For the Term of His Natural Life, Marcus Clarke
For the Term of His Natural Life, Marcus Clarke
2 Rating(s)
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For the Term of His Natural Life
His Natural Life (as originally printed in instalments)

Author: Marcus Clarke

Narrator: Gregory Dwyer

Unabridged: 19 hr 30 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Gregory Dwyer

Published: 03/18/2025

Synopsis

For the Term of His Natural Life can be described as a “ripping yarn.” While it relies on slightly unrealistic coincidences, the story follows the (mis)fortunes of Rufus Dawes, a young man transported for a murder he did not commit. The story also explores the harsh environment and the often inhumane treatment meted out to the convicts in the early penal settlements, some of whom were transported for minor crimes. The appalling conditions experienced by the convicts are graphically described. But the story also involves a heartfelt rescue and it’s long-term consequences.

About Marcus Clarke

Born in London and following the death of his father, an uncle advised Marcus Clarke to move to Australia where he gained knowledge and experience working in a bank, then out on stations and as an editor of The Argus before becoming the proprietor and editor of the Colonial Monthly. He wrote throughout these years while also working as a journalist and librarian. 

About Gregory Dwyer

Gregory Dwyer is a New Zealand–born Australian voice actor. He spent twenty-four years working internationally in theatre, film, television, and radio before a hiatus of twenty-two years, eighteen of which was spent as a Forensic Crime Scene Examiner. Now, he has returned to performing as a voice actor specializing in audiobooks.

Reviews

Goodreads review by zed on March 03, 2023

For the Term of His Natural Life was written between 1870 and 1872 and was serialised at the time in The Australian Journal that was also edited by the book's author Marcus Clarke. My copy read is the Penguin edition 2009 with an Introduction by George Ian Smith. The intro is worth a read just to di......more

Goodreads review by Colin on November 27, 2023

A retrospective rating and review. A query from a Goodreads friend reminded me that I've read this one, many years ago. I think we read it in school? I recall enjoying it, but can only offer this limited review. I have fond memories of a very good live production of songs and reels reseached from the T......more

Goodreads review by Trevor on January 20, 2021

Over my holidays I’ve been writing some strange facts on Melbourne – in part, I’m hoping this becomes a book someday, but it is still hard to tell. Anyway, it has meant that I’ve been reading stuff about Melbourne and Australian history. Part of that was to read this – something I was supposed to ha......more

Goodreads review by Banafsheh on August 05, 2011

Poignant and tender, Marcus Clarke's novel depicts both the ugliness and resilience of man. Its depiction of the harsh realities during early settlement, has ensured its status as an important Australian classic. Accused of a crime he did not commit, Richard Devine- an English aristocrat, is sentence......more

Goodreads review by Bryn on January 25, 2015

Glad to see other reviewers mention The Count of Monte Cristo. I felt strong influence from that, and from Les Mis -- no worse for it, but rather an argument for unabashed influence. It was also an argument for pulp fiction, because it puts its pulp to great uses. A cracking read (I pinched that adj......more

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