This book details the lives of four women from the British Isles convicted of petty crimes in the 19th century. Their crimes range from stealing a bucket of milk to pawning 11 spoons. Instead of being jailed, they are shipped to Australia where men outnumber women 9 to 1. They are issued "tin tickets" that have numbers stamped on them and are hung around their necks for their journey via ship. The conditions that they endure both on the ship and while they are in jail in Australia are horrific!
Why I picked it up: I have always been fascinated with Australia and hope to travel there someday.
Why I finished it: While this book is non-fiction, it reads more like a novel, so I really wanted to find out what happens to all four women.
I'd give it to: Any of my friends who also want to travel to Australia. :-)call #-HV8950.T3S95 2010
Swiss, Deborah. The Tin Ticket: the Heroic Journey of Australia's Convict Women. c2010
