A moving and epic tale of one family's fortunes in the 1920s Australian outback, winner of the 2002 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.

During the long, hungry years of the Great Depression, Harper Flute's family struggles to cope with life on the hot, dusty land. Her younger brother Tin seeks refuge in the contrast of an ancient subterranean world. A world that nurtures, but – as disturbing events in the community reveal – can also kill. A world that is silent, yet absorbs secrets. A world that has the power to change lives for ever.

Prizes

Winner of The Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2002 (UK)

"* "The writing never falters. The book has an immensely powerful realisation of pace, compelling characters, soul-tearing moments, and atmosphere that seeps into your life." Books For Keeps * "Beautifully written, subtle and haunting." The Scotsman"

Sonya Hartnett is the author of What the Birds See (978-0-7445-9093-7), which won the prestigious Age Book of the Year in Australia, Stripes of the Sidestep Wolf (978-0-7445-6594-2), Surrender (978-1-84428-656-0) and The Silver Donkey (978-1-84428-947-9). She lives in Australia.