Batavia
FitzSimons, PeterOn the 1629 maiden voyage by the Dutch East India Company's flagship 'Batavia', from Amsterdam to Jakarta (Batavia), disaster strikes. Not only is the ship wrecked on the Abrolhos Islands off the west coast of Australia, but worse is to follow: murder, mayhem and depravity.
A brutal but fascinating account, this story recreates this dramatic and horrific episode in Australia's past in a gripping blend of fact and fiction. Not for the faint hearted. [Big read, larger font]
Comments from Groups
Great book. All of us loved it. We found it very informative. [Nelson 014]
Not read by all members and others struggled to read it. A few read it fully and enjoyed it. Historical facts very interesting. [Papamoa 001]
While the group have very diverse views on the merits of this book, most appreciated the historical aspect. The book stimulated very vigorous and good discussion on a wide range of issues and topics. [Matamata 003]
Great discussion. 2-3 members hated it, but most felt it was so interesting and well researched. [Waipukurau 001]
Very much a 'Lord of the Flies' for older males! Some found the graphic descriptions of the vioence too much. An amazing tale of survival but also disturbing in what it suggests about how people can behave when social controls are lacking. [Wellington 178]
People found it very interesting but a bit violent. Most were glad they had read it. [Dunedin 033]
An amazing story of savagery, heroism and bravery. Historically accurate account of how evil can flourish and how heroism and goodness wins the day. A challenging read. [Doubtless Bay 002]
490
2011