A Far Distant Land

The Australian Historical Saga #1

by David Field

The first in a heart-warming series of Australian sagas! Perfect for fans of Colleen McCullough, Kate Grenville, Deborah Challinor and Aaron Fletcher.

A journey to a new world, but can you ever leave your old life behind...?


Australia, 1788


After eight long months at sea, The Lady Penryn has docked in Australia – transporting over 100 female convicts from England. Amongst them is a young woman calling herself Mary Murphy, serving seven years for offences of dishonesty.

Second Lieutenant Daniel Bradbury of New South Wales Marine Corps, looking to start a new life in Australia, is in charge of the female prisoners. And when Mary is bullied on board, he steps in and rescues her.

As the passengers come ashore and begin creating the new settlement of Port Jackson, Mary and Daniel grow closer, but it soon becomes clear that Mary is not who she first pretended to be.

The unfamiliar and unforgiving climate, the ever-present threat of native attack, and the residual snobbery of the old English society that travelled with them across the Equator, combine to throw obstacles in the path of this new settlement. And growing tensions threaten to pull Daniel and Mary apart.

But in the end, nothing can stand in the way of what destiny has prescribed for them…

A Far Distant Land is the first historical novel in The Australian Saga Series: a set of books chronicling the early years of British settlement in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Genres: Historical Fiction

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2021

About the author

David was born in post-war Nottingham, and educated at Nottingham High School. After obtaining a Law degree he became a career-long criminal law practitioner and academic, emigrating in 1989 to Australia, where he still lives.

Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.

Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.

David Field is published by Sapere Books.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great fan of David Field and his writing, I was eager to hear that he had started a new project, this time focussing on the historical beginnings of British presence in Australia. While I have read a little on the subject (a favourite author of mine penned a major trilogy), I was interested to see what Field had to say on the matter, looking to this, the first in the tetralogy. When Second Lieutenant Daniel Bradbury arrives in New South Wales, he is unsure what to expect. With a boatload of convicts, he can only hope that setting up a community will run smoothly. After numerous encounters with one of the female convicts, Martha Mallett, they fall in love and begin setting up roots. As the years pass, the colony grows, as do the responsibilities of Lieutenant Bradbury. What follows is the start of the saga that will include many others, as Australia begins to grow as a British colony. Field does it again with his writing, keeping me hooked until the final page.

Second Lieutenant Daniel Bradbury has high hopes as he sets sail with a boatload of convicts, on their way to the penal colony on the other side of the world. With plans to set up camp in New South Wales, Bradbury prepares for what would surely be a rough few years, but could not have predicted that he would cross paths with the feisty Martha Mallett. A female convict and fabulous actress, Mallett finds a way into Bradbury’s thoughts, which eventually leads to a spot in his heart and bed. As scandalous as it might have been, both knew that they were destined to be together.

In the years that follow, both Bradbury and Mallett make their mark on the colony and those around them. Bradbury finds himself able to connect well with the indigenous community, forging a loose form of communication to ensure peace. Mallett, while not yet free of the convict moniker, has been able to earn a special respect of the other soldiers and members of the British delegation. Still, she hopes for more, considering herself a petty criminal, only guilty of trying to stay alive.

With time, Martha is removed from her role as criminal and granted a place with Bradbury in the upper crust of colonial society. Bearing a few children for her husband, Martha is able to make an impact, but wants more. As Lieutenant Bradbury rises through the ranks and the years pass, he becomes a prominent member of the colonial hierarchy and has hopes that his family will continue to influence the settlements that expand across the still barren land. However, much has yet to be decided and the Bradbury name is being bandied about for higher causes. David Field impacts the reader effectively and keeps the reader wondering what is to come.

I have always found David Field is one author whose interest in a topic resonates from every word he puts to paper. Not only that, but his varied interests have proven effective in a number of well-developed series, quick reads all of them. This series debut is stunning in its depiction of the era, the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and how the British sought to make their mark on a territory so far away. The characters are highly intriguing and will surely continue to flavour the narrative, as the series moves forward with three other books to come.

While there are many who mark their mark within this short novel, Daniel Bradbury and Martha Mallett are key protagonists throughout. Their backstories are developed briefly, but it would appear Field is more interested in laying the groundwork for character development and future roots that will impact the series as a whole. From vastly different ranks, Bradbury and Mallett find ways to connect, while also influencing the lives of those around them. I am eager to see how they, and their family, will make a difference as the series moves forward.

Since discovering the work of David Field, I have always had an affinity for his writing. Be it Victorian crime novels, Tudor scandals, or even an Australian epic saga, he never fails to deliver. While much more compact in his writing, Field reminds me of one of my favourite authors who (as I mentioned above) also penned a multi-volume series about the settlement of Australia. High compliments for that, as the narrative flows just as well, with wonderful characters to keep the reader entertained. Short chapters help push the story along and forces the reader to feel a part of the action. Interesting plot twists, both woven into the actual history of events and fictional occurrences, make the reader’s journey all the more delightful. I am eager to get my hands on the second novel in the series to see if it packs as much punch.

Kudos, Mr. Field, for another winner. I cannot say enough about this debut or all of your writing. I hope your fan base grows as people discover what a delight reading those books can be!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[PattyMacDotComma · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5★
“Daniel pointed to himself with his free hand. ‘Daniel.’ When there was no reaction, he tried again. ‘Daniel.’

The man was clearly struggling to get the word out. ‘Dan-Woo.’ That would do for a start, Daniel decided, and he pointed back at the man with raised eyebrows, hoping he would follow suit.

‘Bennelong,’ the man announced.”

Daniel is a British officer who has arrived in Australia on one of the first convict ships of the First Fleet. He is the main character in this historical fiction that includes many real people, and it’s interesting to make him the man who first approaches Bennelong.

Bennelong is well-known in Australian history, and the Sydney Opera House is situated where he lived on what is now Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour.

Generally, I enjoy historical fiction as a way to combine my interest in history with a love of good stories. It can also be a good way to introduce young readers to history they might otherwise never hear of. As I was reading this, I thought it might be useful for a YA audience, as it is written in a simple, straight-forward fashion with a bit of romance and adventure.

“Martha slammed the soup pot back on the stove, put her hands on her hips in a defiant gesture and said, ‘You know nothing, Daniel! You don’t have to spend every day in this dump of a house, with a child that’s determined to find every possible way of hurting himself, wondering what on earth I can cook that isn’t made from lentils, cabbage, potatoes or John’s sheep. So don’t tell me “you know”, because you don’t!’”

It reads like a relatively modern story with a colonial flavour which will appeal to readers of light fiction. Unfortunately, although I’m no expert on Australian history, I would recommend it only as a fictional story to enjoy for the plot and characters.

[I realise I may be too sensitive to inaccuracies others may not give a hoot about, so I'll put them under a spoiler and knock off half a star, not anyone will notice.]

This book said Macarthur found wild sugar cane growing (Sydney) and was making his own rum. Sugar cane was brought to Australia later and they had trouble getting it to grow even in warmer, more northern zones. Back then, I understand the word "rum" was used kind of the way "grog" is used today, meaning spirits. As far as I can find, the only real rum that was sold was imported and used as currency. A roaring trade! This is only one of the weird 'facts' that ticked me off.

We have friends who are sugar cane growers, so I was startled to see this "wild" claim, particularly so far south.

Thanks to Sapere Books for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Australia, 1788 & after eight long months at sea, The Lady Penryn has docked in Australia – transporting over 100 female convicts from England. Amongst them is a young woman calling herself Mary Murphy, serving seven years for offences of dishonesty. Second Lieutenant Daniel Bradbury of New South Wales Marine Corps, looking to start a new life in Australia, is in charge of the female prisoners. And when Mary is bullied on board, he steps in and rescues her. As the passengers come ashore and begin creating the new settlement of Port Jackson, Mary and Daniel grow closer, but it soon becomes clear that Mary is not who she first pretended to be. The unfamiliar and unforgiving climate, the ever-present threat of native attack, and the residual snobbery of the old English society that travelled with them across the Equator, combine to throw obstacles in the path of this new settlement. And growing tensions threaten to pull Daniel and Mary apart.
The start of a new series, which I found to be a good mix of the story of the growth of the colony in Australia & the romance between Daniel & Mary. The book was well written & flowed well. I liked both Daniel & Mary & loved how their relationship developed as well as the twists & turns it took. I also enjoyed the how the colony developed, I don't know very much about the colonisation in Australia so I found myself intrigued & was often looking up the history of the early settlers. An interesting read & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Greg Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back and Forth ... that’s been my ongoing opinion of this book.

I read a historical fiction of the first settlement at Plymouth last November, so I felt the tension between the natives and the colonizers was really underplayed in this book. Honestly, it felt more like a romance novel in the early chapters, but the historical aspects of the colony’s growth definitely comes into play in the later chapters.

My 5th paternal great grandfather was part of Diego de Vargas’ second colonization of New Mexico in 1692-1693. One important goal was the reconquest of territory following the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Any story of this genre should put adequate emphasis on the relational struggles with a hostile host. How did the early interaction with the native chief assist in the colony’s survival? This relationship never became a integral part of the storyline.

[Eves21 · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Found the writing too simple and the story forced, like a combo of a school history assignment and a story, could not even get started.

[Mr Robin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am familiar with this author and have enjoyed several of his “Jack Enright” crime stories set in Victorian London; this book (the first of a new series) is completely different and takes us back a further 100 years to the time of George III. The “Far Distant Land” of the book turns out to be Australia, not that long after Captain Cook’s initial landing in 1770. The book revolves around characters that have ended up in the very first of the penal colonies established there in 1788, in what eventually became known as Sydney, in New South Wales. The characters are all drawn from the first fleet of ships that arrives in Botany Bay, just south of present-day Sydney (and named after the botanists on Captain Cook’s earlier arrival in this bay) after a not altogether pleasant journey and after sailing from Portsmouth some eight months earlier. With the problems of overcrowded jails in England and no longer being able to transport convicts to America (following the revolution there) this newly discovered land, claimed as New South Wales for Great Britain by Captain Cook, was quickly adopted as a new destination for criminals whose crimes were not serious enough for execution. The main characters in the book are Daniel and George, who are Marines involved in guarding the prisoners, during the voyage and eventually in the colony; and Martha and Rachel, two out of the 150 women convicts on the ships. Daniel had taken pity on the voyage on young Martha, who was being bullied by some of the other women prisoners; and George had taken a fancy to Rachel and made sure she was looked after, once the ships were unloaded and the colony was initially established in an embryonic Sydney. The book is well written and provides some fascinating insight into what it must have been like in the newly established colony, with the mix of prisoners, most with no real hope of ever seeing England again, and the mix of navy and marine officers and men who were to oversee them. The enormous problems in settling in to the new land are well described, with the only shelter from the elements being tents at first (until huts, and much later proper buildings, could be built). Rebellions by the prisoners who outnumbered those guarding them were quite frequent and the new arrivals in a strange land suffered terribly from the extremes of weather. They were also not welcomed by the natives and the many types of unfamiliar and dangerous animals, such as crocodiles and sharks and poisonous snakes, spiders and jelly fish. The story covers a period of some 25 years and deals well with the relationships between the main characters, as they establish families and slowly get used to a completely new way of life. Further books in the series are reportedly to follow, taking the stories of the initial family members further into the future. I have thoroughly enjoyed “A Far Distant Land” and I am very grateful to Sapere Books for providing me a copy for review and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[MARGARET WOODWARD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The early colonising of Australia is a popular subject for novelists but there is still room for a new take and this is a highly readable new version. Using just two fictional characters among the historical activists Field illustrates well the bewildering challenges faced from 1788 onwards by the first settlers, both military and criminal. The historical plot is already fixed, of course, since the author and his readers have access to a remarkable amount of contemporary documentation, but he develops the characters and their sub-plot interactions and motives very well, demonstrating with skill how lively fictional interaction takes place in the gaps left by history.
The politics of the time are touched on lightly, and are well balanced both internally in New South Wales and in the wider world, especially back in Britain and Europe. Given the considerable timespan covered by the novel a great deal had happened ‘back home’, in particular in Parliamentary change, much of which would have had a greater and deeper influence than shown- or shown as being appreciated by the colonists. The telling of the story from the point of view of a fictional character, Daniel Bradbury, who as a second lieutenant holds a relatively low rank, cleverly ducks the need to be too informative or specific - although perhaps the less history aware reader could have been told sooner than in the postscript that the need to find space for dumping surplus convicts was because Britain had lost her American colonies. Some of the soldiers would certainly have taken part in the American war of independence which may have brutalised them and influenced both their harsh treatment of the hard core convicts and their intolerance of the native people, both elements which could have added another interesting strand to the novel.
Nevertheless this is a well-written, pacey and enjoyable read and I look forward to the next volume in the series with interest.

[Lorna Holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review now up on the blog: https://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk...

A Far Distant Land is the first book in a new, sweeping historical saga.

The book is set in Australia and tells the tale of the first British settlers arriving on the unfamiliar island. Part fact and part fiction, A Far Distant Land effortlessly blends the two to create an engaging story spanning multiple decades and countries. It details the birth of a new era for Australia and its new inhabitants.

Each character has their own reasons for travelling to Australia. Some are convicts - forced to spend eight months at sea in unthinkable conditions, just to end up as slave labour, breaking their backs at the mercy of the elements once they arrive. Others are running from a past they would rather forget. Others still are opportunists, hoping the new world will bring opportunities for wealth, power, and status. Despite their original intentions, though, it soon becomes clear that class and money mean nothing when you must work together to survive.

From supply shortages to convict mutinies, changeable leadership, and problems with "the natives", the colonists certainly don't have it easy - and that's without even factoring in the difficult environment and unforgiving surroundings.

There are a lot of characters in this book, and it can get quite hard to remember who's who! Despite this, though, the main characters are all interesting individuals and it's a pleasure to read about their adventures. When you stop to consider that some of these are real people and real events that happened, it's even more special.

Engaging and well researched, A Far Distant Land is an enjoyable foray into the first days of modern Australia.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This blend of fact and fiction tells the story of the birth and development of colonies in Australia: the journey on the convict ships, the makeshift accommodation on arrival, the growth of relationships amongst the convicts, settlers and military, the growth of commerce including the ‘currency’ used, the realisation of just how isolated they were from Britain, as it took so long to get messages to and fro, and the efforts made to communicate with the native people. There is a wealth of historical information in this book with many of the characters in the pages being real life figures. This is a period of history that I know little about and so I found the overall story absorbing. However, to me, the development of the relationship between Daniel & Martha, which was quite central to the story, was disappointing, it lacked any real spark. Nevertheless, it’s well worth reading especially if you have an interest in the history of Australia

Thanks to Sapere Books for a copy to review

[Jane Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Far Distant Land looks at the beginnings of the British settlements in Australia through the eyes of Second Lieutenant Daniel Bradbury, an officer on board one of the first transportation ships to bring convicts to the Port Jackson area, starting the settlement that would later become Sydney.

Bradbury becomes entangled in an on/off relationship with convict “Mary Murphy”, whose acting talents have helped her greatly in both her former life as a petty criminal and the new life she carves out for herself in Australia.

The book is both a moving romantic sage and a fascinating account of how hard and cruel life was in those early days of settlement. While very much a work of fiction, the story includes many of the real people who were in Australia at the time and much of it is based on historical detail. Being an era I was unfamiliar with, I spent almost as much time scrolling through Wikipedia as I did reading the book, always a sign to me of a well written piece of historical fiction. I hated history at school – when a book makes me want to know more, it’s a hit!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, both from the story point of view and the historical one. Just one tiny criticism though – although attractive, I don’t feel that the cover gave any real guidance as to what to expect from the book.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a series about the establishment of a colony in New South Wales, Australia. A ship filled with convicts and the marine soldiers sent to guard them sets out from London to the new land as way to empty the jails in London. Among the convicts is a woman, Martha and the soldier who guards her, Daniel. This is the story of the life they begin in this new colony along with several other important characters.
This was an enjoyable read, quick and engaging. You quickly become involved with the families, their business adventures, and government in family saga taking place in this colony. This saga holds your attention and you feel part of the family. Want to know what happens to them in the future, the children and the adults.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read, a good story and a good feeling style of book.
Really enjoyed.

[Dorayne Demoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adventure tale about the settling of Australia and how those brought to this rough wilderness in convict ships, as well as their British soldier guards, built a country.
Intelligent, humane Second Lieutenant Daniel Bradbury is one of those guards. He falls in love with a beautiful con woman, whom he eventually marries. Together they survive her forced labor, native hostility, arrogant governors (among them the infamous Captain Bligh), politics, corruption, and marital misunderstanding. They manage to build not only personal prosperity, but also a thriving community and a culture.
The story is written with humor, suspense, and lots of action. I learned a lot of history I did not know. This is the first of two volumes and I am looking forward to the second part of the story.

[Sally Mander · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
A FAR DISTANT LAND by David Field

The year is 1788, it was not a time to be accused of a crime in England. They had discovered the island of New South Wales, which became Australia, and any little crime that prisoners were accused of, they could be transported for a number of years if they survived the treacherous journey aboard the stinking prison hulks. Punishments were from a few years and as far as to life as a prisoner.

It might be better to be a prisoner on an island than to be stuck inside of a prison with walls and abusive guards, but for those first arriving prisoners to Australia, life was definitely no picnic.

With many thanks, I received a complimentary copy of #afardistantland from #netgalley #davidfield @davidfield I was under no obligation to post a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Sapere Books for providing a complimentary copy. I voluntarily leave a review. As always, I attempt to avoid all spoilers so that you may read the book for yourself.

My husband and I are currently watching Poldark on Amazon Prime, and this book reminded me a little of the feel of that show. Yes, it is about Australia and the convict colonies there, but the slice of life feel was the same. While parts of the book read like a historical treatise, there was a clear connection between the two protagonists, Mary (Martha) and Daniel. Their world becomes ours as the book moves forward. The reader gets a feel for life in the late 1700's for convicts and the soldiers who were responsible for them.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a historical saga.

[Romana Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story focusing on the first settleres problems/issues/difficulties they faced. It's almost impossible for us, in our digital age, to imagine landing somewhere and not knowing anything about the area, which way to go to find drinking water, what plants or animals you can eat etc. Well done to the author to catch those feelings/struggles without any harsh descriptions of encounters between British and natives - I liked that - author is more concentrating on the side story of powerstrugle among the officials and money/power-hungry individuals, convicts uprising against the injustice they suffered. On top of all that there's the beautiful love story, friendship, camaraderie amongst the main characters
It's very easy book to read and I'm looking forward to the next one

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Far Distant Land is a well written story about the arrival of soldiers and convicts into Australia, and their attempts to fit in with the demands of this frequently harsh and demanding land. Although there was a theme of trying to maintain peaceful relations with the original people of the land, the story seemed somewhat one sided. There seemed to be no acknowledgement of the enormous and traumatic effects that the arrival of these foreigners must have had on the people born to the land. Thanks to the author and Sapere Books for the ARC.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a reasonable well written story about the start of Australia when England started shipping over convicts to help settle the then new land. Daniel Bradbury, Maine officer, who rescues, Mary Murphy, who was one of a 100 female convicts arriving on the same ship. They later marry and the story follows them as the have children and success as landowners until the story ends 26 years later. It’s an interesting saga of how Australia got started from a place where convicts were shipped to serve out their sentences.

[Vicky Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that Australia was founded as a penal colony for convicts in England. I can imagine that the choice between physical labor in a distant land or imprisonment for your crime was not a difficult one for most people. Australia became a second chance for many people, including the convicts, their guards, and other settlers that eventually came. I thought the book was a little slow and the story predictable, but it was an interesting journey to a new place for me.

[Phillip Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very fictional account of the founding of an English penal colony on the Australian continent

To say this work is entertaining as historical fiction does not do it justice. The entire premise and subsequent yarn is just too entertaining to make it a history, but the absolute trials and tribulations of the colonists are so captivating that the product is just readable fiction.
Highly recommend.

[jerry Cursons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adventure tale about the settling of Australia and how those brought to this rough wilderness in convict ships, as well as their British soldier guards, built a country.a excellent story of some of the first settlers there harsh lifestyle in this new land. Looking forward to the next book in the series

[Jacqueline Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Survival of the fittest

A story about the first convicts to land in Australia. We are given a peek into their lives and the hardship they must have lived through. There is also romance and friendship. I would have liked a little more about the natives of Australia and the interaction between the two sides. Overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the second one.

[Sarah Tummey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was interesting. As well as focusing on the British arriving in Sydney, I would have liked to hear more about the Aboriginal people - what happened to the couple they befriended, and whether that friendship carried on into the next generation. I don't think I'm interested enough in the characters to read more of the series.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a somewhat quick book. It gives you some idea about the colonization of Australia. At times this book was really interesting but then it would drag a bit.
It’s book one of the series so I’m interested in where it goes from here.
Thanks to Sapere for the copy

[Helen Downunder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Following the trials of the early settlers. First landing in Sydney Cove, building a new town from scratch, and the associate problems. The Rum monetary system which led to The Rum Rebellion and the start of the Squatter era.
Helen Batley

[Michael Stein · Rating 2 out of 5]

A boring book about the expulsion of convicts from the Uk to Australia, The book end up being a story of different families, wives & children. This is exactly what I did not expect, the book read like a family story. I did not enjoy it,

[Sheryl-lee Moroni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent tale of first colonial days in New South Wales

I liked the weaving of historical facts around the characters. As a fourth generation Australian it is very interesting to relive those early days of Australia’s colonization.

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book but was disappointed. The story is very shallow and ‘basic’. Not much character depth and the dialogue is very modern which felt out of place in a story set in the 1700’s.

[derick prentice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far to "nice" an existence for the earliest people to arrive in the new land.

[Brenda Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

excellent story. great characters. sometimes moves too quickly. Good description of the birth and growth of a colony in Australia.