By Jock Serong

"Preservation" is a historical fiction novel by Australian author Jock Serong, first published in 2018. The novel is based on the true story of the wreck of the Sydney Cove, a British merchant ship that was carrying a cargo of spirits and supplies from Calcutta to the fledgling colony of Sydney in 1797.

The novel tells the story of the survivors of the wreck, who find themselves stranded on the coast of present-day Victoria, Australia. The group includes the ship's captain, a pair of American sailors, an Irish convict, and a group of Chinese traders. They are forced to endure hunger, thirst, and the harsh Australian wilderness as they try to make their way back to civilization.

The novel is a vivid and atmospheric portrayal of early colonial life in Australia, and is notable for its detailed research and historical accuracy. Serong draws on a range of historical sources to create a nuanced and complex picture of the social, political, and economic forces at play in colonial Australia, as well as the experiences of the different groups of people who were involved in the colony's development.

Melbourne Aust. Text Publishing. 2018. 364.p