'The story of what happened to the Kanaka labourers on the Queensland sugar plantations of the late nineteenth century is a saga of great suffering and trauma. Kissaway, a Melanesian youth from the island of Tanna in the New Hebrides, is forced under dubious circumstances to board a ship that is collecting Melanesian labourers for the sugar plantations. Kissaway soon shows his mettle when he escapes the ship but is recaptured forcefully. He is one who does not readily submit to his white masters. The brutality aboard the ship is something he resists. Upon arrival in Mackay Kissaway is contracted to Harold Murdoch, the owner of thee Pleystowe plantation, where he works long hours with the other Kanakas for precious little income.'
'Kissaway soon begins to identify with the suffering of his people but soon learns there is little he can do. Kissaway is drawn into an illicit relationship with Cordelia Ash, the sister-in-law of Harold Murdoch. When the relationship is discovered Kissaway is forced to escape into the rain forests on the northern side of the Pioneer River. He links up with an old Kanaka by the name of Bobongie who helps him to survive as a fugitive.'
'Eventually Kissaway finds his way to the Walkerston Mission where he finds love before a new missioner arrives and he is faced with the threat of deportation, losing his family and connection with his people.' (Source: Author's Linked in website)
