In 1789 in Sydney Cove, the remotest penal colony of the British Empire, a group of convicts and one of their captors unite to stage a play.

In 1789 in Sydney Cove, the remotest penal colony of the British Empire, a group of convicts and one of their captors unite to stage a play. As felons, perjurers and whores rehearse, their playmaker becomes strangely seduced. For the play's power is mirrored in the rich, varied life of this primitive land, and, not least, in the convict and actress, Mary Brenham.

"Formidably good . . . strong, subtle, echoing and profound" - The Sunday Times

"A magnificent and moving documentary, a tribute to his roots" - Mail on Sunday

"He seizes with stunning effect on an event far more bizarre than any fiction" - New Statesman

"An excellent novel" - Independent

"The literary joy here has more to do with how individual each characterisation is, each one tuned to another note of Keneally's rich, strong prose" - Kirkus Reviews

"This is Mr Keneally at his best" - Daily Telegraph

"Punchy, highly intelligent" - Financial Times

"Mingles meticulous research with lucid characterisation" - Daily Mail

"The best Australian writer alive" - Auberon Waugh