Sarah Luke (text) and Martina Heiuduczek (illustrator), Marion and the Forty Thieves, National Library of Australia, July 2024, 208 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk) , ISBN 9781922507679
This is a historical novel set in Sydney towards the end of the 1800s. Marion, the narrator of events, is the twelve year old daughter of Captain Neitenstein. He is the captain of a unique ship, one that never sails, but does train sailors. The sailor in training are boys who have been imprisoned for being homeless, or for committing petty (or serious) crimes in the streets of Sydney. Captain Neitenstein’s ship trains the boys well enough to send them out into the country towns and remote stations around New South Wales where they might become apprentices and with luck grow up to live useful and productive lives.
Of course life is not as neat as that, and Marion soon discovers that her father is under threat of losing his job, that when the boys are released from the ship they are committing more crimes, and that the mysterious and charismatic boy, Alexander Walker, is disappearing from the ship at night in order to attend meetings of his gang lord and pay back debts that might cost him his life.
There are many fascinating historical details throughout the novel. Marion is a fearless and brave heroine, and thanks to her many questions about what the forty Thieves are up to are finally answered. As a bonus there are photos of the actual ship, the Sobraon, street scenes from Sydney’s Rocks area at this time, and a portrait of the famous Quong Tart who became rich by running a chain of cafes in Sydney. Quong held charity events for the many poor and neglected children in the streets of Sydney.
The National Library of Australia has produced a high quality affordable book that is a pleasure to read. This is an outstanding example of one way to bring the treasures of the library to the notice of general readers. Teaching notes are available at the publisher’s website.
Recommended for readers from 10 to 16 years.
Reviewed by Kevin Brophy
