Reviews for The Idiot (Large Print Edition)

The average rating for The Idiot (Large Print Edition) based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-10-03 00:00:00 Velma Stafford Two books ago I declared that I am not one for historic fiction but I did enjoy Joanne Harris' Holy Fools. Now, two books later, I have just finished The Lieutenant and WOW!! This book is based on true events but reads fluently as a novel, not a historic text. The story follows a young Lieutenant, Rooke, as he makes his way to New South Wales (Australia) in the 1780s. Initially, his role is part of the military accompanying a fleet of convicts sent to the new land to begin a new settlement. Upon arriving they find the land rugged, inaccessible, and dry. They also meet the indigenous population who they consider sly and savage. Basically, this is how we are taught the history of Australia. Rooke is also an astronomer and mathematician and he manages to convince the Governor that his place, in the new settlement, is as an astronomer to sketch the Southern skies. To this end, he sets himself up on a hilltop, in his own hut with his equipment. Although he is still a part of the military and does have to attend to matters with the others, Rooke spends most of his time alone which enables him the opportunity to associate with some of the indigenous people. Rooke befriends a young girl and with her, he begins to bridge the gap in the languages which eventually leads to a surprising outcome to the story. Grenville's book shows a more realistic side of Australia's history. As I said earlier, it is based on true events and really had me supporting the indigenous people against the "invading" British. It is refreshing to read a more realistic version of events than what we were shown in school texts.

Review # 2 was written on 2018-05-24 00:00:00 James Hughes Daniel Rooke was five years old when it was confirmed to him how different he was from his peers. His love of numbers set him apart, made him a person to tease and ridicule, and this was his life until in 1775 and at thirteen, he met Dr Vickery who was a kindred spirit. His love of astronomy lit a passion and enthusiasm which would last Rooke his lifetime. As a lieutenant who narrowly avoided death during the war, Daniel was assigned to the First Fleet which arrived in New South Wales in 1788. The rugged country was filled with aggressive but fearful natives and when Sydney Cove was named, the settlement in the new country began. Rooke's great desire was to locate an area where he could live and work quietly and without the company of the other men; his observance of the night skies - so different to home - and the anticipation of the predicted Halley's comet, excited him. But it was Rooke's friendship with a young Aboriginal girl named Tagaran which caused his life to change… The Lieutenant is a fictionalized version of the life of William Dawes (Rooke), of the Marine Forces which landed with the First Fleet in 1788. Aussie author Kate Grenville has made it easy to feel empathy for Daniel Rooke; to take his journey with him and feel his heartache, his uncertainty and the connections he made. Recommended.