Escape From Botany Bay: The True Story of Mary Bryant

by Gerald Hausman, Loretta Hausman

Condemned to a penal colony in Australia for stealing a woman's bonnet, young Mary braves every danger in Britain's newest colony, Australia: disease, famine, rape, and the cruelty of the penal system. Mary is the first convict married in Australia, Mary learns from aboriginal friends how to survive. Eventually, she and her husband Will escape. Her daring run up the coast and all the way to Timor is yet unequaled for traveling in an open boat 3,000 miles without navigational equipment. Mary's capture, return to England and the trial that determines whether she will live or die -- all this is compelling reading. Her lawyer is none other than James Boswell and this too is a fascinating complement to a page-turning saga.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Australia, Young Adult, Teen, Fiction

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

Gerald Andrews Hausman is a storyteller and award-winning author of books about Native America, animals, mythology, and West Indian culture. Hausman comes from a long line of storytellers and educators, and has published over seventy books for both children and adults.

Reviews

[♥ Marlene♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an okay read but not as great as you might think reading the reviews on amazon.
What I did not like is it was so distant and so many sufferings you become mute for it. As someone else mentioned. This felt more like a reader's digest story. Could have been so much more.
2 or 3 stars.??

[Heidim · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars... This could have been such a great book. But the writing felt so lacking. There were many spots where it seemed an editor should have cleaned things up before publication, and the entire book didn’t have the flow and depth of story that it should have had. The characters felt shallow and the surrounds even more so. The only things that kept this story as ‘good’ were the true facts of Mary Bryant, her fellow convicts, and the circumstances themselves.
As an aside, I don’t feel like the indecent treatment of women was done well in this book either. Even though there weren’t numerous mentions, they were a bit much for children to be able to read this, though the book otherwise seems aimed at children. I think that this is again the fault of the quality of writing however.

[Tabitha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story of Mary is such an interesting one, being deported to Australia penal colon after simply stealing a bonnet only to escape again. This book just skimmed over it. I wanted so much more in this novel.

[Mary Durie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read this most interesting book and others I have read relating to the journey and arrival of the First and subsequent Fleets, I wonder why Australia hasn't written these events into their history
books. We hear very little about it and the events which took place at Botany Bay and Port Jackson. Many towns in Australia are named after many of the British involved. The story of Mary Bryant, her marrriage, her escape and subsequent capture then release, bearing children and family deaths and her endurance during the escape is truly amazing. It brought tears to my eyes. A great read.

[Pamela Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most interesting and revealing reads, of the shocking treatment of British prisoners, having stolen the most poultry of items, ether the death penalty or, horrendous 10-12 months transportation to Australian. Many dying, of starvation, or out-breaks of contagious illnesses. Then used as slaves, to build the cities and towns under the cruel and inhumane regimes, they had used in taking over over countries. I have read quite a few books Re the colonisation of our country, all being cruel and inhumane, but this book showed the worst of the very worst.

[ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate escape

The account of the remarkable escape and fortitude of convicts from the draconian conditions of imprisonment and early settlement captures the feelings of desperation experienced by the unjust extremes of the English justice system of the 16 th century.
A well researched portrayal of privations and life during this remarkable escape

[Vanessa Schon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always like true stories and although my favourite book on the subject is Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes, the story of Mary Bryant is none the less impressive. Her personal story is despite the terrible hardships she endured.

[Carla Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Account

An amazing account of the lives of those first convicts sent from England to colonize Australia. The bravery and courage of Mary Bryant is really unbelievable. What depths the human spirit can endure to obtain freedom!

[Starry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was enthralled from beginning to end, the voice of Mary and her strong spirit shines through as the true driving force of this incredible and thrilling flight to freedom.

[LEROY TROWER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Bryant

I must have really liked it as I read it in a day. Have not done that I awhile. Satisfying.

[Barry John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. You will not be disappointed. I’m sending it to program acquisitions

[Ray Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Bryant....what a story.......what a woman.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story of Mary Bryant, a heroine in many eyes and how she lived a treacherous, horrible life as a convicted thief (a silk bonnet)she stole as a young girl. She was a convict that was strong despite the terrible conditions she endured at sea and on land. Her story will tell her life through those times. Its written in short chapters, so an easy and really good read.

From Amazon:
Condemned to a penal colony in Australia for stealing a woman's bonnet, young Mary braves every danger in Britain's newest colony, Australia: disease, famine, rape, and the cruelty of the penal system. Mary is the first convict married in Australia, Mary learns from aboriginal friends how to survive. Eventually, she and her husband Will escape. Her daring run up the coast and all the way to Timor is yet unequaled for traveling in an open boat 3,000 miles without navigational equipment. Mary's capture, return to England and the trial that determines whether she will live or die -- all this is compelling reading. Her lawyer is none other than James Boswell and this too is a fascinating complement to a page-turning saga.

[Ariel Hudnall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little novel was surprisingly good. I loved the narrative voice, and the story was absolutely riveting. There were a few typos and formatting errors in the Kindle version, but these could be forgiven for the compelling content within. The story of Mary, and her journey from English prisons to Botany Bay (Sydney, when it was a penal colony) and then back again are one of the best examples of human survival in conditions where nature and men are intent on returning you to the bottom.

I was really grateful for the authors' choice in making the more dark elements subtle. The story is written in a diary format but it well-researched. I highly recommend this read to anyone, even people who don't tend to like nonfiction-- it reads like one! Mary's life was an amazing one.

[LaDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I love to read books about things and events that aren't usually taught in school. This one did not disappoint. I especially appreciate the author's subtlety in letting us know about the rapes and mistreatment of the women without going into details. Of course, this is the reason that I prefer books written for the younger audience; I know that I am not likely to have to endure a lot of violence and sex details.

Anyway, as I said, I enjoyed this book and am amazed at Mary Bryant. I can't believe that the author was far off in her portrayal because it would definitely take a strong character to survive all that Mary survived.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

After stealing a bonnet, Mary is sentenced to death. Her sentence was commuted to serving out her life in Botany Bay (Australia). Although the other convicts shipped to Botany Bay were convicted of similar crimes, it was a horrible place to live and Mary escaped with several others for a terrifying journey of a few thousand miles.

An incredible tale (and true story) that I could hardly put down.

[Olatundji Akpo-sani]

Amazing story of survival

From the first page to the last I couldn't put it down. Mary Bryant 's is a harrowing story filled with hardship and bravery. Gerald and Loretta make the long sea voyages,the struggles and triumphs, and the little kindnesses of Mary's life come alive on the page.

[Janelle Jansson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fabulous tale of Mary Bryant. This is the second book that deals with Mary Bryant. The first book is The Girl From Botany Bay. This is just as good a The Girl From Botany Bay. So sit down, and live through Mary's journey.....

[Jan C]

I can't stand the writing style. I didn't make it off the second page.

[Tori]

2008- Interesting novel based on a true story, but the level of detail (or lack thereof) pegged it as a young adult's book. I felt like a lot more could have been done with the material.

[Stephen]

Reading on Kindle but can't find it on Goodreads System so showing Paperback!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible, I want to find out more about Mary Bryant!!!!

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Marcie Crandall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one so much that I read the entire thing in one afternoon! It's a story of survival, hope, and being strong when that is the only option you have. Great read.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to a story I'd never heard of before. Not that I've read a lot about the conditions of convicts shipped to Australia anyway. It was worth reading for that alone.

[Adrianna]

I absolutely loved the book