A Book is a Private Companion
John Morrow
One of the greatest and most popular subjects for a book is the early history and settlement of Australia. I am pleased to write that this book is one of the best as it tells the story of how the Sydney we knew today had its beginnings.
I don?t like the word ?saga? as it seems to conjure up thoughts of love, drama, gossip and intrigue, but I can think of no other term to use to describe this book, so bear with me.
This story is indeed a saga without the ?drama?, apart from its most dramatic beginning when a building, commissioned by Finlaysons, collapses killing three men. The word ?intrigue? comes into it as well, as the reason for the wall collapsing was not an accident, but deliberate.
There is love in this story too. It?s between the owner of Leary?s Contractors, John, and his wife, Carissa?? with a bit of gossip thrown in as John is cheating on Clarrissa by having an affair with Beth?.. Oh, now that is sordid!
As I said, the story begins with a building accident where three workers were killed and follows on with the investigation into the mortar used, which appears to have been deliberately weakened. The chase is then on to find the worker who mixed the mortar, but not surprisingly, he has disappeared. John Leary has to work fast to build his empire so that it can withstand the bad gossip surrounding the accident.
John goes on to win the contract for another building by offering the owner cost price. However, this is only the beginning as we follow John Leary who now has a drive in him for success and power. In fact, he is determined to achieve success at all costs to escape his father-in-law?s clutches and make his own money to become independent. John?s success may come at a high price though, as it could end up costing him his marriage, his integrity and his friends.
This is a great story that describes the building of a city and the beginnings of a corporation.
?This is a great Australian saga which brilliantly describes the early birth of Sydney?. its people and its bricks and mortar?.
Unshackled
It?s 1854 and John Leary has it made with Clarissa his expectant attractive wife and a growing building company. Read more about “Unshackled”
