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littleblackduckbooks's review against another edition
5.0
“....if we stay, if they stop digging up Aunty’s backyard, stop digging up a mother’s memory, stop digging up our people, maybe then, we’ll all stop crying.”
penguinsquack's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Drug use, Grief, Racial slurs, Drug abuse, Addiction, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Death, Death of parent, Rape, and Suicide
sophiavass's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
emilia_forrest's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
stephenking's review against another edition
2.0
Ehh.. didn’t really like it because of the writing but everyone says her other books are a million times better so I can’t wait to read more from this author!
My sister is aboriginal and blak, so I was raised seeing how she was treated just because of her race and culture, so terrible.
I started reading this after I got my first dose so I couldn’t really focus, I read the rest today but the day after the first dose… absolutely horrible. I feel like I’m dying. So I have to give this book another chance because I feel like my mind wasn’t focused when I read this so I’ll definitely come back to this book another time !!
My sister is aboriginal and blak, so I was raised seeing how she was treated just because of her race and culture, so terrible.
I started reading this after I got my first dose so I couldn’t really focus, I read the rest today but the day after the first dose… absolutely horrible. I feel like I’m dying. So I have to give this book another chance because I feel like my mind wasn’t focused when I read this so I’ll definitely come back to this book another time !!
bookspluscaffeine's review against another edition
4.0
Started and finished this today. Breathtaking. Moving. So much depth for a short book. (I listened to the audiobook which was a little off putting... but still the beautiful writing shone through)
biancarosesmith's review against another edition
5.0
“Some things you never forget. The way your dead mother used to smoke. The way sunrise flashes against the tabletop of the ocean. My brother’s scared eyes looking up from the kitchen floor.”
Swallow the Air is an incredibly moving story about one young Indigenous Australian woman’s journey to find herself, her identity and her father.
As an Indigenous Australian myself, I am always excited to read a book written by an Indigenous author and I’m glad that the recent #blacklivesmatter movement has sparked some attention within our own country and a willingness to read more Indigenous authors.
This book is pure poetry in the way it sings to your heart and depicts an accurate portrayal of the deep intergenerational trauma present in our people, but manages to do so in such a beautiful way. May Gibson’s story was one of many sad stories experienced by our people and we see her navigate life trying to find her identity whilst dealing with heavy themes such as grief and substance abuse. My heart went out to May having to deal with such big issues at a young age. Yet despite all she goes through, we see resilience and strength in May. We see resilience and strength in our people.
Swallow the Air reminds us that despite all the trauma, pain and grief our people go through, we will continue to survive.
Swallow the Air is an incredibly moving story about one young Indigenous Australian woman’s journey to find herself, her identity and her father.
As an Indigenous Australian myself, I am always excited to read a book written by an Indigenous author and I’m glad that the recent #blacklivesmatter movement has sparked some attention within our own country and a willingness to read more Indigenous authors.
This book is pure poetry in the way it sings to your heart and depicts an accurate portrayal of the deep intergenerational trauma present in our people, but manages to do so in such a beautiful way. May Gibson’s story was one of many sad stories experienced by our people and we see her navigate life trying to find her identity whilst dealing with heavy themes such as grief and substance abuse. My heart went out to May having to deal with such big issues at a young age. Yet despite all she goes through, we see resilience and strength in May. We see resilience and strength in our people.
Swallow the Air reminds us that despite all the trauma, pain and grief our people go through, we will continue to survive.
iamthebeesnees's review against another edition
4.0
A really beautiful lyrical book (provided you're okay with a tone of similes). Was extra nice to read a book set in my home!