> Skip to content
  • Published: 22 February 2012
  • ISBN: 9780143567332
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 496
  • RRP: $24.99

The Price of Life

The true story of an Australian held to ransom for 462 days




Captured by terrorists, kept in solitary confinement, guarded by men with AK47s and little respect for life. Could you survive it?

Bundaberg photojournalist Nigel Brennan travels to Somalia with Canadian reporter Amanda Lindhout. They are abducted by a criminal gang, that puts a price of US$3 million on their heads. If it's not paid, they will be killed. And the Australian government does not pay ransoms.

After more than a year of stalled negotiations, Nigel's family takes matters into their own hands. They go against government advice, scarifying their livelihoods, their houses and personal lives to bring the hostages home. Meanwhile, the kidnappers are losing patience. Brutalised, shackled, not knowing when or how the situation will end, Nigel faces the fight of his life.

This is a story about what it takes to survive, and how far a family will go for freedom, whatever the price.

  • Published: 22 February 2012
  • ISBN: 9780143567332
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 496
  • RRP: $24.99

About the authors

Nicole Bonney

Nigel Brennan grew up near Moree in country New South Wales. He developed a passion for photography in his early twenties and studied at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. He has worked as a photojournalist for APN media. Nigel is currently based in Bundaberg and works as a freelance consultant, advising companies and NGOs whose employees are sent to hostile environments.

His sister, Nicky Bonney, is married to Simon. They have three kids and run a nursery in Bundaberg. In 2011 Nicky returned to study.

Nigel's sister-in-law, Kellie Brennan, is married to Matt, and live in the Hunter Valley with their three children. Kellie runs a busy café and gourmet catering business in the tourist town of Morpeth.

Kellie Brennan

Nigel Brennan grew up near Moree in country New South Wales. He developed a passion for photography in his early twenties and studied at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. He has worked as a photojournalist for APN media. Nigel is currently based in Bundaberg and works as a freelance consultant, advising companies and NGOs whose employees are sent to hostile environments.

His sister, Nicky Bonney, is married to Simon. They have three kids and run a nursery in Bundaberg. In 2011 Nicky returned to study.

Nigel's sister-in-law, Kellie Brennan, is married to Matt, and live in the Hunter Valley with their three children. Kellie runs a busy café and gourmet catering business in the tourist town of Morpeth.

Nigel Brennan

Nigel Brennan grew up near Moree in country New South Wales. He developed a passion for photography in his early twenties and studied at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. He has worked as a photojournalist for APN media. Nigel is currently based in Bundaberg and works as a freelance consultant, advising companies and NGOs whose employees are sent to hostile environments.

His sister, Nicky Bonney, is married to Simon. They have three kids and run a nursery in Bundaberg. In 2011 Nicky returned to study.

Nigel's sister-in-law, Kellie Brennan, is married to Matt, and live in the Hunter Valley with their three children. Kellie runs a busy café and gourmet catering business in the tourist town of Morpeth.