How does grenville express the ideas of humanity and empathy in her novel?

Grenville's empathetic account of William's life represents an attempt to embrace Australia's convict past and give it a human face. Despite the hardships, Australia offers William the opportunity to shed his past and build a new life for his family. William is motivated by a deep need for security and the desire to control his own life. His determination to forge a space for himself in this new land places him in direct opposition to the Aboriginal people and their way of life.