The early wealth of Queensland depended on slavery, known in Australia as "blackbirding". Unsuspecting natives from the South Sea islands were tricked or forced aboard slave ships and then sold, at tremendous profit, to plantation owners to work in the cane fields of the north.
Beautiful young Kiri, destined for slavery, is rescued by half-caste Ben Luk who plans to make his fortune is Brisbane using wealth from the Palmer River goldfields. Racial prejudice runs high in the colony, and Ben makes unforgiving enemies. But ultimately his refusal to bow to tyranny and Kiri's steadfast love carry them triumphantly through their many turbulent adventures.
Blackbird's cast of vivid and unforgettable characters, each driven by greed, need or a sense of honour, brings this little-known period of Australia's past dramatically to life.
