David Whish-Wilson’s novel The Coves is set against the grimy backdrop of the 1849 San Francisco Gold Rush, exploring the lives of the Australian former-convicts seeking their fortune. Told from the perspective of 12-year-old Samuel, the book has been described as gripping, honest, and generous.

Whish-Wilson is most famous for his novel Line of Sight, exploring the 1975 murder of the infamous brothel-madam Shirley Finn. His books are rich in the history of WA and Australians around the world.

David spoke to Chris about the hard men and women of this almost-unknown piece of Australia’s history.

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