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A review by littlerah
Homecoming by Elfie Shiosaki
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
The interwoven anecdotes and poetry of this book are its primary strength. Really beautiful and telling stories of generational loss and growth.
"These are some of the years of my great-grandmother's life when she evaded the surveillance of the government.
When she cannot be found in the archive" (33).
I really respect the emotional strength required to write this and to make storytelling a written piece. Shiosaki has made a really powerful connection to the Noongar women of her family and should be proud of this piece.
"I know from experience
when I was among some white people
I'd wish I was just like them
just white
when I was among Aboriginals
I'd wish I was like them
I didn't want to be white
you just want to be accepted by everybody" (108-9).
My favourite poems included:
"These are some of the years of my great-grandmother's life when she evaded the surveillance of the government.
When she cannot be found in the archive" (33).
I really respect the emotional strength required to write this and to make storytelling a written piece. Shiosaki has made a really powerful connection to the Noongar women of her family and should be proud of this piece.
"I know from experience
when I was among some white people
I'd wish I was just like them
just white
when I was among Aboriginals
I'd wish I was like them
I didn't want to be white
you just want to be accepted by everybody" (108-9).
My favourite poems included:
- Tidal Race (35)
- Legacy (48)
- Blood Love (49)
- Lost in Archive (113)
- Starstruck (117).