The great challenge, of course, was the need to always stay true to the broad historical realities while subtly infusing 'fiction'. However, as novelists, we couldn't resist expanding upon and adding characters to certain true-life events. In reality, John's story was so unbelievably remarkable it needn't have been dramatized. Though WHITE SPIRIT is first and foremost a novel and therefore a work of fiction, many of the adventures described herein happened - exactly as related in some cases, and with some embellishments for drama's sake in others. Having both lived in south east Queensland for many years, and having regularly visited the Kabis' former domain (the Sunshine Coast), we can only marvel at John Graham's bravery, endurance, fortitude and gumption. Not only Down Under, in Australia, but anywhere in the world. That's surprising, to us at least, because John's adventures in the wilds of an untamed Australia must surely rank with the most incredible true-life tales of survival. John Graham's story is not well known - certainly not as well known as that of Eliza Fraser whose life is integrally and forever linked with the Irish convict's. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. WHITE SPIRIT is not only based on arguably the great Australian (true) story, a sweeping tale that encapsulates all the nuances of the southern continent's unique history, it also provides readers with detailed insights into the tribal life of First Australian (Aboriginal) peoples. The precarious rendezvous is made all the more dangerous by Helen Marsden's ethically-driven meddling that often outwits the men involved. When Scottish woman Eliza Fraser is found shipwrecked and close to death in Kabi territory, Graham and his legion of pursuers, as well as the Irishman's adopted Aboriginal family, are all forced to navigate a multi-faceted rescue mission. Helen complicates things further when she finds herself in a Pride and Prejudice-style love triangle with men on opposite sides of the conflict. Marsden's young daughter Helen, a progressive lady ahead of her time who is both an egalitarian and a feminist, boldly inserts herself into the clash between the Irish convict, her father and Moreton Bay's other iron-fisted rulers. They include Moreton Bay's tyrannical, opium-addicted commandant Lord Cheetham, the dashing yet warlike Lieutenant Hogan, native tracker Barega and the penal settlement's captain, Tom Marsden. Attempts to recapture Graham are orchestrated by a variety of contrasting characters working for the all-pervasive British Empire. After escaping from the notorious Moreton Bay Penal Settlement, Graham finds refuge with the Kabi, a tribe of Aborigines who eventually accept him as one of their own.

Based on the remarkable true story of Irish convict John Graham, WHITE SPIRIT is an epic historical adventure set in 19th Century Australia.

White Spirit by Lance Morcan