January 26 is Australia Day, a national day that commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788. Some see it as a celebration of what it is to be Australian; others, particularly those of indigenous heritage, see it as the day that white Europeans invaded the continent.
It seems kind of fitting, therefore, to be hosting a giveaway in which the controversial history of Australia's settlement is explored in a trio of novels by Kate Grenville.
The Secret River, The Lieutenant and Sarah Thornhill form a loose trilogy about colonial Australia — and I'm delighted to report that the very nice people at Canongate have supplied three sets of this trilogy to give away.
I've read all three books and they are wonderfully perceptive, eloquent and thought-provoking. (My review of The Secret River is here; The Lieutenant is here; and Sarah Thornhill will go up in the next couple of days.)
To be in with a chance of winning this trilogy simply leave a comment below telling me three things that come to mind when someone mentions 'Australia' — for instance, kangaroos, sunshine and meat pies — and I will determine the winners based on the most interesting and imaginative replies!
Entries closed at 16.00 GMT Sunday January 29, 2012.
The competition is open to anyone, regardless of where you live, but you can only enter once. And do note, I cannot accept email entries. Good luck.
