Grenville wins 2006 Commonwealth Prize
by Maxine
Kate Grenville has won the overall best book Commonwealth Prize for 2006 for The Secret River. Grenville's latest is gripping, revealing story of the struggle of exiled British criminals in New South Wales, specifically Will Thornhill. Will grew up in the slums of London and is caught stealing lumber, his life saved but doomed to exile. Once free, Will, his wife Sarah and their growing brood find land outside Sydney where Will dreams of prosperity as a trader. But violence tears apart the delicate relationship he establishes with the natives. In her captivating prose, Grenville explores the origins of modern Australia, noting the ugly truths as well as the overwhelming beauty of the land. Her descriptions of massacres are vivid and horrifying, intentionally so, to bring the truth to those who may only see one side of the story.
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