AustLit

'The House on River Terrace is set in Brisbane, at the foot of the Kangaroo Point cliffs. It tells the story of sixteen year old Ben Fielding, the son of a conservative politician, Rob Fielding. Rob is creating a documentary on his family and their now derelict property, Gwendolan House. In reading old family diaries, Ben finds himself caught up in the family's history and drawn into the lives of his predecessors, discovering previously unknown convict links and the story of his immigrant grandmother. Ben also befriends a street kid, Jess, a relationship that finds him clashing with his father's political stance. Jess challenges Ben to see himself, his father and his own abilities and beliefs in a different light. Through the course of events Ben gains a better understanding of the complexities of families, social issues and the role that the media can play in manipulating people's attitudes.' Source: www.uqp.uq.edu.au