and characters made you feel like you were standing watching the events unfold. I could clearly see in my mind's eye the landscape and people, she's a highly talented writer.
A great plot ... One of the best books I have read in 2005!
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Amy (Oakville, ON)
The Secret River by Kate Grenville is historical fiction at its finest..... Grenville writes in a quite meditative style until the Thornhills encounter the aboriginals. Then she breaks out as she shows the brutal price that must be paid by both the new inhabitants and aboriginals of New South Wales. The Secret River is a very satisfying read that will make you hungry to read more by Kate Grenville!
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Suanne (Richmond, BC)
This is an excellent book. I really enjoyed reading it.
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Penni (Mississauga, ON)
I enjoyed this book a lot. The book is well written, and I actually told my English teacher who is teaching me about Canadian settlement and she's thinking of adding it to the curriculum.
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Raeanne (Weyburn, SK)
The Secret River written by Kate Grenville is fascinating historical fiction. Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down. I felt I was travelling on this epic journey with William Thornhill and his family from the Thames to New South Wales where he was sentenced to spend the rest of his life as punishment for a decision he was forced to make for his family's survival.
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Jennifer (Fort Mcmurray, AB)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book but it was not what I would call a lovely read. It was difficult at times to read the powerful descriptions of circumstances and attitudes. I thought I gained a better understanding of the period and people - a reason I asked to review the book. I will definitely be looking to read more by this author.
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Roxanne (Powell River, BC)
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