This was a radio play then a TV serial then a novel so the material is thoroughly road tested. Rienits was a good, solid writer - better at structure than at dialogue but he knew how to dramatise. This one focuses on two men - Bligh and MacArthur - but has juicy support characters like fair weather Johnston and drunken judges advocate. It also has female representation with Bligh's daughter who loses a husband but finds love, and MacArthur's wife (whose part should have been bigger but at least she sticks up for her husband).
Rienits has great empathy for both Blight and MacArthur - Bligh is doing the Right Thing and is brave and kind but is also a terrible politician, cranky and officious, you can easily see why he would annoy people; MacArthur is greedy and power hungry but is given many chances to state his case. The arguments and conflict are clear, the world of Sydney at the time is skilfully evoked.
The character of Griffith the secretary who loves Mary is very effective- this is good soap and this was a great read.
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