Read Online The Ship That Never Was The Greatest Escape Story Of Australian Colonial History Adam Courtenay 9780733338571 Books

Product details Paperback 336 pages Publisher ABC Books (August 20, 2019) Language English ISBN-10 0733338577

The Ship That Never Was The Greatest Escape Story Of Australian Colonial History Adam Courtenay 9780733338571 Books Reviews

• a bit long winded at times
• For those who enjoy historical non-fiction combined with adventure, hardship and redemption (eventually), this is a great read. The story follows the life & times of James Porter, a Londoner transported to Australia as a convict in the early 1800's. Although he undoubtedly committed crimes, the fact he loved the theater, was an accomplished singer and came from terrible family circumstances in the first place, creates a forgivable character.
  The story itself is incredible. Surviving many years in the penal colony (today's Tasmania) - and many unsuccessful escape attempts, he eventually manages to steal a ship that he and a band of 9 other convicts sail east across some of the wildest oceans in the world to reach Chile. This was an incredible survival story in itself, however the next part based in Chile, for me is at least as compelling.
  I like the way the story (and fate) of James Porter kept unfolding right until the end.
• After reading this book I realised how little I knew about the individual characters that formed the fabric of Australia's penal colony. At school you learn the basics but this tale made the times come alive, especially with its detailed descriptions of the conditions. James Porter was transported to Australia as a convict in the 1800s. While the conditions he lived in were horrendous, he never gave up trying to escape, no matter what the punishment he endured when caught. The fact that he and a band of other prisoners decided to steal a boat and sail to Chile is incredible - as is their journey and the events that awaited them. Porter's resilience and defiance shines through and certainly made me want to find out more about the times.