John Pond of Oaks is an inspiring novel about John Pond, an English school-teaching parson, who settles in Australia during the rich historic era of 1856 to 1868.The story follows a dozen years in Pond’s life. The married father of seven, he is a teacher who becomes a deacon in the Church of England. After his posting in Australia, he survives savage racial differences, catastrophic gold rush disruptions to his flock, the ever-present bushranger dangers, the arrogance of infinite and unbridled police power, and the bush in its rawest form.Through Pond, the reader sees the chronic differences between original settlers and indigenous Australians, while observing Britain’s empirical growth worldwide. Pond’s journey to Australia and his observations are covered in flashbacks to reveal factors which influenced the development of the unique Australian culture.A retired journalist, Nev Ollis now lives as a jazz musician. He wrote the book because “Aussies need to know what made them Aussies.” He grew up in Liverpool, New South Wales, the area where part of the book is set. “I worshipped at the church in which I have John Pond give his first sermon. I have always been a historian, even as a child. Unfortunately, most of what I thought I knew was hearsay. This book is thoroughly researched. A lot of my friends are learned scholars and some, thankfully, set me right on aspects of the book.” He now lives in Queensland.Publisher’s website: http://sbpra.com/NevOllis