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enordoran's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A brilliant feat of storytelling. The case of Cameron Doomadgee’s death exposes so much about how our history affects our present day.
lian_tanner's review against another edition
5.0
A heartbreaking and important book that brings to light the devastating history of the Aborigines of Palm Island, their relationship with white authorities, and how that has played out so tragically in modern times. Hooper doesn't downplay the difficulties of policing in remote communities, but puts this up against 'two hundred years of dispossession and abuse.'
'Asked at the inquest if he'd received cultural-awareness training, [young Constable Kristopher Steadman] said he'd been told about the barbed wire surrounding the barracks.'
'Asked at the inquest if he'd received cultural-awareness training, [young Constable Kristopher Steadman] said he'd been told about the barbed wire surrounding the barracks.'
mslaureeslibrary's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.25
Brief Summary: A Chronicle of the investigation into the in-custody death of an Cameron Domadgee, Aboriginal man, on Palm Island that was allegedly caused by a policy officer, Chris Hurley. The author follows the case, digs into the past of both men and documents the inquest and trial.
Mini Review: I am torn on how to review this book. The core story was well documented including the inquest, I could tell the author strove to remain balanced in presenting the case. I learned a lot about the treatment of the Aboriginal people in Australia. While I felt the author strove to provide background about the history of the police force, the history of Australia’s indigenous peoples and to provide her experience in exploring more about her country’s history, her bias and judgment of the Aboriginal people was still evident on the page. There were also some issues with the writing style, specifically at times it seems to be stream of consciousness in flowing back and forth between stories and histories which made the reading experience jarring. I am looking for books by Aboriginal authors into this subject and their own history to better compliment my understand and honor their own experience, not told through the “white” perspective. This book does echo that in-custody deaths of black and indigenous people’s is not isolated to the United States and seismic racism and generational trauma is a wider problem for colonized nations across the globe. This is another title that I would recommend reviewing trigger warnings before you start.
Overall rating: 3.25
Writing: 3
Structure: 3
Pacing: 3
Emotional impact: 4.5
mazza57's review against another edition
4.0
I cannot believe I am reading about life in what is supposedly multicultural and modern Australia just 18 years ago. The real life events told in this book are shocking. There is no acceptance of difference in skin colour or culture. I am appalled that this was going on at this period in history
johanna_gleeson's review against another edition
5.0
Must read! This true story about the trial of a white cop who murdered a Palm Island Aboriginal is fascinating and devastating. Particularly for the fact that it occurred in the 2000's.
The writing is engaging and accessible (even the legal proceedings and detail).
As soon as I finished I put it in the hands of somebody else.
The writing is engaging and accessible (even the legal proceedings and detail).
As soon as I finished I put it in the hands of somebody else.
djb21au's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully balanced look at a very complex case. The book is sympathetic to the poor conditions and opportunity of the Palm Island indigenous community. One or twice (but only once or twice) Hooper shows a glimpse of bias towards that community but otherwise she is very even handed.