First in the Field: A Story of New South Wales

"First in the Field: A Story of New South Wales" by George Manville Fenn, focuses on the experiences of a young boy named Nic Braydon as he journeys from England to Australia to reunite with his father, who owns a sheep and cattle station. Set in the early 19th century, the story explores themes of bravery, personal development, and the unique lifestyle of early colonial settlers and convicts. We learn about Nic Braydon, raised in an English boarding school, as he makes his way to Australia on the Northumbrian, and meets Lady O'Hara who supports him on his new chapter. As he confronts his fears about convicts and the challenges of life in a new world, the beginning chapters hint at the challenges Nic will face in the wake of historical injustices. The book sets the stage for Nic's coming-of-age story, navigating a society shaped by both chance and the shadow of its penal past.