The first book that I've completed for the Aussie Author Challenge is Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington/Nugi Garimara. I selected this book because an Australian friend of mine told me that she read this in school, and it was memorable for her.
This is a true-story experienced by the mother and auntie's of the author. From a terribly sad and inhumane time of Australian history, this story is set in the 1930s and tells of three girls that are "half caste" (mixed race from a white settlement father and an Aboriginal indigenous mother). They are taken, virtually kidnapped and stolen from their families under the premise that they will be given a good education and prepared for better employment opportunities. These children were removed from their families, unwillingly, taken across a strange land, put on a boat, a taken to a "school" that was described more like a jail with bars and the windows and padlocks on the doors.
The story specifically follows the journey of Molly, Daisy, and Gracie as they trek over dangerous conditions to find their way back home to their own families and community. But, the bigger scope is the actions of settlers who take indigenous land as their own, implement their own laws and regulations, and forever alter an entire race of human beings.
It's the 7th year for the Aussie Author Challenge, and my 2nd year participating (click on the picture/link to take you directly to the site for more information). My preliminary book list is as follows:
Female Authors:
- People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
- What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
- The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington(non-fiction)- COMPLETED 17 January 2016
Male Authors:
- Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
- Life or Death by Michael Robotham
- Praise by Andrew McGahan
- Guilt by Matthew Nable
Authors New to Me:
I've not read this, nor seen the movie adaptation as yet, but it does sound very powerful.
ReplyDeletePS: So excited about your reading list for this year Erin, a few titles I have loved. In particular, cannot wait to hear your thoughts on The Street Sweeper, an epic book but worth every second in my humble opinion.
I have Thornwood House and Guilt checked out from the library, sitting on my bedroom floor, waiting to be read!
DeleteI've heard of this book (and it's movie version) but I don't know that I could handle reading it. It seems too emotional and tough to get through.
ReplyDeleteThis books sounds interesting, but probably very emotional! Looking on your list, What Alice Forgot is one of my favorites!!!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a book that we all need to read. It always amazes me how terrible people can be, which is why we need to all remember history so we don't repeat it!
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've seen this movie pop up as "recommended" on Netflix numerous times. I didn't realize it was also a book, and I DEFINITELY didn't realize it was based on true events!
ReplyDeleteAlthough it does sound like an incredibly difficult read, it also sounds like the kind of book I would enjoy. (Well, "enjoy" in the same way that I enjoy other books covering difficult subject matter.) I love books that make me feel a wide range of emotions, I love books that make me think, and I love books that stick with me long after I've turned the last page. This sounds like it would fall into all of those categories. Adding it to my list!
Sounds like an interesting book...I haven't yet watched the movie but I want to
ReplyDeletei'm still torn on whether or not i should read this. maybe one day.
ReplyDeleteLoved the movie. Was unaware it was a book. Thankyou - I will look for this now :)
ReplyDeleteFollowing this back from your linkup post - I've had this on my list for years but haven't quite steeled myself to read it yet. It looks extremely harrowing. One day... Have you seen Oranges and Sunshine? Different context but deals with lost children as well. Also very sad but it's a great film.
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