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A Final Reckoning: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia
A young English lad, after rather a stormy boyhood, emigrates to Australia and gets employment as an officer in the mounted police. A few years of active work on the frontier, where he has many a brush with both natives and bush-rangers, gain him promotion to a captaincy, and he eventually settles down to the peaceful life of a squatter.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1887
21 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
G.A. Henty
1,464 books369 followersGeorge Alfred Henty, better known as G.A. Henty, began his storytelling career with his own children. After dinner, he would spend and hour or two in telling them a story that would continue the next day. Some stories took weeks! A friend was present one day and watched the spell-bound reaction of his children suggesting Henty write down his stories so others could enjoy them. He did. Henty wrote approximately 144 books in addition to stories for magazines and was known as "The Prince of Story-Tellers" and "The Boy's Own Historian." One of Mr. Henty's secretaries reported that he would quickly pace back and forth in his study dictating stories as fast as the secretary could record them.
Henty's stories revolve around fictional boy heroes during fascinating periods of history. His heroes are diligent, intelligent, and dedicated to their country and cause in the face, at times, of great peril... Henty's heroes fight wars, sail the seas, discover land, conquer evil empires, prospect for gold, and a host of other exciting adventures. Along the way, they meet famous personages... In short, Henty's heroes live through tumultuous historic eras meeting leaders of that time. Understanding the culture of the time period becomes second nature as well as comparing/contrasting the society of various cultures.
Henty's stories revolve around fictional boy heroes during fascinating periods of history. His heroes are diligent, intelligent, and dedicated to their country and cause in the face, at times, of great peril... Henty's heroes fight wars, sail the seas, discover land, conquer evil empires, prospect for gold, and a host of other exciting adventures. Along the way, they meet famous personages... In short, Henty's heroes live through tumultuous historic eras meeting leaders of that time. Understanding the culture of the time period becomes second nature as well as comparing/contrasting the society of various cultures.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 29, 2016
I greatly enjoyed this 1887 novel which included a table of contents and original black and white illustrations by W.B. Wollen (This is a Kobo copy: eBook release: December 2009 ISBN: 1990001233269 General Books LLC, 2009 - 236 pages General Books publication date: 2009 Original publication date: 1887 Original Publisher: Blackie Subjects: Australia Fiction / Historical Juvenile Fiction / Action) It appears to have been scanned from the original Univ. of Toronto Library copy).
Upon reaching the end of the story, I discovered that indeed it was a true story. I would assume it should be referenced as 'based on fact' because I'm sure many of the details/quotations etc. would not have been known so precisely.
I chose to read this book because it was about Australia, my father's homeland. It featured a boy in England who ended up in Australia in the early days when both Aborigines and bush rangers (former convicts) were causing havoc on the new white settlers in New South Wales near Sydney.
My family were early settlers and squatters in NSW and this book served it's intended purpose ... it gave me a fascinating, vivid and exciting picture of what my ancestors may have contended with living in this area in the mid-late 1800s. I had read some family accounts of similar situations but this book told the story from all sides with much more detail.
If true, it also gives an amazing picture of the skills of one of the 'blacks' as the author referred to the abos, particularly of the one named Jim who was the main character's 'servant.'
On the negative side, because I was looking forward to the storyline being in Australia, I thought the first portion of the book which took place in England, was rather long. It was, however, very interesting, and not wanting to give a spoiler, I will only say that the author gave quite a descriptive account of life in that place and era.
I note there may be newer re-edited versions of this story and I would recommend seeking one of them rather than this original, seemingly unedited version, with a dark red cover of a man on horseback (I took a photo of it as it was not listed here). There are many disconcerting formatting errors and typos. ie., The main character's name changes back and forth regularly due to the first letter of his name being changed!
Upon reaching the end of the story, I discovered that indeed it was a true story. I would assume it should be referenced as 'based on fact' because I'm sure many of the details/quotations etc. would not have been known so precisely.
I chose to read this book because it was about Australia, my father's homeland. It featured a boy in England who ended up in Australia in the early days when both Aborigines and bush rangers (former convicts) were causing havoc on the new white settlers in New South Wales near Sydney.
My family were early settlers and squatters in NSW and this book served it's intended purpose ... it gave me a fascinating, vivid and exciting picture of what my ancestors may have contended with living in this area in the mid-late 1800s. I had read some family accounts of similar situations but this book told the story from all sides with much more detail.
If true, it also gives an amazing picture of the skills of one of the 'blacks' as the author referred to the abos, particularly of the one named Jim who was the main character's 'servant.'
On the negative side, because I was looking forward to the storyline being in Australia, I thought the first portion of the book which took place in England, was rather long. It was, however, very interesting, and not wanting to give a spoiler, I will only say that the author gave quite a descriptive account of life in that place and era.
I note there may be newer re-edited versions of this story and I would recommend seeking one of them rather than this original, seemingly unedited version, with a dark red cover of a man on horseback (I took a photo of it as it was not listed here). There are many disconcerting formatting errors and typos. ie., The main character's name changes back and forth regularly due to the first letter of his name being changed!
June 16, 2025
2.5 stars. Virtually all Henty books are about like an off brand bucket of vanilla ice cream. Very little flavor, but it’s still a story, told with sufficient organization to make it…well, okay.
This might be his worst book. All the major events have to be incredibly contrived even to happen in the first place, and then only a hopeless idealist would believe that even half of those events would occur as described here.
The squire is just so nice…but he fires Reuben without evidence because he suspects he poisoned his dog. But he “has such a high opinion of him” that he helps him get another job…instead of just re-hiring him or not firing him in the first place. But really, he’s so nice.
Then Reuben is on trial with basically no evidence for a crime later…and the main case against him is that he probably hated the squire and wanted revenge.
But the squire testifies that he doesn’t believe this could be possible. But the jury decides not to believe the squire and assumes that he’s only saying that “because he’s just so nice.”
But then one juror basically bribes all the others to give in a “not guilty” verdict in spite of them thinking he’s guilty. He bribes them…by threatening to hold out indefinitely…and saying that anyone who changes their vote can share his breakfast.
Then Reuben goes to Australia, where they call him “Captain” even though he isn’t a Captain because he’s so wonderful, and then he happens to randomly meet up with the girl who helped him get out of his prior scrape all the way back in England, AND with the villain who had committed the crime in England as well.
It goes on about like that.
This might be his worst book. All the major events have to be incredibly contrived even to happen in the first place, and then only a hopeless idealist would believe that even half of those events would occur as described here.
The squire is just so nice…but he fires Reuben without evidence because he suspects he poisoned his dog. But he “has such a high opinion of him” that he helps him get another job…instead of just re-hiring him or not firing him in the first place. But really, he’s so nice.
Then Reuben is on trial with basically no evidence for a crime later…and the main case against him is that he probably hated the squire and wanted revenge.
But the squire testifies that he doesn’t believe this could be possible. But the jury decides not to believe the squire and assumes that he’s only saying that “because he’s just so nice.”
But then one juror basically bribes all the others to give in a “not guilty” verdict in spite of them thinking he’s guilty. He bribes them…by threatening to hold out indefinitely…and saying that anyone who changes their vote can share his breakfast.
Then Reuben goes to Australia, where they call him “Captain” even though he isn’t a Captain because he’s so wonderful, and then he happens to randomly meet up with the girl who helped him get out of his prior scrape all the way back in England, AND with the villain who had committed the crime in England as well.
It goes on about like that.
May 5, 2022
I really didn’t care for this book at all. To be honest, I’m not sure who the intended audience would be for this book in modern times. The writing and dialog is incredibly basic to the point that it seems to be written for readers no older than middle school. However, the content is not at all appropriate for kids that age in my opinion.
Let’s begin with the fact that this book is riddled with racist ideology and language, including the N word. This really hits its peak in the second half of the book so you won’t necessarily know it’s coming until you’re neck deep in it. Besides that, there is a significant amount of assault, murder and legal killing, which just doesn’t scream “kids book” to me.
Calling the criminals bushrangers is really the only part of the book that identifies it as Australian historical fiction. If you had called the criminals a different name, this story could have been set anywhere. I didn’t really learn anything about the bushrangers other than they were criminals and I learned nothing else at all about Australia.
Overall, I didn’t like this book or the writing and would not recommend it.
Let’s begin with the fact that this book is riddled with racist ideology and language, including the N word. This really hits its peak in the second half of the book so you won’t necessarily know it’s coming until you’re neck deep in it. Besides that, there is a significant amount of assault, murder and legal killing, which just doesn’t scream “kids book” to me.
Calling the criminals bushrangers is really the only part of the book that identifies it as Australian historical fiction. If you had called the criminals a different name, this story could have been set anywhere. I didn’t really learn anything about the bushrangers other than they were criminals and I learned nothing else at all about Australia.
Overall, I didn’t like this book or the writing and would not recommend it.
September 21, 2020
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is one of my top five favourite Henty books. Ships. Police officers. One of my favourite Main Characters. Bushrangers. Desperate excitement. Very clean (a few mentions of drinking/various alcohol, disparagement towards blacks, & a mention of carrying off women). I love it!! It’s so exciting, even when you’ve read it several times. And I simply love Reuben. I just love it so much!!
A Favourite Quote: “‘There's a pleasure in helping a lad who seems in any way teachable.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Now, Captain Whitney, you must come into your room, and let me bandage up your shoulder properly. I hadn't half time to do it, before.”
“‘But you won't want me to lie in bed, or any nonsense of that sort?” Reuben asked.
“‘I would, if I thought you would obey my orders; but as I see no chance of that, I shall not trouble to give them.’”
A Favourite Quote: “‘There's a pleasure in helping a lad who seems in any way teachable.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Now, Captain Whitney, you must come into your room, and let me bandage up your shoulder properly. I hadn't half time to do it, before.”
“‘But you won't want me to lie in bed, or any nonsense of that sort?” Reuben asked.
“‘I would, if I thought you would obey my orders; but as I see no chance of that, I shall not trouble to give them.’”
May 23, 2023
An adventure story about a chap from Sussex County who leaves England for Sydney because his reputation is ruined by a local thug. Later the very same thug and he meet again in tha Australian bush.
Written in 1887 the book is full of racist comments and would likely be banned here in 2023.
Howvever that was the common talk of the times and the book is a pretty good rollicking tale.
The audiobook is free at Audible.com but the narration is awful.
Written in 1887 the book is full of racist comments and would likely be banned here in 2023.
Howvever that was the common talk of the times and the book is a pretty good rollicking tale.
The audiobook is free at Audible.com but the narration is awful.
June 21, 2023
A wonderful read, especially for one who comes from Australia, and a wonderful insight to Australia’s early history for young and old. I really enjoyed this book by G.A Henty, as it was an easy read without too much focus on the details of history as some of his other books that I have read. Highly recommended for people looking to learn about the Aussie’s early history with lots of fun and adventure without. It’s a great classic.
January 24, 2018
I listened to this on audio it was not a great recording but a lot better than some. The story was sweet, but predictable. Still it was interesting and quite a good historical fiction. The ending annoyed me the most, being an australian I was a bit put out about how the epilogue ended.
March 13, 2022
If you can't stand colonialism and see it in context, don't waste your time. Adventure books were never "woke."
December 29, 2023
Caught my attention as soon as I started reading . Great story based on true facts.
October 30, 2024
I enjoyed this book pretty well. Nothing too noticeable in the writing flaws that Henty tends to have. But in the end it felt like it was cut short, like there was something lacking.
December 3, 2023
English novelist G. A. Henty (1832-1902) prided himself on the accuracy of his novels, so how did a man who never set foot on Australia’s shores write a believable book (A Final Reckoning: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia) about colonial New South Wales, a book peppered with stories of bushrangers, border police, white settlers and Indigenous Australians?
The answer? ‘His method was simplicity itself. When he had decided upon a subject he sent to the London Library for a batch of books dealing with the period, and read it up’.
Having borrowed his batch of books for preliminary reading, Henty would write his story, with the most useful sources open before him, sometimes quoting from them verbatim.
A Final Reckoning was the 29th of Henty’s nearly 100 books. It tells the story of Reuben Whitney, son of a deceased miller and a shopkeeping mother. Reuben is a bright lad, hampered by his family’s reduced circumstances, but keen to learn. Just as his prospects are improving, he is accused of stealing from the home of the local squire (although the squire’s daughter, Kate Ellison, trusts steadfastly in Reuben’s plea of innocence throughout his trial). Justice prevails and Reuben is acquitted. Nevertheless, he determines to make his way to Australia for a fresh start.
Reuben gains passage on a Sydney-bound ship carrying convicts, wardens, marines, and a handful of paying passengers. An act of bravery on his part, while the ship is docked in Cape Town, leads to an offer employment at journey’s end. Reuben joins the New South Wales police and is tasked with protecting white settlers from the dangers of ‘natives’ and bushrangers.
Among those he ultimately protects is the English squire’s daughter, Kate (now resident in New South Wales with her married sister). Reuben wins Kate’s hand in marriage, settles in Sydney, and becomes one of fledgling city’s leading citizens. After 20 years, he sells up, returns to England, and buys an estate near Lewes, a short distance from his childhood home.
Reading this book for the first time from a 21st-century vantage, I found Henty’s depiction of Indigenous Australians particularly discomforting. The information provided to Reuben from white settlers includes statements that are not only offensive, they are also untrue. They include comments like: ‘the natives are nearly all thieves’, they are cannibals, and they ‘kill from pure mischief and love of slaughter’. (I could quote worse examples.)
Henty’s books were read widely across the British Empire, well into the 20th century. Apparently they even reached the bookshelves of Adolf Hitler. If the Fuhrer read them, I suspect he would have found nothing to disabuse him of his belief in racial superiority.
I’ve written more on Henty’s writing methods here: https://tessawooldridge.com/2017/05/0...
The answer? ‘His method was simplicity itself. When he had decided upon a subject he sent to the London Library for a batch of books dealing with the period, and read it up’.
Having borrowed his batch of books for preliminary reading, Henty would write his story, with the most useful sources open before him, sometimes quoting from them verbatim.
A Final Reckoning was the 29th of Henty’s nearly 100 books. It tells the story of Reuben Whitney, son of a deceased miller and a shopkeeping mother. Reuben is a bright lad, hampered by his family’s reduced circumstances, but keen to learn. Just as his prospects are improving, he is accused of stealing from the home of the local squire (although the squire’s daughter, Kate Ellison, trusts steadfastly in Reuben’s plea of innocence throughout his trial). Justice prevails and Reuben is acquitted. Nevertheless, he determines to make his way to Australia for a fresh start.
Reuben gains passage on a Sydney-bound ship carrying convicts, wardens, marines, and a handful of paying passengers. An act of bravery on his part, while the ship is docked in Cape Town, leads to an offer employment at journey’s end. Reuben joins the New South Wales police and is tasked with protecting white settlers from the dangers of ‘natives’ and bushrangers.
Among those he ultimately protects is the English squire’s daughter, Kate (now resident in New South Wales with her married sister). Reuben wins Kate’s hand in marriage, settles in Sydney, and becomes one of fledgling city’s leading citizens. After 20 years, he sells up, returns to England, and buys an estate near Lewes, a short distance from his childhood home.
Reading this book for the first time from a 21st-century vantage, I found Henty’s depiction of Indigenous Australians particularly discomforting. The information provided to Reuben from white settlers includes statements that are not only offensive, they are also untrue. They include comments like: ‘the natives are nearly all thieves’, they are cannibals, and they ‘kill from pure mischief and love of slaughter’. (I could quote worse examples.)
Henty’s books were read widely across the British Empire, well into the 20th century. Apparently they even reached the bookshelves of Adolf Hitler. If the Fuhrer read them, I suspect he would have found nothing to disabuse him of his belief in racial superiority.
I’ve written more on Henty’s writing methods here: https://tessawooldridge.com/2017/05/0...
December 10, 2012
This book is so racist. Granted the Victorian language makes it look bad but still this book has not caused my view of Henty Togo up. Pick one of his battle books like For The Temple instead.
July 15, 2015
gutenburg free books to download and keep
May 30, 2022
Interesting about 1890s Australian bush life. A bit long and wordy.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews