Thicker Than Water

In Thicker Than Water, Cal Flyn explores her ancestry, uncovering the troubling legacy of her ancestor, Angus McMillan, a pioneer with a dark past.

Cal Flyn discovers her ancestor, Angus McMillan, was a celebrated pioneer of colonial Australia, a revelation that initially fills her with pride. However, as she delves deeper into his history, she begins to grapple with the darker aspects of his legacy. McMillan not only forged paths through the bush but also played a significant role in the violent history of Australia, leading Flyn to question the nature of her familial pride.

In 1837, Angus McMillan departed from the Scottish Highlands, journeying to Australia where he became a revered figure, mythologized in both status and geographical landmarks. This connection to her great-great-great-uncle inspires Cal Flyn to follow his trail, but her journey uncovers disturbing family secrets that challenge her understanding of her heritage.

Thicker Than Water masterfully blends memoir, history, and travel, painting a vivid picture of the contrasting landscapes of the Highlands and the rugged bush of Victoria. It is a poignant exploration of bloodlines, family history, and the intertwined themes of grief and guilt, as Flyn navigates the complexities of her ancestry and the impact it has on her identity.