As engrossing as a novel, this story of the death of childhood in the cradle of the world's mightiest empire, and the atmospheric tale of crime and punishment leading to a sensational murder trial is from another time but implicitly raises questions which remain with us today.Steve Harris' book brings to life a most bizarre social experiment and all its grotesqueness in engrossing form. It's a very human, dramatic and authentic tale, written so comprehensively that it is a service to Australian and British readers. - Tom Keneally, winner of the Booker Prize and Miles Franklin AwardHistory as suspenseful, vividly portrayed, affecting and moving as the best films and fiction. - Robert Drewe, award-winning authorSteve Harris skilfully portrays one of the most sobering and saddest stories in Australian history. - Professor Geoffrey Blainey, AC