The Labour of My Hands

Publisher Marketing: The inspiring story of the faith, hope and love of a poor Irish family, buffeted by the conflicts of early 19th century Ireland, sustained through the rigours of the voyage to Australia on a crowded migrant vessel and, after years of perseverance, finding fulfilment as settlers in the rugged beauty of the south coast of New South Wales. Jamie and Mary Graham and their children represent thousands of families who came to Australia in the mid nineteenth century as government sponsored immigrants. This novel of historical fiction is inspired by the few facts that are known of the Graham family. But the surfeit of information about life in mid-19th century Northern Ireland, in the Colony of NSW and the conditions endured by passengers on migrant vessels during the voyage to Australia, enables us to accompany the Grahams in our imagination on the adventures of their lifetime. The motivating theme of this novel is the question; what caused families like the Grahams to abandon their native surroundings, to subject themselves and their children to the hazards of a four months ocean voyage, and to risk the uncertainties and dangers of the primitive colony at the "bottom" of the world? The wonderful nation that is Australia today, owes a great deal to the character, sacrifice and hard work of thousands of settlers who came as assisted immigrants on fragile sailing ships in the mid nineteenth century. Jamie and Mary Graham represent that generation of migrants who are an inspiration and they should be celebrated. Contributor Bio:  Graham, Bill Bio: Bill Graham I stay in Bathgate Scotland. I Write: True Crime, Thrillers, Romance, Children's Stories. True Crime? Because of my early background. Romance? Because I have always respected and been a lover of ladies and life in general. Childrens stories? because I was gifted at the age of 45 the most beautiful child ever created and I helped to create her. I started writing when I became friendly with a well known Scottish writer. Nigel Tranter, who reviewed and edited my first effort (The Exploiters) His comment, was "Bill You may never be a top writer, but you will be one hell of a story teller." So that started me off and from then I have simply wanted to in some way perhaps influence others by telling my life story as it was. My favourite book is (Key above the Door) by John Buchan and my favourite writer has to be Nigel Tranter, although he specialised in historical novels he too told it how it was. My best book has to be (Survive in the Shadows) this book really does tell it all. At present I am writing more children's stories. My philosophy of life is really very simple. We only have one life so just live it to the full. 14 years back I had a large cancer operation. My brilliant surgeon said that if I did not take the chemo he would give me 6 months to 2 years at the most. Two operations later and more to come in a few weeks and I am still going strong. That is me I have never learned how to give up in anything. I am 79 years young. Married to my beautiful wife, partner and girlfriend Jean, my savior! She gave me a beautiful gorgeous daughter Katrina and of course our wee Yorkie dog Pepe. He is the boss of the home.