Riverman

You don't get many novels set in turn-of-the-century Tasmania! For Tim Walker it looks as though his diminutive size will make it extra tough for him to find a niche in the gritty, aggressive, pioneering world of his father and Uncle Larry. But when that world destroys the father, the uncle takes Tim on a voyage up the Franklin River to fell Huon Pines, and Tim discovers more than danger - wider horizons, he also learns a lot about himself and how to live with grief. It's a very boyish book but I doubt it'll make too many strong waves.