Description
A powerful new historical novel from one of New Zealand's best-loved YA authors.
In September 1840, two ships arrive on the shores of the Waitemata Harbour to establish Auckland, the new capital of New Zealand. Among the settlers on board the Platina is young Harry, travelling alone and determined to return to family in England. But the more immediate challenge is finding food and shelter - and hiding the truth about Harry's real identity and what was left behind in Van Diemen's Land.
Review
After being set up by her obnoxious brother for stealing an apple, eleven-year-old Harriet is arrested and, despite protests from her father, she is sent to serve seven years in Hobart in a convict prison.
Her journey and her life at Cascades were horrendous, but she luckily avoided the worst of it that was happening to the older girls and women. Fortunately, a good Samaritan helps her escape and she quickly becomes Harry, a street urchin, and finds her way onboard a ship
bound for Auckland.
Most of the story is set in Auckland following Harriet’s struggles in the new colony - first as a boy, then a girl, and then hidden as a boy again when her mouth gets her into trouble.
Survival is very difficult, but it was interesting reading the story of the establishment of a new city. Will she ever be free, and maybe re-establish contact with the beautiful Maori boy that she has had several welcome encounters with in her time in Auckland?
This is fascinating historical fiction that contains themes of settlement, injustice, racism, family and friendships in times of need, making it an ideal novel for readers aged 11 to 14.
Reviewed by Rob
