Publisher's Synopsis
This story explains the actions of two teenage boys, who are confronted by the fight or flight options when their lives are turned upside down by circumstances beyond their control. Andy McLean, the Scot, chooses the 'FIGHT' option. Bullied by his alcoholic father throughout his sixteen years, he comes home one night to his mother being terrorized by her drunken husband. In a fit of uncontrollable rage, Andy attacks his father and accidentally kills him. His self-preservation instinct kicks in and urges him to revert to flight to escape a long prison sentence. Tommy Nelson chooses 'FLIGHT' when, at fifteen years old, his parents are killed in a car crash. The authorities could not find foster parents for him so they were going to send him to an Orphanage for his own safety. Tommy decided to take his chances elsewhere and "did a runner" to become a street kid. He did odd jobs when available or, alternatively, joined a street gang of kids who were also runaways. They did what it took to survive. Andy and Tommy meet by a strange coincidence. They both decided to kip for the night in the same disused warehouse on the Dockyards at Southampton, to shelter from the icy winter weather. After an initial altercation they formed a strange bond which was to last a lifetime: both afraid, but stronger together. Instinctively trusting one another in a new bond of friendship, they decided to try to make a new life for themselves by stowing away on a ship bound for Australia. Both boys, frightened and pretending to be hard men, looked forward to their sea escape, hoping that Andy's Uncle Jack, an Australian resident, would sponsor them. He may even be able to advise them and help them find trades; Tommy as a Chef and Andy as a Marine Engineer. On their journey, maritime pirates attack their ship and the boys are instrumental in foiling their murderous plans. The Captain promises to reward them and writes them a glowing character reference. When they finally arrive in Australia, Andy continues his boxing career and, with his trainer, travels to the 'outback' town of Coober Pedy where the world's best opals are mined. He has agreed to fight the local Aboriginal boxer to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. One experience after another makes Andy realize he is extremely lucky to have been given a second chance to make a new life for himself. Both boys work hard to prove themselves in their chosen career. Read what happens to the boys in Australia where they have to fight more battles to survive.
