Backbencher

The Dig Tree, "a true story of bravery, insanity, and the race to discover Australia's wild frontier," was a great read. I just finished this book and I had a hard time putting it down. Sarah Murgatroyd, the author, wrote this novel after re-tracing the steps of the explorer Robert O'Hara Burke, the first explorer to make it coast to coast across Australia.

Before starting the story of Burke's dangerous travel she discusses some simple topics of exploring. She talks about the use of Camels in exploration, because when Burke used camels it was still a relatively new idea. One story that Murgatroyd shared was about a man who used a camel to travel and how the camel became more trouble then he was worth. Within the first day of the trip the camel bit a sheep, then went on to bite the cook in the head, leaving bite marks. Then a couple days after that experience the explorer was reloading his gun when the camel rammed in to him causing his gun to fire, shooting off 2 or 3 fingers, and knocking out multiple teeth on the left side of his jaw. Within two weeks of the accident the wound became septic and he died, making him "the only explorer ever to be killed by his own camel."

Murgatroyd then went on to tell the story of Burke and his crew. She did a beautiful job making the story realistic and enjoyable. She used journals from Wills, the company's navigator, and other members' journals. From cutting out supplies too early in the trip; to splitting the exploration group up, Murgatroyd did a great job recounting this crazy exploration. The Dig Tree kept me interested from start to finish, from leaving Meninde, to death on the Cooper. I would suggest this book to anyone, and already have a couple friends who want to read it!