Not much attempt had been made to enforce discipline among the women, many of them London prostitutes, who had turned the ship into a floating brothel at her various ports of call.' In July 1789, the Lady Julian left her mooring and sailed down the Thames on the first stage of her journey to the colony of New South Wales. There were over 200 convict women on board. Most had spent months, sometimes years, before they sailed in gaols waiting to know their fate. These women were supposed to provide sexual services and a breeding bank for men already in Australia. Based on painstaking research and primary sources, such as court records, along with the first-hand account of the voyage written by the ship's steward, a man who fell in love with convict woman Sarah Whitelam on the journey, Rees tells an enthralling story of recovered history that brings the past to vivid life. 'rewarding read' - Australian Women's Weekly 'a rollicking account' - The Age 'This outstanding debut sheds light on a fascinating, dark corner of history.' - Publishers Weekly 'A miracle' - The Times