Insel der glühenden Sonne

by Patricia Shaw

Tasmanien im 19. Jahrhundert. Die Insel vor der Südküste Australiens ist für Sträflinge aus Europa der Inbegriff des Schreckens. Nicht selten werden sie wegen geringer Vergehen in Strafl ager verbannt, die nur die wenigsten überleben … Mehr Glück haben Sean und Angus, die als Zwangsarbeiter auf der Farm von Barnaby Warboy landen. Dort finden sie halbwegs menschliche Bedingungen vor – sie sollen dem reichen Plantagenbesitzer einen englischen Garten anlegen – und schöpfen Hoffnung, eines Tages wieder freie Männer zu sein. Doch dann wird Warboys Enkelin schwanger und weigert sich, den Namen des Vaters preiszugeben …

Genres: Historical Fiction

640 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Patricia Shaw was an Australian novelist and non-fiction writer.

Reviews

[Ruby]

An educational read of Australian's convictional origins, with contextual substance to ponder over the efficacy and fairness of criminal justice systems in general; it touches several aspects of convictions such as miscarriages of justice, the similarity of carceral conditions to slavery, the inherrent eradication of the potential for rehabilitation, often resulting in a perpetuation of wrong doings with increasing severity.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich bin mir nicht ganz sicher. Im Prinzip war es nicht so spannend geschrieben, aber man kann extrem gut mit den Charakteren mitfühlen und versteht deren Verzweiflung oder Hoffnungen. Außerdem sind die einzelnen Parts teilweise ziemlich heftig, aber sehr glaubwürdig.
Gegen Ende wird der "Fluss" auch besser und das Ende war schon ziemlich ereignisreich.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific read showing early Australian convict history. Showed the disparity and injustice to convicts sent to Australia for ridiculous so called crimes. It also showed the camaraderie and loyalty of the men to each other, and also to the kinder settlers.

[Ashara Branson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Book , as I do all Patricia Shaw’s Titles

Great characters as always, brought together, to weave plots and life adventures that will keep you in grossed
till you turn the last page.

[Alvia Turney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner. I lost myself immediately, immersed in the lives of all the characters and the history of the colonies. Well written and flows well with a great conclusion.

[Linda Rogan]

Interesting story which kept me interested to the end

[Lachlan Stapleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A convoluted start but one that comes together in a nice neat bow. A reminder of the horrors we are willing to inflict on one another but also a story of strength and hope.

[Sandy Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Tasmania, this historical novel traces the experiences of several male convicts who were transported on the same ship. Some became loyal friends, supporting each other through their transition. Having recently read two non-fiction books on convict history, it was pleasing to see how the author worked in the basics of the convict experience. It was a lottery, and so much depended on the type of master a man or woman was assigned to serve. Most convicts ended up with a better life than they would have had in Britain and once their time was served, were generally accepted into society, however there were injustices in the system. All is shown. The novel had a huge scope and was clearly based on meticulous research.

[Ewa Myszkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was my last book by Patricia Shaw in her Australian sagas that I read (all 16) and I was very sad
that there is no more. I enjoyed every one very much, I loved her style of writing and storytelling.
All the characters were so vividly described, scenery, smells of nature, I felt reading her books as I was there with all her characters with their struggles and also with theirs happiness.
I would highly recommend all her books to everyone who is into history and good adventure.

[Amanda Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always with Patricia Shaw a fantastic read encompassing Australia's history and life in the penal colonies.