True to form, the plot is alive with action, horses, prospecting, and crimes committed in the name of gathering resources, with a distinction drawn between civilization and the rugged world the protagonists inhabit. McPhilips’s action is sharp and clear, but he also digs deeper, illuminating characters' states of mind, which makes for some beautiful prose. McPhillips’ writing often resembles a kind of oral storytelling, where the plainspoken language, oratorical flourishes, bursts of clarifying history, and stories within stories can make you feel like you’re listening to a fable rather than reading words on a page.
McPhillips covers the history of bushmen and aboriginal peoples in welcome detail, both in introductory material and the story proper. Readers expecting a simple story about three heroes may be put off by the layered narratives, mythic touches, and abundant historical context. But McPhillips's writing will keep adventurous readers hooked, and those who manage to get past the information overload are in for some really interesting facts and stories surrounding Australia’s history. Lovers of Australian history will enjoy this book, which is as informative as it is lively.
Takeaway: The wild story of bushrangers from Australia’s gold rush, with an emphasis on history.
Comparable Titles: Jane Smith, David Hill’s The Gold Rush.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B