First published: 2005. Winner of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize.

William Thornhill along with his wife Sal and their children arrive in the harsh land of New South Wales. It is the year 1806 and William has been transported for the term of his natural life. Eight years later William and his family lay claim to a hundred acres up the Hawkesbury. Aboriginal people already live there and other newly arrived settlers are finding their own ways to respond to them. William finds he soon has to make a very difficult choice that will affect his life.