Author's debut
Chris Thiele with his debut novel, Free Too
Free Too
For all those who have a passion for history and adventure comes Free Too, the debut novel from the Revd Chris Thiele of the West Tamar Anglican Parish.
Set in the tumultuous years of early Tasmanian settlement, Free Too tells the unforgettable story of two teenage boys whose lives are turned upside down by an encounter with a gang of bushrangers.
This intoxicating story will sweep you from the idyllic hills of rural Van Diemen's Land to the appalling prison conditions of the early settlement. You will experience the exhilaration of sailing up the East Coast of Tasmania in a ten gun brig, and the terror of being led to the gallows at Hunter Island. Along the way you will encounter the best and worst of men, meet face to face with one of Tasmania's most celebrated icons and witness the triumph of a couple of forgotten heroes.
Thiele brings his characters to life with a great deal of candour and adventure, but also with the greatest respect and compassion. The English novelist George Eliot once said that 'any coward will fight when he's certain of winning, but show me the man with the pluck to fight when they are certain of losing'. Thiele 's novel demonstrates this through the eyes of two teenage boys, in an intensely personal and vivid way.
Free Too explores the sovereignty of God in the face of injustice and cruelty; the power of friendship; and the inner strength that comes from submitting your life to Jesus. This is an inspiring read for all ages, and in particular to young people and those working in youth ministry.
Free Too was launched in St David's Cathedral and at St John's Launceston and is available in selected bookshops and from Chris Thiele.
As Bishop John said in his foreword to the book: 'Worth the price? Yeah. Buy two.'
Free Too by Chris Thiele. Website