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Fanatic Heart

By: Tom Keneally
Narrated by: David Tredinnick
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Publisher's Summary

This audiobook includes an exclusive author's note from Tom Keneally.

John Mitchel, Irishman, lawyer, journalist, activist and politician, is a complex character. Charged with treason in Ireland and tried by an English judge he was snuck off mainland Ireland on the day he was charged to avoid a breakout and rebellion. He was transported initially to Bermuda, then to South Africa and then to Van Diemen's Land where as an Irishman he was supported by many and given a ticket of leave. He soon became a farmer and activist and was eventually secreted out of Australia to the USA, where it was felt he could be more active for the Irish cause.

A powerful voice and force for Irish nationalism who also found himself, after landing in the US, supporting the ownership of slaves. This was partly driven by living through the Irish famine. He believed Irish workers were worse off than slaves, neither fed or paid in currency for their work. And partly seeing the absolute adherence to capitalism and the pursuit of wealth in New York. People were dying in horrific industrial and transport accidents in front of those getting wealthy and no heed was paid.

To support her husband through all the charges against him, Jenny Mitchel, when she too could have been punished for airing her beliefs on Irish nationalism, publicly supported his campaigns. She also packed up her many children and followed her prisoner and convict husband to a number of different continents to continue to support her husband and their beliefs.

Tom, a proud Irishman and descendant of convicts on his maternal and paternal sides, disagrees with many of Mitchel's beliefs and behaviours and has to wrestle with these conflicts in the novel. As ever, Tom Keneally surprises readers and takes on new and challenging characters and ideas.

©2022 Tom Keneally (P)2022 Penguin Random House Australia

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A splendid reading of an outstanding book

I have listened to several of Tom Keneally's books via Audible, with great enjoyment, and believe this to be his finest among them. The story of John Richmond, from his early days in Ireland to his compulsory residence in Van Diemen's Land, then his escape and life in America with his wife, is fascinating indeed, shedding light on all three societies. Keneally has lost none of his grasp on the best way to tell a complex story, and none of his superb prose style.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.