It is the year 1857 and a voyage is leaving to Tasmania as it is believed to be heaven on earth (literally). One of the leaders is Reverend Geoffrey Wilson, who is hoping to find the true site of the Garden of Eden. Through letters and journals, he communicates his feelings and ideas as he faces the perils of the journey and the increasing discontent among the crew.
An antagonist of the reverend is the racial-theorist Dr Potter, whose logical thinking and scientific beliefs show the reader the ideas of the time regarding the aboriginal people and the exotic flora and fauna he is wishing to encounter.
Through the story, the reader is presented with the retellings of the experiences of different characters, like the captain of the ship, Captain Illiam Quillian Kewly, who keeps a secret from everybody: his ship is fleeing British Customs as it is a smuggling vessel. Another interesting point of view is Peevay's, an aboriginal young boy, member of a Tasmanian tribe unsuccessfully fighting the colonisers, their religious influences and the social customes they are trying to enforce in the local inhabitans.
Matthew Kneale uses irony and sarcasm to deal with the less likeable characters and moments. The explotation of the natural resources and the cruelty used with the aborigines are portrayed as the consequence of the stupidity of those who believed they were doing their best to bring civilisation to the corners of the world.
Nowadays, we are aware of the atrocities committed in the name of progress; however, surprises are waiting ahead for those who deserve being punished for their actions.
Ana Ovejero
mail: ana.ovejero@gmail.com
instagram:ananbooks
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