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The Lieutenant

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The Lieutenant

By: Kate Grenville
Narrated by: Nicholas Bell
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About this listen

 Simultaneous release of the new novel by the author of the universally acclaimed prize-winner The Secret River, The Lieutenant is a major new novel that will captivate readers and continues the author's enthralling exploration of historical themes.

Set a quarter of a century before The Secret River, at the moment when the British arrive in Australia, The Lieutenant tells an unforgettable story about friendship, language and power.

In 1787 Lieutenant Thomas Rooke sets sail from Portsmouth with the First Fleet and its cargo of convicts, destined for New South Wales. As a young officer and a man of science, the shy and quiet Rooke is full of anticipation about the natural wonders he might discover in this strange land on the other side of the world.

After the fleet arrives in Port Jackson, Rooke sets up camp on a rocky and isolated point, and starts his work of astronomy and navigation. It's not too long before some of the Aboriginal people who live around the harbour pay him a visit. One of them, a girl named Tarunga, starts to teach him her own language. But her lessons and their friendship are interrupted when Rooke is given an order that will change his life forever.

Inspired by the 1790 notebooks of William Dawes in which he recorded his conversations with a young Gadigal woman, The Lieutenant is a story about a man discovering his true self in extraordinary circumstances.

©2008 Kate Grenville (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing Fiction Historical Fiction Solider Friendship
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the book had a slow start but picked up, could have had a better ending as well.
all in all -average

well read

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Having read Grenville's secret River I wa expecting more of the same with this book, but that was not the case. This book is far more factual and therfeore perhaps a bit dry - however, it is well written with strong characters that are easy to relate to. It describes beautifully the joy and fear from both the Aboriginal people and Rooke as they discover more about each other, and awakening of understanding even without language. Also, the sheer arrogance and stupidity of so called civilised white men as they clumsily attempt to 'help' the indigenous people. The ending seemed a little rushed compared with the pace of the rest of the book and left a few unaswered questions, I would like to have known a liitle more about Rooke's life after Australia and his work with slave emancipation.
This is a novel about communication, friendship, self discovery and the conflict between integrity and duty. It really has been beautifully written.
This may seem a little slow to start but it is well worth persevering as it develops into a truly engaging story that will leave you thinking about man and his ego, but also the wonder that is human diversity.

Slow start, but stick with it...

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what a great story. the true story should be taught in history class in early high school, and this book in English. very well written.

what a great story.

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This book is a fascinating narrative of a brutal time. Kate Grenville brings such humanity to the characters, and the context of early invasion of Australia.
By referencing the main characters, both Indigenous and British, without using their actual names we gain insight into this time, without it being ‘definitive truth’, but instead, a range of possibilities.
Brilliant work Kate Grenville. Thank you for having the courage to revisit this precarious time, and sharing your words and insights.

A journey back through time.

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I loved this book. Kate is an outstanding author. I was much enriched by this book.

Wonderfully moving

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I was moved by this understated and meticulously crafted story based on historical accounts and imagined into life by the author. It was one of those rare books that changed my world view and deepened my understanding of what white settlement meant to Aboriginal people at the time and to the present day. Timely reading as we approach Australia Day.

Beautifully written and told

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I didn’t get past chapter 4 so I can only speak to that part of the book. Way too much detail about what the characters were wearing and not enough substance to the storyline to keep me interested.

A bit frivolous

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‘The Lieutenant’ Is subtly researched, lyrically expressed - moving, thoughtful, informative - and beautifully performed. An experience well worth one’s time.

A rich experience

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Grenville writes like she was there ! Her characters are so real and the atmosphere so well constructed that the listener is transported back to colonial Australia. A wonderful story. Highly recommended.

Another great Kate Grenville tale

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This story was very touching and was read very well. It has helped me get through the book a lot quicker. Very happy!

Very Happy

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