London, 1806. William Thornhill, happily wedded to his childhood sweetheart Sal, is a waterman on the River Thames. Life is tough but bearable until William makes a mistake, a bad mistake for which he and his family are made to pay dearly. His sentence: to be transported to New South Wales for the term of his natural life. Soon Thornhill, a man no better or worse than most, has to make the most difficult decision of his life.

The compelling new novel from the internationally acclaimed Kate Grenville is a universal and timeless story of love, identity and belonging.

Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2006.

Voted Book of the Year 2007 by Cosham Reading Group.

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