The Lieutenant

By Kate Grenville

In 1788, Lieutenant Daniel Rooke sails into Sydney Cove with the First Fleet, hoping to advance his career. Instead, his life is unimaginably changed.

As a young officer and a man of science, the eccentric Rooke is full of anticipation about the natural wonders he might discover in this strange new land. As the newcomers struggle to establish a settlement for themselves and their cargo of convicts, Rooke sets up his observatory to chart the stars.

A young Aboriginal girl visits and begins to teach him her language. As they learn to speak together, they build a rapport that bridges the gap between their dangerously different worlds. Then Rooke is given a command that forces him to choose between his duty as a soldier and the friendship that’s become so precious to him.

The Lieutenant charts a unique moment when one world engaged with another, leaving both changed forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jun 22, 2010
• ISBN: 9781554687060

Kate Grenville

Kate Grenville is a prize-winning fiction writer whose novels include Lilian's Story, Dark Places and the Orange Prize award winning novel The Idea of Perfection. She lives in Sydney with her husband, son and daughter.

Reviews for The Lieutenant

[lit_chick_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

 I read and loved Grenville’s The Secret River some years ago, so when The Lieutenant caught my eye, it was a natural next-read.Danielle Rooke, an always-awkward youngster and young man, finds his place in science – astronomy, precisely. He enlists in His Majesty’s service and is sent to New South Wales with a cargo of convicts. There he will, among his other duties, chart the stars. But it is his relationship with the aborigines – in particular his remarkable connection with one young girl, Tagaran – that changes his life forever, in ways he could never have imagined. Wonderful writing, a period in history that intrigues, and characters that will be with me a long time. Highly recommended!Notable Quotes:“This was the first time they had seen a teacup or a fork. The only time they would need to taste a china plate. It would never again be the first time. Rooke was aware of witnessing something unrepeatable and irreversible. He was watching one universe in the act of encountering another.” (137)“A boundary was being crossed and erased. Like ink in water, one language was melting into another.” (178)

[sianpr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. Kate Grenville is a wonderful storyteller and skilfully evokes time, place & character. The book narrates the life of Daniel Rooke from his childhood in Portsmouth to his journey to New South Wales as a lieutenant charged with charting a comet. Once in NSW, he develops a friendship with an Aboriginal child, a friendship which changes his world view utterly. A compelling read & one full of hope.

[lynnb_64 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Daniel Rooke is the title Lieutenant, stationed in Australia as the astronomer. When he is ordered to be part of a party sent out to kill some Aboriginies "as an example", he is forced to make a moral choice between following orders and following his values. While his choice was similar to that of William Thornhill in the first book of this trilogy, his actions were quite different with very different consequences. It is a good story, and a nice companion to The Secret River.

[ilovejfranzen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved 'The Lieutenant' even more than I loved 'The Secret River'. Both depict the first contact between the British and Aborigines in New South Wales. Kate Grenville is masterful in her imaginings of these encounters and manages to paint a much more nuanced and realistic picture than could be found in any history book. Among the British, there are brutal individuals and kind individuals, some transferred, some volunteered. There are loyalties and petty jealousies that even without the interaction with the Aborigines would make the book compelling. The Aborigines in Grenville's novel at first ignore the settlers, hoping, one senses, that.they will go away. As time goes on and the Aborigines are forced into contact, the clan leaders seek to learn more about the British, all the while maintaining a believable wariness and absence of trust. Against this backdrop, a young nerdy lieutenant, Daniel Rooke develops a friendship with a young Aboriginal girl, Tagaran and through the relationship starts to learn the language and ways of the local Gadigal people. Grenville's immense skill is the delicate moral positioning of these real-life events so that through Rooke we see the duty inspired insensitivity of the British regime and the increasing callousness of the treatment of the Aborigines as relationships sour.

[thejohnsmith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An excellent novel, based on historical events and people, that tells the story of First Fleet Marine Lieutenant Daniel Rooke. Friendship between Rooke and an Indigenous Australian girl Tagaran blossoms resulting in life changing events for Rooke. A very enjoyable read.

[boabflower_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved it. Love this author and this series. She has done her research which shows in the revealing of the story. Good characters and a good plot. I thought I knew how this would end, but thnkfully I was wrong

[thebookjunky · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another marvelous one by this Australian author. She too has become a favourite author.

[lberriman_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a very beautiful book in the same vein as The Secret River.

[cariola_6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Daniel Rooke was a bit of a loner, an odd boy unappreciated until his gift for mathmatics was discovered--a gift that turned into a love for astronomy. Before long, Daniel found himself wearing the red uniform of His Majesty's army, boarding a ship bound for New South Wales. His commission: to survey the stars from the southern hemisphere. Unfortunately, the rest of the passengers--officers, soldiers, and prisoners--had a different purpose: to make contact with the native tribes and settle a colony in Botany Bay. Over time, Rooke, predominantly isolated from the others in his observation hut, befriends a small group of natives. With the help of a young girl, Tagaran, he learns their language and makes what is his first deep connection with another human being. As everyone knows, when the British colonials couldn't achieve their ends by peaceful means, they achieved them through force, and Rooke must choose between his duty and his conscience.Grenville does a fine job of creating the aura of 18th century Botany Bay, its flora and fauna, and its native inhabitants. Her portrayal of Rooke, a young man isolated by his lack of social skills and his genius for astronomy, is engaging and sympathetic, and it's not hard to believe in his enchantment with the more uncomplicated, less judgmental natives. The sections describing the process of learning language are especially moving. As in her previous novel, The Secret River, Grenville dissects with a keen knife the history of relations between the indigenous people of New South Wales and the zealots bent on proving that the sun indeed never sets on the British Empire. A captivating novel, worthy of a second Commonwealth Prize.

[bhowell_35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Australia's dark colonial past comes alive in this brilliant book.

[mojomomma_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Daniel Rooke joins the British Navy and goes to Australia in 1788 as the astronomer/navigator of a British fleet made up of soldiers and prisoners. He spends his time recording the happenings in the southern hemisphere skies and keeping logs of the weather of New South Wales. He also meets the native aboriginal people and begins to decode their language. He is conflicted between his personal experience with the natives and the British Navy's need to conquer them.

[michdubb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Read this awhile ago and am just now adding it to my library. An enjoyable story with some touching moments.

[hazelk_9 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Having read and enjoyed an earlier novel by this author (The Secret River) I was disappointed with this book. It started off promisingly, the character and development of the future lieutenant being interesting as was his self-motivation in working out the aborigine language of the indigenous people of the Sydney area.However, there was really only sufficient materail for a novella or a short story and the narrative flagged half way through: I started to skip read just to get finished. I admired the central character but this wasn't enough to make it a good read.

[dwate_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is the story of Lieutenant Daniel Rooke, a mathematically and linguistically gifted young man, interested in astronomy and navigation, who sails with the first fleet to Sydney. While he is primarily interested in astronomical observations, and creates an observatory at some distance from the main settlement, he becomes fascinated by a group of natives, and one young girl in particular (Tagaran). As he tries to communicate with the aborigines, he begins to take notes of words and expressions in the hope of learning the basics of the local language. His equilibrium is upset, however, when he is ordered to join a party of soldiers whose task is to capture six aborigines in retribution for the spearing of one of the convicts (an unpleasant fellow who has been given the privilege of hunting for food). Rooke's distaste for this expedition finally resolves him to rebel, and he is sent back to England to meet his punishment. Grenville has done excellent research for this novel, and it is written well, but it is more a novelette, with a somewhat simple story, padded out with over-long descriptions of the exchanges between Rooke and Tagaran in their attempts to understand each other.

[pak6th · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lieutenant Daniel Rooke sails to New South Wales on the First Fleet in 1788 to do scientific research. As the colony struggles to survive, to find enough food to eat, and to coexist with the natives, Daniel sets up an observatory. As the natives come to visit he befriends some of the children and begins to learn their language. But the fragile relationship is soon tested by Rooke's loyalty to the British Navy.

[natmichalek · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

kind of boring - sounds awesome in theory but could have been much more. Also annoyed that the one soldier was severely traumatized by "kidnapping" a few natives to learn the language. They were also given priority food and treated better than the other soldiers. Seriously - get over it. Get traumatized by something way more brutal.

[litfan_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"The Lieutenant" is the story of Daniel Rooke, a soldier who goes with the First Fleet to Australia. As a protegee of the Royal Astronomer, Daniel is tasked with setting up an observatory and tracking the movement of a comet. But his interactions with the native Cadigal people dramatically change his focus and, ultimately, transform him.At 300 pages this is a short, quick read but one that is rich with fascinating themes. Based on a true story, it provides a snapshot of the beginning of colonization in Australia, and captures the first interactions between the white settlers and the native Aboriginals. The character of Daniel becomes a symbol of the erasure of boundaries between different races and cultures, as he struggles to learn the native language and ultimately discovers a touching bond with the young Cadigal girl who begins to teach him their words.Daniel is suspended for much of the story between the world of the British military and the world of the natives, until events conspire that force him to choose who he wants to be: the naive soldier that arrived on the shores narrowly focused on astronomy and calculations, or the wiser person that he has become in his time in New South Wales.Kate Grenville's writing style is rich with description and metaphor. The development of Daniel's character is fascinating to behold, his relationship with the Cadigal people touching. The novel calls up larger themes of colonization and the subjugation of native people in a story that is compelling and emotionally gripping until the very end.

[rmckeown_9 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kate Grenville, who lives in Sydney, is yet another Australian writer. Soon, I am going to need a separate bookcase just for fiction from down-under. This story more than held my interest. In fact, I had a hard time stopping, and only a busy week preparing for the Fall semester prevented me from reading it in one long sitting.Grenville tells the story of a young lieutenant in the Royal Marines who finds himself assigned as a navigator on the first ship sent with a colony of prisoners to New South Wales in 1777. His mission, once he arrived in the new colony, included setting up an observatory to confirm the reappearance of a comet expected sometime between October and March. This re-telling of the Pilgrims first winter in Plymouth has a somewhat different outcome.While not a great literary work, the writing is smooth and, as I sad above, extremely interesting. I do want to gather her other seven books, which include a volume of short fiction. Publication scheduled for September 2009, so I can't quote from the text.--Jim, 8/23/09

[joyfulgirl_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the fictionalised story of William Dawes (Daniel Rooke in the novel), who arrived in Australia with the First Fleet in 1788, and his interactions with the Aboriginals who inhabitated the area around Sydney Cove.I enjoyed this book, however was slightly disconcerted when I began to read it, as Grenville has changed the name of all the historical figures in the book although this is not noted anywhere within the book, so I was a little concerned I had missed too many Australian History lessons. I definitely think future editions should note that the names have been changed. The story flowed smoothly throughout and was easy to read.

[kiwifortyniner · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The story of Daniel Rooke who comes to Australia on the first fleet in 1788 and sets up an observatory away from the main camp to carry out his scientific pursuits. He befriends a young aboriginal girl who begins to teach him her language. But the fact that he is still a soldier causes conflict for him. When a man is fatally wounded by the aborigines and an expedition is to be sent out to capture the man who killed him Daniel has a difficult decision to make as he is asked to be part of the expedition. This is a story which can sit along side The secret rive, both of them being good stories of life in early Australia and the relationships between the settlers and the aborigines.

[jeniwren_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is about a shy young astronomer who sails with the First Fleet to Australia in 1787. A comet is due the following year and he is there to record the return. On arrival he persuades the Governor to let him set up his instruments away from the main camp. However soon his attentions shift from his instruments to an aboriginal girl. She visits him regularly and she teaches him her language of which he records with plans to produce a document of the new language. This new and friendly association with the natives creates a dilemma when he is ordered to join an expedition of reprisal when one of the Governor's men is speared in an attack. This was interesting based on the notebooks of a real character William Dawes who left the only record we have today of the language of the indigenous people of the Sydney area. William Dawes also spent the rest of his life involved with a movement for the abolishment of slavery. Good book but didn't grab me in a big way.

[steve02476 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not my usual kind of book, but I liked it. Kinda felt like a YA book. Liked imagining how people can puzzle out each other's language.

[brenzi_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Daniel Rooke has spent his entire life being an outsider. As a boy, growing up in Portsmouth in the 1760s, he was taunted by classmates for his inquisitive mind. He seemed to march to the beat of a different drummer. But when he was introduced to the Astronomy Royal, he finally found someone who understood him and his love of science and math. It is this relationship that leads him eventually to His Majesty’s Marine Forces and a post in the Australian penal colony of New South Wales. He convinces the base commander to allow him to set up a base for himself, at a distance from the rest of the company, where he can set up the astronomy instruments given to him by the Astronomy Royal in order to track the path of a comet. This suits Rooke’s loner mentality perfectly. In the meantime, the colony is struggling to maintain a food supply for its population of military men and prisoners and has not been able to establish a friendly co-existence with the natives. Rooke, however, has struck up a relationship with some friendly native children, particularly the young girl Tagaran and is steadily breaking down the language barrier. He is blissfully happy with his new life but when Rooke is forced to join a party of men who will track down a native suspected of using his spear on the gamekeeper, his moral outrage gets the better of him and puts his idyllic life in jeopardy.This is the second book in Kate Grenville’s Colonial Trilogy and although it didn’t approach the powerful intensity of The Secret River it did make me look forward to the final book. Grenville’s ability to describe the Aboriginal black/white struggle by portraying the history through poetic narrative is moving and compassionate. Her ability to display this history through the eyes of a sweet, innocent protagonist with a true heart of goodness makes for a satisfying read.

[deltaqueen50 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville is the second in her Thornhill trilogy although there was no connection between this book and the first, other than the setting of the penal colony established in Botany Bay, Australia in the late 1700’s. Despite being barely 300 pages in length, these pages are overflowing with the story of a young man who dreams of the stars but enlists in His Majesty’s marines. In 1788, Lieutenant Daniel Rooke lands with the First Fleet and a cargo of prisoners on the shores of Sydney Cove.As the astronomer for the colony, Rooke receives permission to live alone on the cliffs and sets up an observatory overlooking the bay. He takes his readings and enjoys his solitude away from the regulated life of a soldier. He befriends the natives that come by and soon develops a strong friendship with one young girl. But relationships between the Aboriginals and the British are tricky and to his great sadness, he is assigned to go out on a patrol whose assignment is to capture or kill six natives in retaliation for the death of one of the governor’s hunters. Rooke must now make a life decision as to whether he is simply a lieutenant in his majesty’s service or is he an independent human with feelings and a moral center that knows the difference between humanity or blindly following orders. Loosely based on actual events and people, The Lieutenant is a simple story but wonderfully written. As our main character embarks on his voyage of self-discovery the reader can’t help but be full of admiration at the man he becomes and how, knowing the punishment he could be facing, he confronts his dilemma and makes the only choice that he can live with.

[jon1lambert · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another enjoyable Grenville novel on theme of worlds apart, England with its civilisation, class and colonialism, and Australia with its Aboriginal land and people. The story, based on fact, and, in the words of the author, on 'a nerdy young lieutenant from Portsmouth, keen on astronomy and Latin' (page 311), highlights the alienation and separation. It is the hero, alienated himself though his own character, who develops a relationship with an aboriginal child. It is fascinating to see how this develops and is interpreted with its focus on trying to understand the language of the people, the theme of 'worlds apart' demonstrated through words that cannot be translated when basic concepts and principles are not shared.

[charlottejones952 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is an historical fiction book set in the late 1700s to early 1800s. It focusses on Daniel Rooke, a young man, discovering himself, as well as the new world in Australia along with it’s natives and language.

Historical fiction isn’t something that I would usually pick up, but I was surprised with this novel. The writing was absolutely flawless and this proved to be a beautifully crafted piece of fiction. Although this is technically fiction, it is based on a lot of historical facts and Rooke, the protagonist, is based on a real historical figure. I felt that this added a lot of realistic elements and emotions to the book and really dragged me, as a reader, into the story and the situation that Rooke finds himself in.

One of my favourite things about this novel is the use of language that Grenville includes. As Rooke is discovering the language of the natives, the reader also is discovering it along with him. I found that this helped me to become completely immersed in the story and the world of Australia at that time.

The writing is also one of the main things that kept me reading on throughout the slower parts of this book. It is some of the most beautiful writing I have come across with its poetic descriptions of the landscape and Rooke’s surroundings, as well as the more philosophical aspects of Rooke’s train of thought. I found that this novel really got me thinking about the attitudes of humanity and the reasoning behind certain things that we, as a species, do.

Overall, I would give this 4 out of 5 stars as although it parts it went a bit slow, I absolutely loved the writing and the surrounding that Kate Grenville created through her words and perfectly formed, true-to-life characters. A must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, or just wants to try something new!

[presto_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

  Daniel Rooke, born in 1767, is and extraordinary child, intelligent and with a natural ability with numbers. But these very same qualities set him apart from his peers and made even conversation awkward, even making him the target of ridicule. However his abilities win him a scholarship At Portsmouth Navel College and eventually take him into the Navy. It is not long before he finds himself as a lieutenant as part of the First Fleet to take convicts too Australia, his role as navigator and once there, astronomer to observe to southern skies.The Lieutenant tells his story leading up to the expedition and of his two years in New South Wales, where he strikes up a friendship with the native inhabitants and one young girl in particular. In addition to his observations of the stars he begins to try to understand the native language. But never at heart a soldier, Rooke’s duty to the Crown creates within him conflict of conscience.Kate Grenville bases her story on events connected with the First Fleet to sail to New South Wales in 1788, and while she draws heavily what actually transpired she is at pains to point out that The Lieutenant is a work of fiction; and as such it makes a fascinating tale. It is strong on narrative, for some time there is little if any dialogue, yet the characters are well observed and thoroughly convincing. Rooke, the central character, comes over very well, diffident and unsure of himself in company, yet very bright and quick to learn, he eventually finds his feet in the company of the indigenous people. Providing a neat contrast is Silk, Rooke’s friend and fellow officer who is everything that Rooke is not, confident, sociable, but maybe ultimately self-interested.Among other things it is fascinating to follow the settler’s progress in the wilds of around the area their first settlement at Sydney Cove; an area that today is completely built up and developed. The lieutenant is an engaging and moving story, perhaps all the more so as it is founded on actual events.

[cloggiedownunder · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kate Grenville’s latest novel, “The Lieutenant” is a beautifully crafted work. The Lieutenant in question, Daniel Rooke, is based on William Dawes, a soldier in His Majesty’s Marine Force on the First Fleet which arrived in Sydney Cove in 1788. Dawes accompanied the First Fleet as an astronomer, to record the predicted reappearance of a comet in late 1788/early 1789. The story is thus based on historical events: Grenville fills in the blanks of everyday life around these events in a way that makes the historical facts a pleasure to assimilate. Whilst waiting alone in his observatory for the comet to appear, the lieutenant interacts with the indigenous population, his intention being to make a study of the native language. This interaction with the natives, in general, and his friendship with a young girl, in particular, appears to be a pivotal point in Rooke’s life. Subsequent events prompt Rooke to re-evaluate his priorities and lead him to the conclusion that “…the service of humanity and the service of His Majesty were not congruent”.Grenville’s skill is such that we cannot help but feel empathy with the young Rooke from the very first page. Her characters are realistic, although Silk is perhaps not what he first appears to be. The dialogue takes us very effectively back to the 18th century. Grenville conveys the feel of the place and the time with consummate ease. This is a novel about language and communication, solitude and loneliness, duty and integrity. Grenville explores friendship, truth, a man’s place in the universe. And what is worth risking one’s career or even one’s life for. The end leaves a lump in the throat. What a pleasure this novel was to read. Let us hope for more from Kate Grenville soon.

[brokenangelkisses · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Having previously read and enjoyed Grenville’s 2006 novel ‘The Secret River’ I was pleased to be given ‘The Lieutenant’ as a book group read. Grenville is an Australian author whose fiction has won national and international awards. The copy I read is an uncorrected proof copy.The LieutenantDaniel Rooke is an outsider from his youth: intelligent but socially awkward, he yearns to find his place in the world. Interested in mathematics and astronomy, he soon discovers that the world needs few astronomers and is forced to adopt a more sideways approach to his calling. He becomes a navy Lieutenant and lands in New South Wales with a commission to set up an observatory, but soon finds himself being observed by the natives. Fascinated by their language, Rooke sets himself the challenge of learning the native tongue. He begins to forge a friendship with a young Aboriginal girl, but tensions are growing between the settlers and the natives. Soon, Rooke will be forced to make a decision with life-forming consequences.Exploring early AustraliaGrenville begins the story by establishing Rooke’s innocent character, including his common sense conviction that a slave is not the same as a gold watch. This thoughtfulness sets him apart from his peers and allows his later difficulties to seem perfectly natural. I liked the quick pace of the storytelling and the efficient development of the narrative. Within 20 pages, Rooke is in uniform and heading for Boston, America; within 50 pages he has arrived in New South Wales in 1788 where the bulk of the story takes place.Once in Australia, language and communication become the dominant concern of Rooke and Grenville. How does one interpret another when they have no common words? How does one even interpret the world? Rooke attempts to build a comprehensive glossary of grammar, vocabulary and inflection, but Grenville shows the reader how vain a pursuit this is when two cultures are so mismatched and, ultimately, at odds. I found Rooke’s enthusiasm engaging, which was just as well since so much of the narrative is taken up with his attempt to build this comprehensive guide. As someone with more than a passing interest in language, I found this all quite interesting. Possibly, other readers could find Rooke’s interest wearying. Then again, his excitement is infectious, written as it is by Grenville in such a delighted manner.His relationship with Tagaran, the native child, is ambiguous. His own naivety is underscored by the knowing laughter of his worldlier friend, Silk, who assumes a physical relationship. Although Rooke appears to view the girl purely as a source of language learning, Tagaran herself is flirtatious and her age is never established. Later events suggest she may have had less innocent intentions than Rooke, but it is impossible to definitely establish this: the barriers cannot be breached this far.Rooke’s core morality is increasingly tested as the book develops and he realises what it means to be a soldier in his majesty’s navy, and what it means to be one of a party. Grenville effectively contrasts him with the slippery Silk, who is able to adapt himself to any situation, however appalling, and retain a conviction of his own goodness. I found their relationship and different approaches a very well-handled element of the story.The idea of conflict between the Aborigines and the invaders is certainly not a new one but it is deftly handled here. Rooke reflects on his group as visitors who, initially a source of some entertainment and some disquietude, have simply stayed too long and worn out the welcome mat. Grenville’s clear, uncluttered prose makes the story slip down easily; digestion is sometimes harder, as when the native Warungin is horrified by the dispensing of British justice. I defy readers to categorise the native viewer as uncivilised as they hear the repeated wet slap of ‘justice’ breaking a man’s skin for giving in to his hunger.Gradually, the horizon darkens, a mission is convened, a choice made. The remainder of the novel reveals the consequences of this choice. There is a strong sense of closure which I liked, and which is achieved with broad brush strokes rather than the tiring minutiae of life. Despite being easy to read throughout, I found the storytelling to be very powerful. Despite his flaws, Rooke is a sympathetic character and his thoughtfulness inevitably affects readers responses to the situations Grenville depicts.This story is based on a real man – William Dawes – and his records of the native language, although Grenville’s afterword makes it clear that the resulting book should be considered a work of fiction. I found this successful as a work of historical literature as the setting felt real rather than contrived and the events formed a convincing background. There are no overt ‘throwing in’ of historical detail or reference which can interrupt other examples of historical fiction / literature.ConclusionsI enjoyed reading this story and read it in a few days. The prose is clear and direct, conveying Rooke’s feelings vividly. The font is relatively large, perhaps because this is a slightly oversized edition of the book, and paragraphs are short. Chapters are also relatively short – around 10 pages each – and the book is organised into four sections to clarify Rooke’s journey. The plot develops logically with a focus on emotional response more than actual events. The characters are simple and do not develop over the course of the story, but most characters are really background figures so I did not feel that this was a problem. As the title suggests, the Lieutenant is the central character in the story. I would read this again but would still hesitate to pay the £12.99 RRP, just because it will be available cheaper from some sources. That said, the price is worth it for 300 odd pages of gently compelling storytelling. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in thoughtful storytelling, especially if they also have an interest in this period in history. I have now enjoyed two novels by Kate Grenville and will endeavour to try her other novels.

[labibliophille · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Lieutenant is the latest book by Australian writer and Orange Prize winner Kate Grenville. The only other book of hers that I read, The Idea of Perfection, was not one of my favorites. I had read it a few years ago when I was involved in the Book Awards Challenge. And actually, when I suggested this book to my book club, I had totally forgotten about the other book!The Lieutenant is a much different and far superior book. While it is fiction, it is based on the life of William Dawes, a lieutenant in the British Royal Marines who traveled to Sydney with the First Fleet of British prisoners. The protagonist of The Lieutenant is Daniel Rooke, who travels with the fleet as navigator and astronomer.The settlement at Sydney is plagued by hunger, uncooperative inmates, and strained relationships with the aboriginal people. Rooke literally and figuratively removes himself from the settlement by positioning his hut and his astronomical and weather equipment on a hill far above Sydney harbor. He tries to learn the language of the aborigines and compile a dictionary.Rooke soon becomes uncomfortable with the harsh way the Governor of the colony metes out justice, and with the British attitude towards the natives. As he learns the language and begins to understand the culture of the natives he realizes he can no longer be a loyal Marine.I highly recommend this book. After reading it, I learned that is the second book in a trilogy so I’ll probably read the first. The third book is not yet completed, so that will have to wait.