Cirrus@Austlit

'Teacher Michael Thomas reflects on the unexpected journey toward publication of his novel When I retired from teaching in 2021, it occurred to me to write a memoir – a recollection of humorous tales from 40 years in the classroom. The one about the time I left 30 students at the swimming pool and wondered where they’d got to, or the time I chased a dugite (a species of venomous, potentially lethal, snake native to Western Australia) from the science lab with a gaggle of screaming children standing on their desks. Not the stuff for a riveting book to be sure.' (Introduction)

'The Map of William is a gripping, adventurous tale about the triumph of friendship, and the price of survival in a land with its own ancient story to tell.

'Western Australia, 1909. William Watson's beloved father is set on an expedition to the north-west to map water sources in the Pilbara. Invited along, fifteen-year-old William embarks on the outback journey of a lifetime.

'At sea and on land, William will forge lasting friendships with his fellow travellers, and transform his relationship with his father as together they face the darkness in some men's hearts - including the cruel and vengeful Sergeant Jardine.

'This is a classic rite-of -passage novel that follows one young man on his journey of growth and self-discovery.' (Publication summary)