The Orange Prize–Winning author of The Secret River delivers “brilliant fiction and illuminating personal history” in the finale of her Australian trilogy (The Independent). With The Secret River, Kate Grenville dug into her own family’s history to create an unflinching tale of frontier violence in early Australia. She continued her bold exploration of Australia’s beginnings in The Lieutenant. Now Sarah Thornhill brings this acclaimed trilogy to an emotionally explosive conclusion. Sarah is the youngest daughter of William Thornhill, an ex-convict from London. Unknown to Sarah, her father has built his fortune on the blood of Aboriginal people. With a fine stone house and plenty of money, Thornhill has reinvented himself, teaching his daughter to never look back or ask about the past. Instead, Sarah fixes her eyes on handsome Jack Langland, whom she’s loved since she was a child. Their romance seems idyllic, but the ugly secret in Sarah’s family is poised to ambush them both. Driven by the captivating voice of the illiterate Sarah—at once headstrong, sympathetic, curious, and refreshingly honest—this is an unforgettable portrait of a passionate woman caught up in a historical moment that’s left an indelible mark on the present.
Featured Series
3 primary booksThornhill Family is a 3-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2005 with contributions by Kate Grenville.
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Absolutely loved this book. Took me a short time to adapt to the language of the characters but I quickly became immersed in their lives. A fascinating story about family and racism set in Australia. Sarah Thornhill is a compelling protagonist, smart and willing to take risks to do the right thing. The only problem I had was with the ending. I won't say why as I don't want to reveal any spoilers. Let's just say, it wasn't what I expected or wanted for Sarah.
