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evieo's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was definitely challenging, but beautifully written. I enjoyed the storyline carrying through a few different generations and the weaving in of aboriginal knowledge and connection to land and ancestors. The Yuwaalaraay language throughout the book communicated a genuine love and connection to the writer’s culture. It definitely drove in how little I know about indigenous cultures in Australia and how much I would still want to hear and learn.
I struggled a bit when the protagonist switched and a key character become more minor, but I think that is just a testament to how connected to the characters I felt.
There are some significant themes that are covered in this story (racism, violence, rape, depression, murder, alcoholism). The more troubling events are written beautifully, and poetically, without taking away from the brutality and tragedy. This book speaks strongly about the impacts of inter generational trauma and colonisation in Australia.
The ending felt a bit rushed, with a long awaited climax occurring within the last pages. But while I would would have liked more of a resolution, I understand the impact would be less, and is not a realistic representation of the experience of many indigenous people and families.
Looking forward to more from Nardi Simpson.
I struggled a bit when the protagonist switched and a key character become more minor, but I think that is just a testament to how connected to the characters I felt.
There are some significant themes that are covered in this story (racism, violence, rape, depression, murder, alcoholism). The more troubling events are written beautifully, and poetically, without taking away from the brutality and tragedy. This book speaks strongly about the impacts of inter generational trauma and colonisation in Australia.
The ending felt a bit rushed, with a long awaited climax occurring within the last pages. But while I would would have liked more of a resolution, I understand the impact would be less, and is not a realistic representation of the experience of many indigenous people and families.
Looking forward to more from Nardi Simpson.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child abuse, Car accident, Child death, Colonisation, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Mental illness, Murder, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism and Police brutality
beautifulpaxielreads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Child death, Grief, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Death, Hate crime, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Murder, Pregnancy, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Genocide, and Gaslighting
Minor: Car accident and War
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