It’s 1816 and in the busy Portsmouth dockyard Lady Corinth is being refurbished in preparation for her upcoming voyage to Australia. She’s been commandeered by the British Navy to transport a large contingent of male and female convicts, along with associated militia guard troops, to the growing penal colony in Sydney. Upper vestiges of society have labelled these criminals as terrible examples of humanity, and want them out of sight, out of mind, and out of care of the overtaxed national judicial system. Also on this journey there will be a number of fare-paying passengers anxious to take advantage of new opportunities in the land ‘down under’. They will add to the challenges for Lady Corinth’s crew with their high-society habits, expectations, and demands. The trip ahead, over 14,000 miles, is fraught with danger. It crosses two major oceans known for their turbulence and ability to foster severe storms that can last for days. Gale winds and violent seas will try man and ship to the very limits of faith and endurance. Temperatures over 90 degrees near the equator with no helpful breezes will test everyone’s temperament. And contrast mightily with freezing cold conditions north of Antarctica. The trials and tribulations of this four month saga will be readily shared with the reader by Lady Corinth because she is a unique talking, thinking, communicative ship with feelings, doubts, concerns, and joys associated with her mantra ‘to serve’. Unlike other stories of convict transport to the antipodes told from a convict’s, or ship’s captain’s, perspective, this is a ship’s tale. One of Lady Corinth’s hopes is that she will never end up as a hulk, one of those ugly, deformed remnants of once-beautiful ships that have become floating prisons. Another is her desire to have excellent working relationships with the crew, and most especially with the Captain. And the third is her wish to master the seas and make the journey as comfortable as possible for all on board. You’re sure to enjoy her epic ride to an unknown corner of the world with her unusual cargo of mixed sex convicts and free settlers.Widely acclaimed author, Warren Dent, an Australian descendant of an English convict, has penned here another story in his inimical style which seamlessly integrates history and fantasy in the Age of Sail. The historical aspect is educational, the fantasy aspect is sheer fun. Juxtaposed, they make an entertaining read. Let him take you on yet another challenging voyage across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in a time of great ships, great captains, and great adventures. No doubt you’ll end up cheering for Lady Corinth as much as her Captain and crew do.
