kind of boring - sounds awesome in theory but could have been much more. Also annoyed that the one soldier was severely traumatized by "kidnapping" a few natives to learn the language. They were also given priority food and treated better than the other soldiers. Seriously - get over it. Get traumatized by something way more brutal. ( )

The Lieutenant of the title, Daniel Rooke, is a young man gifted in mathematics, with an understanding of the wonders of astronomy, but with scant ability to relate to others or fit in. As a marine he’s included in the First Fleet for the establishment of the new city of Sydney where he hopes to avoid all conflict and concentrate his energy on his assignments of tracking an expected comet, recording atmospheric changes, and observing the night sky. When a group of natives arrives at his outpost he becomes fascinated with their language and is helped in his efforts to learn by a bright young girl named Tagaran. As Rooke’s communication increases he begins to feel a special connection with the Aborigines, and especially with Tagaran, but, unfortunately, that sentiment is not repeated among the sailors and the convicts as they, literally, plow their way through the native land.
Grenville has created a very sympathetic character in Rooke as he quietly completes his daily routines. Grenville hasn’t created an encompassing epic with “The Lieutenant,” but instead has concentrated on one man’s realization that language and communication can bring about a bond that transcends cultural differences. Grenville based Rooke on a real historical figure and imbues him with true depth and sensitivity. “The Lieutenant” is a sweet story about a sad event in history. ( )

"The Lieutenant" is the story of Daniel Rooke, a soldier who goes with the First Fleet to Australia. As a protegee of the Royal Astronomer, Daniel is tasked with setting up an observatory and tracking the movement of a comet. But his interactions with the native Cadigal people dramatically change his focus and, ultimately, transform him.

At 300 pages this is a short, quick read but one that is rich with fascinating themes. Based on a true story, it provides a snapshot of the beginning of colonization in Australia, and captures the first interactions between the white settlers and the native Aboriginals. The character of Daniel becomes a symbol of the erasure of boundaries between different races and cultures, as he struggles to learn the native language and ultimately discovers a touching bond with the young Cadigal girl who begins to teach him their words.

Daniel is suspended for much of the story between the world of the British military and the world of the natives, until events conspire that force him to choose who he wants to be: the naive soldier that arrived on the shores narrowly focused on astronomy and calculations, or the wiser person that he has become in his time in New South Wales.

Kate Grenville's writing style is rich with description and metaphor. The development of Daniel's character is fascinating to behold, his relationship with the Cadigal people touching. The novel calls up larger themes of colonization and the subjugation of native people in a story that is compelling and emotionally gripping until the very end. ( )

Excellent read. This book made me feel that I was living in that time. I love to feel that I've been transported to another time and place. I could not put this book down. It was another example of One person making a difference. ( )

The Global Human and Duty ( )