REVIEW - CASTAWAY by Richard Macklin

Richard Macklin's historical novel of Narcisse Pelletier, a French cabin boy, unearths an amazing true story of survival, set beside the genocidal landscape of Australia’s indigenous on the eastern coast of Australia.

Narcisse, shipwrecked on the coast of Cape York is rescued by an Aboriginal tribe and quickly embraces their culture. The juxtaposition of the Frontier Wars creates an uneasy tension between indigenous humanity and their welcoming of a white man, against the murderous racism of invading Europeans.

The author's careful research illuminates a hidden history - a dark stain on Australia's conscience.

Macklin brings to light the rhythm of Narcisse's new life - hunting, feasts, celebrations, marriages, rules, fights and discipline. His descriptive style engages the reader.

I found the book hard to put down, eager to discover the destiny of Narcisse's extraordinary life, holding me captive to the end.