A COMPLETE STAND-ALONE NOVEL - AND BOOK 2 OF THE MACQUARIE SERIES.
GRETTA CURRAN BROWNE has to date been internationally published by six European publishers and also by publishers in Japan and China.
FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF "TREAD SOFTLY ON MY DREAMS"
As a young British officer, Lachlan Macquarie served his country in America, the West Indies, India and Egypt, but now he is being asked to go to a wilderness on the other side of the world where famine and strife amongst the inhabitants are flourishing. A firm hand is needed, but when he arrives Lachlan surprises the population by showing them he is not only firm, he is also fair.
George Jarvis, now grown to a young man, travels with him, and it is there George meets Mary Neely, a young, embittered English girl, who falls in love with George and learns from him about the goodness of life.
Set in the early nineteenth century, The Far Horizon is a story about the genesis of a nation, and the man who turned a convict colony into a country, and named it Australia.
Gretta Curran Browne's books have been internationally published in translation throughout Europe and Japan.
The story of legendary Scottish officer Lachlan Macquarie, assigned as governor of the penal colony England created in what is now Australia, is beautifully told in this engaging book. His character seems real and entirely believable, and while following the episodes of his life closely, the plot keeps you interested in what happens next and how people around Macquarie respond. Most intriguing is his "adopted son" David, born of an Arab slave and Indian prince. This admirable young man is exotic, creative, and maintains equanimity through every challenge. Macquarie brings order and prosperity to the squalid colony, ministering the law with a compassionate and even hand which infuriates the free settlers who set themselves up as the new nobility and profited from free convict labor. The prose is smooth and well-written, description and dialogue nicely balanced, action well paced. Macquarie and David's personal lives are equally as interesting as their involvement in official duties. Rich story, sympathetic characters (except those evil, selfish, and villainous ones), good insights into the shaping of Australia into a country. This was the second book in a 3-book series, and I plan to read the others.
I usually enjoy a well written fiction based on history, set in historical times with surrounding facts. But this is different and even more stimulating. It's written as a fiction but most of the story is not only set in factual history, most of it is nonfiction with very little embellishment. I consider this to be a new type of genre - perhaps it could be named creative nonfiction. As a retired history teacher that loves to read well developed stories with well developed characters, I find this to be the perfect read. The story of this family and our protagonist is simply fascinating as he is sent to Australia and transcends a myriad of struggles. Highly recommended!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading the next in the series. The author made us care about the Macquarie family and it was heartening to know that Governor Lachlan Macquarie's vision of Australia was ultimately successful.
After reading the first book in the Macquarie Series, I couldn’t wait to dive into the second, “The Far Horizon.” Beginning in Scotland and moving to Botany Bay (Sydney, Australia - before the country was called Australia), we get to see Lachlan Macquarie remarry, have a child and become governor of New South Wales, the convict colony that he would champion and rename Australia. If you’re into historical novels where the characters were real people in history, yet, promise a fascinating read, well, read on! I have a lot to tell you about!
First of all, if you’ve read my review of “By Eastern Windows” (Book #1 in the Macquarie Series) you’ll know that I became an instant fan of Browne’s writing style and how she turned this real life person into someone the reader would enjoy knowing more about. All the things I loved about the first book flowed seamlessly into the second. The way she crafted the accents of the Irish, British and Natives - making you feel like you were there when the ship pulled into Sydney for the first time - and last but not least, making a real story so enjoyable I didn’t want to put it down. All these things kept me captivated as Lachlan took his family around the world to the far off land of New South Wales.
I gotta admit, after reading a book like this, I had to Google more about Macquarie to see just how much of the novel was true. Never had my curiosity been piqued more! More importantly, never had it been more satisfied with the result. All the good things that Governor Macquarie did in the book appear to be truthfully taken from accounts of his real life - what a man! Not only did he take the crooked streets of Sydney and transform them into a respectable town, he was a champion of the people - convict, native and free - and made his life work this far off place that no one else seemed to care about. The man had character and was a true leader of the people. I really enjoyed reading about his life as Governor of New South Wales from 1810 - 1821!
Conclusion: The people who were sent to New South Wales could be convicted for seven years for crimes such as stealing a loaf of bread, borrowing a master’s mirror, or, any other reason a wealthy person could come up with to send a servant away they didn’t like. (Sometimes without a trail.) After serving their seven years, many had no means or way to return home. When Lachlan Macquarie became Governor, life changed for the convicts in Australia. Better. Hopeful. As the book said, Elizabeth (Lachlan’s second wife) even overhead some servants say, “Life in Botany might be worth living after all.” (page 123) “The Far Horizon” was a great book - I learned a lot about Australia and this man who lived for others. A great read!
“Murderers, thieves, and villains, We'll send them all away. To serve out their sentence In the hell of Botany Bay!” (p. 47)
Imagine being a young girl sentenced to seven years in a prison colony 12,000 miles—an eight month sea voyage—away from home, for an extremely petty offense—real, or perhaps trumped-up by a class superior—with no hope of ever having sufficient funds to return home; even after serving your time. Just such seems to have been the fate of thousands of young girls in early nineteenth century England. [Read also: The Tin Ticket: The Heroic Journey of Australia’s Convict Women] And what a remarkable part these girls played in the history of the founding of Australia.
The Far Horizon (Macquarie, #2), by Gretta Curran Browne tells the fascinating and incredible story of a real hero of history, Lachlan Macquarie, who became the third governor-in-chief of New South Wales in 1809; replacing William Bligh (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame); after he suffered a second mutiny, this time as Governor of NSW. And it just keeps getting better and better from there.
Recommendation: Everything about this story is amazing: interesting, illuminating, enlightening and entertaining. I couldn’t put it down; and I hated to see it end. It is one of the most comprehensive stories of the founding of Australia that I have read. Of course you should read it.
“‘Politicians are not born, they are excreted,’ Cicero had said. And that old First Consul of ancient Rome had known his politicians, Lachlan reflected wryly.” (p. 288)
Seanelle Publications Inc. Kindle Edition, 300 pages.
Yes, spectacular and thorough all wrapped up in a very moving story about the life and fine works of Lachlan MacQuerie, Scottish soldier in England's army.
I have learned so much about the development of the penal colony, now Australia, of New South Wales. This well researched and written book is a pleasure to read as Lachlan is sent by the King of England to replace Captain Bligh....yes, the infamous captain of the Bounty......as Viceroy of the young colony where he brings his family to rule the colony.
This man is still lauded today as a prince among men who built up the country from a rugged slave driven hovel to an advanced country with hospitals, schools, library, bank, churches, towns and businesses while creating and enforcing humane policies aimed at giving felons the opportunity to work toward productive lives as they built up their country. He instilled hope in an ever-growing population of transported people, the overwhelming majority for none or minor crimes.
The fact that he brought his Arabic adopted son, George, and employed him as his personal aide and confidente while acting as a father to him is amazing given the late 1700's/early 1800's era. It is a fascinating historical read.
I definitively encourage readers of historical fiction to read this book, this series, by a writer with such a skilled writing style that it has enthralled me completely. Gretta Curran Browne is on my top five favorite writers list now.
I was supposed to leave for Australia a week ago and had started reading the Macquarie series in preparation for my trip.
The Far Horizon covers Lachland Macquarie's years in Australia and his second marriage to Elizabeth Campbell.
Macquarie was appointed Governor of the penal colonies of New Holland and Van Diemen's Land (now known as Australia and Tasmania). When he arrived in Sydney he found a mess. The previous governors, all Navy men, including the previous governor, William Bligh of Bounty infamy, had done a terrible job of managing the colony. (Bligh was recalled after he caused yet another mutiny.) With typical Scottish industry Lachlan sets out to put things to rights. In the process, he became quite popular with most of the people. His only adversaries were the free settlers who had come to the colony to take advantage of free land and free convict labor. Under his stewardship, the colony expanded and life improved for the people.
This is a story about a man who was both great and good.
I really enjoyed the book and learned a lot about the early history of Australia. Recommended for fans of historical fiction.
A very heart~warming yet vivid and realistic account of Lachlan Macquarie's eventful and pioneering stay in New South Wales. A continent he once was reluctant to set foot on yet has inevitably come to love ~ the land and its mostly convict and ex~convict (known as Emancipists) inhabitants. Ms. Brown's account is neither maudlin nor melodramatic yet still as informative as it is gut~wrenching for the simple reason that most of these so~called criminals are merely children who did childish and sometimes stupid things as pranks (like Dr. Redfern dressing as a highwayman on a dare) or well~meaning acts to help others (like Mary Neely who just 'borrowed' a mirror from her mistress). A thoroughly engrossing read about a pioneer and the Father of Australia. He gave them a name and made them into a nation.
Gretta Curran Browne's THE FAR HORIZON is the second of a four-volume series but also works well as a stand-alone. It recounts the life of Lachlan Macquarie, young Scottish soldier in the English army who in volume one serves in America, the West Indies, India and Egypt. In THE FAR HORIZON, Macquarie is asked to serve as the governor of New South Wales and the Botany Bay penal colony in what would eventually become Australia. Through his reforms and new policies, Macquarie is successful, highly respected, and greatly admired. The book is largely based on historical fact, written as fiction. It is the story of the founding, growth, and transformation of a penal colony into a nation. Great to learn all this history and appreciate Browne's marvelous story-telling. Highly recommended -- five stars.
I read this book right after reading another book about the very early days of the British in Australia, Colleen McCullough's Morgan's Run. The latter is vastly superior to this book, but this book does have some charms. Chief among these are the telling of the story of the Macquaries, Lachlan and Elizabeth, who came to Australia intending to stay two years and ended up staying longer than any other British Viceroy/Governor. Macquarie named the country "Australia" but that is far from his only accomplishment. He gave dignity to the emancipated convicts, the current convicts, and even the aboriginals, much to the displeasure of the "Exclusives", free-born Australian residents who always held themselves higher than anyone else in Australia. That part of this story is good. Otherwise, not much here: poor writing, ridiculously soppy romance, and too much hero worship.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and learning about The Father of Australia and the settling of the penal colony, Botany Bay (now Sydney Australia). I had never heard of Lachlan Macquarie until I read this book (and the first book of the Lachlan Macquarie series). He most certainly had a positive impact on Australia. He became the third governor of New South Wales (now Australia). He replaced William Bligh (yes, from Mutiny on the Bounty), who had suffered a second mutiny as governor of New South Wales. This is not an action novel, but a realistic glimpse of life in a penal colony in the early 1800s and how one good leader can truly make a difference.
This book is more historical recollection of the founding of Australia. Since I am not familiar at all with the history of Australia this book was somewhat hard for me to follow it could not keep my interest yes it was a love story for several people, but the struggles, the people stabbing you in the back when all you’re trying to do is better everyone involved, is just unnecessary but I know it goes on in our day-to-day lives. At least the good guy wins in the end
I really liked how much effort the author put into researching this book. Very true to life. The book moved along and was easy to read. My only complaint would be that I felt as if she hurried through finishing the book. If a little more attention was given to the romance between Mary and George and some elaboration on events then I think the book would be perfect. All said and done though I really enjoyed this book and would love to read again...especially if the story was elaborated on!
Amazing accomplishments for love of man and country.
This was a very enjoyable read. Educational as well as entertaining. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who wants to learn a little of the history of a great man, and the positive changes he instigated for the re-birth and development of New South Wales, now known as Australia. It went from a haphazardly thrown together penal colony to a well thought out and organized country to be proud of.
How Australia was named by Lachlan Macquarie, who remained in history as “The Father of Australia”. The book follows his career as Viceroy of, what was then known as New Holland and was the depository of England’s convicts. Macquarie arrived in the infamous Botany Bay and within twelve years created a nation out of a poor colony. An interesting and enlightening read.
you can't wait to see what will happen next. with both the rich family and the servants both have great stories of their own. Ms Browne could easily write a book on both Mrs Ovens and Mrs Kelly 's past i would love to read how the old gals got to be in New South Wales...
Well written with a little romance and a lot of heart
I read through this so quickly, I haven't researched the history around it. But it seems to reveal the politics and arrogance of the British Empires on the eve of it's fall that I am purchasing the next in the series when I type this period.
After reading many historical nautical books .This is by far the most engaging. Following the twist and turns of a very strong and careing head of the new continent that would be Australia. Engaging the reader at all times . Brilliant story and thank you for the privilege of reading this wonderful tale.
This book is full of history I never knew. I could hardly put this book down. It made me mad, happy and made me cry. I now feel a connection with Australia and know how the country was named. Cannot wait for the next book in the series. In the meantime I will read this book again.
A decent piece of historical fiction. Fairly generic in style without any large flaws, but equally without any particularly standout qualities. Interesting history of how one man transforms a penal colony into what would become Australia through fair and kind treatment of all, regardless of social station.
Good historical fiction set in England and the penal colony of New South Wales, in the early 1800s. I found Australia's early history, which was the backdrop for the story, very interesting and I am hooked on the characters. Have already begun the 3rd book in the series and will go back for the 1st one also.
Loved this story of history! Loughlin Macquarie was a man before his time, a man truly needed at that time, to head Australia in the right direction. This novel gives strength to the efforts of change and to the innate goodness of some people. And, it shows how the right person can bring about so much good change and shape a country forever.
Excellent story, a continuation of Lachlan Macquarie's story. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I would suggest the series be read in order. The author portrayed the characters, conditions of the times, the political infighting, and insight to the early days of Australia's history well. A must read.
I don't know a lot about Australian History but from what I read from other reviewers this is pretty much factual for a fiction book. I really liked the main story as well as the side stories. So much so I read it in one sitting. I knew about the British convicts etc in British/Australian history but that was about it. Very good entertaining read.
An interesting shot at life in a section of history. And truthfully, I knew so little about Australian history, so, assuming she honestly did, I have learned a lot in a very entertaining way. Hard to put down. I would give it a 5 star, except, like so many today, its far to long. So thanks Gretta for a provocative and entertaining read.
Written with a vision both wide and deep in scope, the Macquarie series is breathtaking. Spanning continents, years and lives from least to greatest, this telling of history will impale you with its ferocity and tenderness, its unequivocal commitment and lasting impact on the world.
This book, about a great man, in a time of great need, turned the "colony " of Australia around, not by whips and chains, but through compassion, empathy, love, and respect. I loved the man and his mission. I had never heard of him before, but I will never forget him.
as a history buff especially of those countries like the U.S. and Canada English speaking and largely settled by English speaking people of Independent character and a pioneering attitude this story is really Riveting
I have so enjoyed the first two books in the series and especially learning more about the early days of European settlement of Australia. Well worth your time and a realistic yet feel good story.