Thomas Keneally’s extraordinary story of one man’s violent revenge against an unjust and intolerant society is based in part on historical events.

Jimmie Blacksmith is a mixed-race man - part aboriginal, part white - living in Australia at the beginning of the 20th century. When Jimmy marries a white woman, the backlash from both his tribe and white society initiates a series of events that rapidly escalate into violence. After abuse and betrayal, Jimmy revolts in a killing spree. Pursued by police and vigilantes, further violence and murders follow with inevitable, tragic results.

Shortlisted
The Booker Prize 1972
Published by
Angus & Robertson
Publication date
Thomas Keneally

Thomas Keneally

About the Author

Thomas Keneally was born in Sydney, Australia, where he still lives. He began his writing career in 1964 and has published 33 novels since.
More about Thomas Keneally

Other nominated books by Thomas Keneally

Schindlers_Ark
Prize winner
Confederates
Gossip from the Forest