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A review by karadavis1990
Larrimah by Kylie Stevenson, Caroline Graham
3.0
I really enjoy this style of journalism. It feels as if you're there and not like an emotionless statement of events that you might find in traditional newspapers. I also love that it covers the northern territory and outback country. As a seven-year outback transplant myself, I feel that I can understand both the wonder and curiosity of the journalists as well as the humorous day-to-day of the residents. I am happy I got to read this book, and that I got to read it while living near the same areas. However, there were two major issues with the work.
First, the anecdotes about the history and trials of the Indigenous population of Australia felt obligatory and lacked the genuine care that was prevalent through most of the work. It took away a bit from the flow of and personality of the story. While I do think that it was important to include, how else can you tell the history of this area?- it was not weaved in with the same natural flow and affection as the rest of the book. It felt like pandering.
Second, the descriptions of the dogs were pathetic. Dogs were portrayed as vicious, lazy, unpredictable, etc. Aside, perhaps, from the main dog, Kellie. Also, for investigative journalists, no investigation was done into whether or not Labradors are mauling children because, in fact, they do. The same as the pink-nosed pitbull so prosecuted and every other dog that succumbs to poor ownership. Now, the majority of the quick comments relating to dogs did not add or change the premise of the story so in a sense does not matter. But in the same sense, if unnecessary, why include such obviously negative opinions at all?
These two items are obviously quite subjective, and truthfully, do not majorly damage the book. I still think this is a lovely and engaging read and I would absolutely consider reading the authors' works in the future as well.
First, the anecdotes about the history and trials of the Indigenous population of Australia felt obligatory and lacked the genuine care that was prevalent through most of the work. It took away a bit from the flow of and personality of the story. While I do think that it was important to include, how else can you tell the history of this area?- it was not weaved in with the same natural flow and affection as the rest of the book. It felt like pandering.
Second, the descriptions of the dogs were pathetic. Dogs were portrayed as vicious, lazy, unpredictable, etc. Aside, perhaps, from the main dog, Kellie. Also, for investigative journalists, no investigation was done into whether or not Labradors are mauling children because, in fact, they do. The same as the pink-nosed pitbull so prosecuted and every other dog that succumbs to poor ownership. Now, the majority of the quick comments relating to dogs did not add or change the premise of the story so in a sense does not matter. But in the same sense, if unnecessary, why include such obviously negative opinions at all?
These two items are obviously quite subjective, and truthfully, do not majorly damage the book. I still think this is a lovely and engaging read and I would absolutely consider reading the authors' works in the future as well.