Charlie Thomas, born in a humpy camp in the 1920s, learns to fight early. He fights in the backblocks of Queensland during the Depression, and in the Middle East and the Pacific in World War Two.

Charlie Thomas, decorated veteran, fights on in the cities and the country against racial prejudice, authority and his own weaknesses. He has to fight. White Australia tries to keep him on the losing side in the boxing tents, pubs and gaols.

Charlie Thomas fights for education, justice, hope and love, to make his side the winning side.

Peter Corris is one of Australia's most popular authors, and his Cliff Hardy detective stories have gained a large cult following.