The NATIONALISTS

WILLIAM STUART LONG

The Nationalists is the eleventh volume in the stirring Australians series. The Nationalists sees the children of the well-loved characters of The Seafarers coming of age at a time when the fires of nationalism are being kindled across the continent - especially in the hearts of the young.

The story reveals the conflicts and divisions in a young country coming to nationhood. Amidst the cries for unity, other voices raise the spectre of race hatred and violence. How could these young Australians realise their dream for one free and mighty land without dividing the people forever?

As the campaign for federation sweeps across the country, Australian soldiers like Sloan Shannon are fighting with the British against the Boers in South Africa. Wounded and captured, Shannon is saved by a Boar nurse and must flee with her to her people - people he thought were his enemy. 
While Sloan is away, Australia moves closer and closer to unification and on 1 January, 1901 the inauguration of the Commonwealth takes place.