MAVIS THORPE CLARK - The Sky is Free

Australia, Hodder & Stoughton, 1974. First Edition, Binding: Cloth, Near Fine/Very Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall 0340193204 Hardback Sam and Tony meet at a railway station on the edge of the Australian outback. Both have run away. Sam from a comfortable suburban home, Tony from one of many institutions which have sheltered him ever since he was left on the verandah of a Babies' Home with a note - "Please care for my Antonio". Both are journeying to find themselves. Together they set out into the desert land of mulga and spinifex and saltbush, and make their way to the Opal Town, where the desert is pitted with mine-shafts and men of every nationality labour to discover the flashing fire of the opal seams. The boys hit trouble - and find themselves working for Bob Kelly, one of the oldest miners on the field. In the end, it is through their experience at Kelly's mine that each boy finds the true self which, like the opal fire in the ground has lain waiting to be discovered. Very slight shelf wear to top edge of D/J.