This historical novel tells the story of Captain Collet Barker of the 39th Regiment, during his time in the early settlement of Australia, from 1827-1831. The book is based on considerable research, and on his journals, assembled while he was the Commandant at Raffles Bay in northern Australia, and later at King Georges Sound in Western Australia (modern-day Albany).

Barker had troops and convicts under his command, and he handled his duties with aplomb, but he was particularly noted for his close relationship with the Aboriginal people he interacted with at both settlements. This relationship makes the tragic climax all the more poignant.