AustLit

'It is 1799 and six ships make ready to sail from the southern English town of Portsmouth to the newly founded penal colony of New South Wales. Aboard His Majesty’s ship Osprey is a marine named of John Radford. At the age of 18 years, John an accomplished artist is broken hearted at having been rejected by his intended when she learns of his posting.

'Also on the ship is Sarah Lock a seventeen year old, who having been falsely convicted of prostitution, is to be transported. Her only crime had been a friendship with her landlord’s youngest son, Peter. He in turn joins the navy.

'Unbeknown to all concerned due to a series of cruel twists of fate all their lives will be turned upside down…'

Source: Publisher's blurb.