For Amelia and her brothers and sisters, the grim past endured by their mother, Emily, seems very far away. A striking and independent woman studying to be a teacher in York, Amelia is looking for a purpose in life, and hopes especially to become acquainted with the two young gentlemen who have travelled all the way from Australia to meet her family. Ralph Hawkins has come to Yorkshire looking for his roots, bringing with him his friend Jack, a handsome half-Aboriginal Australian. Ralph finds Amelia, whose tangled family history is inextricably bound up with his own.

Ralph Hawkin's whole world was turned upside down when he learned that he had been adopted by the couple he had always called his parents. In his quest to find his real mother, he uncovers some cruel and unpleasant truths, before at last realizing where his destiny lies.

Extract from GOING HOME:
Jack was carried on a gentle wind, up and up until he reached a high plateau where he was carefully laid down. He was naked and alone in a vast area of scorched earth which was devoid of trees or vegetation. Then his eyes opened wide as a horde of huge animals approached him, their feet moving stealthily and their claws extended. He lifted his spear in warning but still they came. They were unlike any other animals he had ever seen, with huge heads and grinning teeth. Crocodiles opened their massive jaws and winged goats with dainty feet flew about him. Giant kangaroos sprang over him, furry wombats nuzzled against him and enormous snakes slithered up his legs and wrapped themselves about his body. Yet strangely he did not feel threatened or afraid. They were telling him something, weaving a story which he did not quite understand.