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White Spirit (A novel based on a true story) Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 647 ratings

Based on the remarkable true story of Irish convict John Graham, WHITE SPIRIT is an epic historical adventure set in 19th Century Australia. 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. Attempts to recapture Graham are orchestrated by a variety of contrasting characters working for the all-pervasive British Empire. 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. 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. Helen complicates things further when she finds herself in a Pride and Prejudice-style love triangle with men on opposite sides of the conflict. 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. The precarious rendezvous is made all the more dangerous by Helen Marsden's ethically-driven meddling that often outwits the men involved. 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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

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. 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. Not only Down Under, in Australia, but anywhere in the world. 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.

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. In reality, John's story was so unbelievably remarkable it needn't have been dramatized. However, as novelists, we couldn't resist expanding upon and adding characters to certain true-life events. The great challenge, of course, was the need to always stay true to the broad historical realities while subtly infusing "fiction".

We sincerely hope we have also done justice to the Indigenous Australians in our writing. We strived for accuracy and balance in our portrayals of these unique people. Through Eliza Fraser's experience, we show the cruelty the Kabi were capable of, while, through John's experiences, we show their love for family, their community-mindedness, their incredible hunting and tracking skills, and their ability to survive in the most unforgiving of environments.

Lance Morcan & James Morcan

About the Author

Lance & James Morcan are a father-and-son writing team based Down Under. Lance is a novelist/screenwriter/film producer living in New Zealand, while James is an actor/novelist/screenwriter/producer based in Sydney, Australia. Their other novels include the bestselling historical novel INTO THE AMERICAS, the historical adventure series THE WORLD DUOLOGY (World Odyssey / Fiji: A Novel) and the international thriller series THE ORPHAN TRILOGY. They also have a non-fiction series of books titled THE UNDERGROUND KNOWLEDGE SERIES.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01LWIRH9J
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sterling Gate Books (September 12, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 12, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4670 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 682 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 647 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
647 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and engaging. They find the story fascinating and compelling, with a good understanding of Aboriginal society and history. The characters are described as interesting and special. Readers appreciate the human endurance and spirit depicted in the tale. However, some feel the book is too long and could have been divided into three parts.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

43 customers mention "Readability"43 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging with interesting characters and good character development. They appreciate the well-told history and fictionalized parts. The book is described vividly, holding their interest until the end. Readers appreciate the attention to detail and the culture of the original Australians.

"...A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written 19th. Century down under historical fiction adventure book...." Read more

"...Like their other historical fiction, the book reads well, flows smoothly, and holds the interest of the reader...." Read more

"...Your imagination is fully awakened and you can physically imagine, as you read this novel, the personalities of its characters, the situations that..." Read more

"...peoples are presented, I should like to think, realistically for the time period as are the cruelties and kindnesses of the Europeans...." Read more

43 customers mention "Story quality"43 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging and well-written. They find the plot compelling and hard to put down, with an intriguing historical fiction setting. The book paints an intriguing picture of Australia's history and keeps readers hooked until the end.

"...This could also make another great Australian outback adventure movie, animated cartoon, history class PP presentation or better yet a mini TV series..." Read more

"...The reader is eager to follow the story. For the general reader, and those who like the other Morcan books, or reads historical fiction. Well done!" Read more

"...Your imagination is fully awakened and you can physically imagine, as you read this novel, the personalities of its characters, the situations that..." Read more

"...I loved knowing it was a true story and taken from John Grahams diary." Read more

15 customers mention "Knowledge"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative about Aboriginal society and recent history. They appreciate learning about the 1800s penal system and John's life amongst the Aboriginal Kano people. The book is described as an enjoyable way to learn about history and cultures. Readers mention the book is well-researched, factual, and realistic.

"...We are reminded of our past of convict colonies...." Read more

"...you will thoroughly enjoy this well researched and well written book." Read more

"Loved reading about Australia’s 1800’s penal system and John’s life amongst the Aboriginal Kano people...." Read more

"...Though based on a true story, it makes for a wonderful Historical narrative...." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers like the character development. They say the writing takes them to a place where the characters feel real.

"...Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of...." Read more

"...you can physically imagine, as you read this novel, the personalities of its characters, the situations that they find themselves in and most of all..." Read more

"...Now just because John was a real person, but because the writing ‘took me there’...." Read more

"...I found the characters to have depth and to be well written...." Read more

3 customers mention "Endurance"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's message about human endurance and spirit. They find it a sad story of man's ability to survive.

"...me a greater understanding of human suffering, hope, and tenacity than ever before. I’ll be reading more about the Aboriginal peoples and Australia." Read more

"...Adventure, romance, history, mysticism, human endurance & spirit, etc. WOW! what an amazing story. LOVED it !" Read more

"This was an amazing story. It is a sad story of mans ability to survive. It is definateldy a page turner, I couldn't put the book down." Read more

3 customers mention "Length"0 positive3 negative

Customers dislike the book's length. They say it could have been split into three books.

"...I think this book could have been made a trilogy. It was way too long. I am not gonna knock off points for that...." Read more

"...It was very long -- and could have been split into three books...." Read more

"This is a long book that I wish wasn't over ......" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2016
    Moilow (husband/father, Aborigine), had a great day. He had killed Big Red enough to help feed the village Kabi tribe (Aborigine) PPL.
    Gabirri (hunter), & Turo (Gabirri’s BMF, hunter), had also contributed their fair share to the village feast.
    Mirritji (Senior elder) by tradition always gets the 1st./best choice of the daily kill to eat.
    Mamba is Moilow’s wife/mother of their 2 boys: Murrowdooling (8), & Carravanty (4).
    Horror in the Kabi tribe the next day Moilow & Turo had been killed by the rival Noonuccal enemy tribe.
    19th. Century Australia (Pacific Ocean). Britain’s Moreton Bay Penal Settlement (MBPS).
    Lieutenant Desmond Hogan (English) was using Barega (Joondaburri tribe, aka the tracker) skills to track convicts who had escaped & were on the run.
    Commandant Lord Bertram “Bertie” Cheetham (MBPS, opium addict), was well-known for his harsh punishment & treatment of prisoners.
    Beyond Repatriation was the term the British used for the escapees.
    The Hoogley (3-masted schooner) was used to transport prisoners. Condition’s aboard it were not much better.
    John Graham (28, Dundalk, Louth County, Irish), Noel Thomas, Leith Donavan (45, 65), Tim Brady (45, Cornishman, ringleader) & Frank Patterson (23, cockney) were 5 of the many convicts being transported.

    Captain Thomas Tom Marsden (40, MBPS) was in charge of the everyday goings on at the prison settlement.
    His family is: Missus Vera Marsden (wife/mother), Helen Marsden (19, daughter/sister), Matthew Marsden (11, son/brother), Lucy (maid) & Orana (Quandamooka, Aborigine (maid, Barega’s concubine).
    Corporal Angus Davies (English), & Private Johnathan Withers, went to get Bertie so he could gander at the convicts.
    Leith died upon arrival. A crocodile waited in the river as his body was thrown overboard.

    The Quandamooka tribe & Parramatta Aborigines looked on at awe at the prisoners.
    Sergeant Charlie Benson (Redcoat) was there to greet them also.
    There were now 238 convicts.
    Lieutenant Desmond Hogan & Barega arrived dragging Frank Patterson (23, cockney) behind a horse.
    He is Orana’s lover.

    Seamus O’Neill (Irish), Pat Kennedy, Luke Donavan, Sean O’Driscoll, Angus McPherson (Scotland), Leith Donavan (returnee), Noel & John were all on the incoming convict list.
    Paddy O’Donnell & Dan Green (English) greeted the bunch.
    Angus & Dan got into it. Not real sure who got the worst of the outcome!?
    What would happen with John & Mamba (f)?

    Would Helen get married to Lieutenant Desmond?
    Murrowdooling now of age would undergo the Kabi tribe’s initiation rites.

    Would Barega ever give up his chase for John?
    What of the lives of Lieutenant Desmond Hogan, Commandant Lord Bertram “Bertie” Cheetham, Captain Thomas Tom Marsden, Missus Vera Marsden (wife/mother), Helen Marsden (27, daughter/sister), Matthew Marsden (19, son/brother)?

    Would the battles continue between the Kabi tribe & Quansamooka tribe, Wanjuri tribe, Ngadjonjii tribe, Nootka clan, Noosa clan, & Gureng tribe? Or would there be peace among them someday?

    What did the 10/15/1833, The Sydney Gazette (newspaper) edition headlines read?

    greensaid (pg. 1304) O’Shealooked (pg. 2111) johncouldn’t (pg. 4339)

    I think this book could have been made a trilogy. It was way too long.
    I am not gonna knock off points for that. This has to be my #1 for book of 2016. A must read.

    I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

    A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written 19th. Century down under historical fiction adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Australian outback adventure movie, animated cartoon, history class PP presentation or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

    Thank you for the free Goodreads; Sterling Gate Books; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
    Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2016
    The Morcan team give the reader another of their fine stories. We are reminded of our past of convict colonies. This is part of the history of Australia and the Americas that persisted well into relatively modern times. The Morcans craft their fiction with care and skill. The reader who feels sorry for themselves, or that bemoans his hardships, may compare his existence to that of the convicts in this tale. Like their other historical fiction, the book reads well, flows smoothly, and holds the interest of the reader. The reader is eager to follow the story. For the general reader, and those who like the other Morcan books, or reads historical fiction. Well done!
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2020
    Every now and then you buy a book that you get totally immersed in. Your imagination is fully awakened and you can physically imagine, as you read this novel, the personalities of its characters, the situations that they find themselves in and most of all the scenery that unfolds during the novel.
    Its a long read, so you have plenty of time to develop likes and dislikes for the main characters.
    It has a sudden end ( I don't want to spoil it for any future readers)
    If you like Historical novels ( and in this novel many of the characters actually existed) you will thoroughly enjoy this well researched and well written book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2024
    Loved reading about Australia’s 1800’s penal system and John’s life amongst the Aboriginal Kano people. I mostly read historical fiction and greatly appreciated the follow up at the end.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2018
    The book started off slow but got to where it was hard to put down. I loved knowing it was a true story and taken from John Grahams diary.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2017
    The Morcan team, Lance and James invite us to consider the convict colonies of Australia, a little-known story for this American reader. The harsh cruel and brutal treatment of the inmates amidst an unforgiving climate, and environment reminds us how monstrous one group of human beings can be to another, but there is so much more to be considered in this very fine novel by the Morcans. I didn’t realize what the Aboriginals of that time were like, and the insights that the Morcans present show initially that they ran the gamut between peaceful Spiritual tribes like the Kobi, to warring tribes and single individuals like ‘Tracker’ who have made themselves indispensable to the British. The Opium-taking, philandering Lord Cheatham, the 'Commandant' of the penal colony is a piece of work and amongst others if his kind is an unforgettable villain. There are certain compelling, merciful individuals in all of the cultural groups presented, from the British Military, the Convicts, the Aboriginals and more. John Graham, one of the strongest-willed of the convicts, Captain Tom Marsden, Moilo and Mambo of the Kobi Tribe stand out for me. Indeed this is really the story of John Graham, a convict who escapes, eventually finding refuge within the Kobi Tribe that accept him as one of their own. It’s a story that doesn’t pull any punches when describing the wretched conditions of the men in the penal colonies, but hope and spirituality are also presented within John’s joining of the tribe and his other experiences. I’ve read the Morcans work before, but consider this book to be one of the finest pieces of historical Fiction that I’ve ever read. Though based on a true story, it makes for a wonderful Historical narrative. Five stars, and two thumbs up for this outstanding work of Historical Fiction.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Reader B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Persevere, this is an epic story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2024
    Almost have up on it at the beginning as it dragged, but stick with it and it becomes an excellent read. An adventure of epic proportions.
  • Todd Simpson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book
    Reviewed in Australia on October 18, 2016
    Both Lance and James Morcan have done an amazing job with this incredible story. Being based on a true story, made it that much more interesting. One of the standouts is how well they explained how hard the white settlors and convicts had it back in the 1800’s. Some of the convicts went through hell, and all for stealing a loaf of bread. The Authors have really brought this story alive with some amazing characters and splendid writing. With no supermarket or corner store in the 1800’s Moilow stood for hours like an unmoving statue waiting for a kangaroo to drink from the waterhole. This was the patience required to hunt and catch food for his tribe in the Australian bush. The soldiers of the Penal Colony had it a little easier when it came to food, and they were smart in employing the services of Barega an Aboriginal Tracker. He was the main reason they had such success in tracking down escaped convicts. That and because they were a long way from civilisation. Morton Bay Penal Colony definitely wasn’t a place you wanted to end up in as a convict. Lord Bertram Cheetham was the man in overall charge, and he probably let the power go to his head a bit too much. He ruled with an iron fist, and he demanded punishments were dished out in the harshest imaginable terms. Although he wasn’t quite with it most of the time as he likes his Gin and Opium a bit too much. It was because of Cheetham’s hard-line approach that Captain Marsden his second in charge believed there were so many escape attempts by the convicts. The prisoners had very little to eat, and their cramped living conditions were deplorable. Then add in the 16 hour working days in the quarry, which was tough going. Especially if you were exhausted or sick as most of the men were. Young Helen Marsden certainly has her admirers. With not many women around, and certainly none as beautiful as she is. Lieutenant Hogan isn’t the only one showing a keen interest in her. Helen is becoming quite outspoken and is beginning to put her two cents worth in around the colony. As soon as John Graham arrives in Morton Bay, he is already counting how many guards there are, and planning an escape. He is much smarter than the average man, and he knows if he is caught, then he will face death at the gallows. Helen begins to write a newspaper column, and it makes her father very angry when she writes of the atrocities that are happening at the penal colony. Her father doesn’t realise it yet, but one of the convicts is hopefully going to rescue his daughter. This was such a captivating story, and it made for a few very enjoyable days of reading. I would definitely recommend it.
  • Kincardine Pair
    4.0 out of 5 stars Too Wordy
    Reviewed in Canada on September 29, 2018
    It was a little too long and a little repetitive in spots but overall a decent read. Mostly read it for pleasure.
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Epic
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2019
    I found this a fascinating story, adventure packed for sure, but I loved the insight.into aboriginal life and culture. It worked best for me during the time Graham lived with the Kabi tribe. Yes, it needed some editing, there was some repetition. I also had a few niggles with accuracy. The Welsh don't speak Gaelic and Melbourne didn't exist in 1826, easy things to check. However, I got a real feel for the prisoner's life and struggles. It became a real page turner, one I looked forward to getting back to. I was less convinced by Miss Marsden's interest in John Graham or by the author's depiction of the freedom she appeared to be allowed. Having said that it did not detract from the book.
  • Liz
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Australia on September 5, 2024
    Really enjoyed this book. A great read to hold the reader’s interest in a retelling of a harsh time in Australia’s history.

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