PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
The best-selling author of The Thorn Birds returns with another saga set in Australia, this time unfolding during the American War of Independence. Gunsmith and Bristol taverner Richard Morgan finds himself a convicted felon after being set up by scheming adversaries. He, like countless other convicts, is sent to the unknown continent of Australia and begins a new life that develops into something infinitely more rewarding over the years. This historical saga bears the signs of exhaustive research but never truly takes flight. Based on fact - the Morgan of the title is a real historical figure related to the author's husband - a potentially fascinating story is hindered by a lack of persuasive characterization. (Kirkus UK)
