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Young Toby Malone
Introduction to the Setting
All Australians will easily identify with the initial setting of this book, the location of Botany Bay and Captain James Cook being on board the Endeavour. The book begins with Cook's discovery, his claiming and subsequent skirmish with the local indigenous people, who were at his landing site. These recorded facts are ongoing indigenous rights issues.
Journey and Historical Context
The book continues with Cook's return to England, the recording of Cook's journey, altered to suit the state of affairs, then the delay and planning for the First Fleet to return to Australia, named New South Wales.
Fictional Character and Voyage
The introduced fictional character, Lucy, is a young woman unjustly imprisoned for a crime she did not commit. Lucy is sent as part of the First Fleet, as a convict, deported forever. She establishes a relationship with an officer on board Phillips' ship during the journey.
Arrival and New Beginnings
Upon arrival at Sydney Cove, within a month, she delivers a baby boy, Toby Malone. He is the first born on these new lands. The hardships and almost failure of the new colony at Sydney Cove increase the already known drama surrounding Australia's early history.
Reflection on Early Settlers
As Australians, we acknowledge our early settlers, those who were sent as convicts, and those who came in other circumstances. This fictional account creates unknowns of who some of our ancestors were and from what place in society they originated.
