The scene having been set, the real adventures begin as Toby and Paddy go to make their fortune in the goldfields. Along the way, they meet up and then join forces with a family who have just arrived from England. Much of the tale then unfolds with their progress on their gold claim. The usual range of humanity surrounds them, from helpful, honest people to rogues who are ready to take whatever advantages they can, from theft to rape and murder.
This is enough to give both the gist of Blood in the Dust and its general tone. The main characters are believable and likeable and the description of life at that time and in those places is written with seeming authenticity. The book rattles along and is hard to put down, so that one is very keen for Toby and Paddy to overcome all that life throws at them.
This is enough to give both the gist of Blood in the Dust and its general tone. The main characters are believable and likeable and the description of life at that time and in those places is written with seeming authenticity. The book rattles along and is hard to put down, so that one is very keen for Toby and Paddy to overcome all that life throws at them.