Many Years a Thief

by David Hutchison

This is the story of how John Gavin, a 15-year-old boy - one of a group of juvenile convicts taking part in an attempted rehabilitation scheme - became the first European to be executed in the colony of Western Australia.

Genres: Fiction

179 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction really has become my favourite genre. Another really interesting read, a sad story that gives you a small incite into what happened to these children. I find it interesting that they called them Government Juvenile Immigrants, young children sent to a whole different world who were already troubled and expecting them to fit in with families they have never met before. It would be surprising if there were not more stories like this one.

It is good to get the good, the bad and the ugly...makes you think. A good read.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

There first convict era novel I've read set in Western Australia! And also the first I've read to focus solely on the transport of young boys, which is an area of interest for me. Despite the unique perspective of this novel and wanting to like it, the writing of the piece was so unusual it affected my enjoyment, especially its stilted dialogue. I trust this book sticks very closely to history, so I appreciated learning more about this part of Australian history.

[garry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple but touching account of the trial and eventual execution of a 15-year-old once convicted of theft, but subsequently of murder, as seen through the eyes of his state-appointed guardian John Schoales. The author depicts the early Western Australian colonial setting effectively in his retelling of an unfortunate story, and the depth of character which he has added to what is known of the people involved lends an intimate viewpoint for the reader to understand the events.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book, it told the tale of a juvenile hanging in the colony of Western Australia. It was a story that I hadn't heard before. It was fascinating to be able to follow the characters up streets that I know and landmarks that still exist in both Perth and Fremantle.

[Shell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read about some Aussie history. Sad tale of a 15 year old ward being hanged in western Australia for murder.