AustLit

'Set in northern Australia’s Victoria River region, the narrative interweaves three eras.
In 1839 British explorer, Stokes, finds oily sludge in water wells on the banks of the river.

'In 1942 Nackeroo corporal, Ash, believes a German-born missionary is collaborating with Japanese invasion plans. Aided by Aboriginal tracker, Gabriel, Ash stalks, determined to find out the truth…

'In 1987 after a drilling rig accident geologist, Brad, meets hospital nurse, Karen, the missionary’s granddaughter and Karen introduces Brad to Ash, now their guardian. In a turn of events, Brad also meets Gabriel, now a land rights activist. A drilling program is suspended in the wake of the world stock market crash. Brad, guided by Ash, takes Karen to look for Stokes’ water wells and the mission ruins. Brad and Karen are unaware Ash has their own plan… Gabriel also knows more than Brad and Karen could anticipate…'  (Publication summary)