Scan barcode
chlloeellen's review against another edition
4.0
This one really was beautiful and a necessary read for any Australian. A tender exploration of indigenous identity inextricable from the experience of coming of age - while i agree the metaphors were sometimes overwritten, there were enough understated moments of writing that balanced it out for me. Read for my Aus Lit uni course and enjoyed :)
ashleighlousie's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-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
mistymoon24's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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? It's complicated
2.5
Short and sad, but beautifully written.
melodypowers65's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-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? No
3.75
Objectively, I think there is no doubt this is a very good and beautifully written book. The way it shows the intergenerational trauma of Australia's Indigenous people from the dispossession of their lands and the destruction of their culture was really well done. My 4-star rating is based on this.
However, my current mental headspace meant I struggled with the depictions of drug abuse, domestic violence and racism, and even with the very descriptive prose and changing timelines at times. The book doesn't solely focus on these things - it also has happy memories and beautiful depictions of country - but there was enough that I found it difficult to read as an "immediately before bed" book.
I would still recommend this book to people who would like to read about the continuing trauma faced by Australia's Indigenous people as written by an Aboriginal woman, but I will note that I preferred The Yield, Winch's other novel, purely from a storytelling perspective.
However, my current mental headspace meant I struggled with the depictions of drug abuse, domestic violence and racism, and even with the very descriptive prose and changing timelines at times. The book doesn't solely focus on these things - it also has happy memories and beautiful depictions of country - but there was enough that I found it difficult to read as an "immediately before bed" book.
I would still recommend this book to people who would like to read about the continuing trauma faced by Australia's Indigenous people as written by an Aboriginal woman, but I will note that I preferred The Yield, Winch's other novel, purely from a storytelling perspective.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Racism, Domestic abuse, and Drug use
Minor: Sexual violence
vmiller's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
raebies_03's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kimswhims's review against another edition
4.0
A contemporary but ancient story. One with a lot of pain and sadness but also love and belonging.
It's the familiar story of indigenous people trying to find solace in their sorrow and loss through substance abuse leading to a cycle of more sorrow and more loss. There's also quite a bit of hope in the amount of love and sense of belonging from that love once the cycle is broken. Certainly not a hopeless story, one with a lot of hope and powerfully told.
I'll be reading this again, I'm just that fascinated by this author's work. I also hope to read The Yield again sooner than later.
Can't wait to read more from this brilliant author.
It's the familiar story of indigenous people trying to find solace in their sorrow and loss through substance abuse leading to a cycle of more sorrow and more loss. There's also quite a bit of hope in the amount of love and sense of belonging from that love once the cycle is broken. Certainly not a hopeless story, one with a lot of hope and powerfully told.
I'll be reading this again, I'm just that fascinated by this author's work. I also hope to read The Yield again sooner than later.
Can't wait to read more from this brilliant author.
whatfern_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5