The Secret River (Audiobook, MP3)

Genre: Historical fiction  
The Secret River, written by Kate Grenville in 2005, is a historical fiction about an early 19th century Englishman transported to Australia for theft. The story begins with an insightful flashback to England, and goes on to explore issues surrounding the question of what might have happened when Europeans colonised land already inhabited by Aboriginal people.

I loved this novel though I truly was haunted by it, as the author probably intended. I can see why this book became a bestseller in Australia. In being such a courageous book with such a courageous look at the beginnings of this young country, it is also a provocative look at it's beginnings and issues which are, unfortunately, still ongoing, and as with all complex issues which have festered, have no easy answers.