Scan barcode
theclaw's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
esshgee's review against another edition
I didn't finish this. I couldn't concentrate on the story and I just kept getting distracted. So I've pulled the plug
davethescot's review against another edition
5.0
It's an absolutely extraordinary novel. Had me in the grip of its palm from start to finish. The poetry of the prose speaks to the land and the country of the Noongar in a wonderful, enchanting authentic way
albionloveden's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-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? Yes
3.25
amotisse's review against another edition
4.0
Lyrical and dreamlike, enhanced by the authors lovely, lilting voice...the ensemble full of character, depth and happy-sad humour.
wjc's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Rape, Alcoholism, and Sexual assault
micahhortonhallett's review against another edition
4.0
The history of my antecedents in this country mean I cannot criticise this work in good faith.
It was good. It was very good. It was honest. It broke my heart.
It was good. It was very good. It was honest. It broke my heart.
jaipal's review against another edition
4.0
This novel is well written and tackles many difficult or taboo subjects, particularly violence and it's impact on the lives of the main characters. It starts with the typical way people steer away from difficult subjects, saying it's taboo to talk about it. As the book progresses, we learn how breaking these taboos lead to acceptance and healing.
I found this book gave me a better understanding of the Noongar people, especially those that lived in the South of Western Australia. His use of language to represent people, cultures and places works well here. It is sad that a lot of people have lost this link to their culture but it is good that a book like this might help them reconnect with themselves.
The title is very apt and I would recommend this book especially if you want to learn more about the indigenous people in Western Australia, both in the past and the present.
I found this book gave me a better understanding of the Noongar people, especially those that lived in the South of Western Australia. His use of language to represent people, cultures and places works well here. It is sad that a lot of people have lost this link to their culture but it is good that a book like this might help them reconnect with themselves.
The title is very apt and I would recommend this book especially if you want to learn more about the indigenous people in Western Australia, both in the past and the present.
rachhenderson's review against another edition
2.0
Taboo is set in Western Australia in an area where many decades earlier, the local Aboriginal people killed a white man who had raped an Aboriginal woman, which then resulted in a massacre of the Aboriginal people by the white people. The area has been taboo to the Aboriginal people but a group revisit and are in discussion regarding establishing a peace monument with the white land owner.
I spent most of this book having no idea what was going on. There are so many characters and the story jumps around in time. The bits I did understand were bleak. It was a struggle.
I spent most of this book having no idea what was going on. There are so many characters and the story jumps around in time. The bits I did understand were bleak. It was a struggle.
bronnyb's review against another edition
I can’t rate a book as emotionally charged as this one. It was hard and poetic. It brought me to tears the way only Kim Scott can.