Books matching: aboriginal culture
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- #1
'The Songlines' by Bruce Chatwin is a fascinating exploration of the Aboriginal culture in Australia, focusing on the Dreaming Tracks and nomadic lifestyle. Chatwin weaves together his own experiences in Australia with reflections on the importance of movement, storytelling, and human connection to the land. The book combines elements of travelogue, memoir, and philosophical musings, offering a unique perspective on the history and traditions of the Aboriginal people.
The writing style of 'The Songlines' is described as immersive, thought-provoking, and occasionally disjointed. Chatwin's narrative shifts between fictionalized travel accounts, excerpts from his notebooks, and reflections on anthropology and nomadism. The book delves into the complexities of Aboriginal culture, the significance of Songlines, and the author's personal journey of discovery and understanding.
His father, Ivan Volchok, was a Cossack from a village near Rostov-on-Don, who, in 1942, was arrested and sent with a trainload of other Ostarbeiter to work in a German factory. One night, somewhere i... - #2
In That Deadman Dance by Kim Scott, readers are transported to the early interactions between the British settlers and the Noongar people on the southwestern coast of Australia. The novel follows the life of Bobby Wabalanginy, a young Aboriginal man who acts as a bridge between the two cultures, showcasing the relationships that start off somewhat friendly but eventually sour over a period of 15 years. Through a flexible and fluid narrative style, Scott presents a hopeful and positive portrayal of the early contact between whites and blacks, highlighting the community-building efforts, the sharing of knowledge, and the impact of disease on both groups.
Once upon a time there was a captain on a wide sea, a rough and windswept sea, and his good barque was pitched and tossed something cruel. Wan, green-skinned passengers dabbed their mouths, swallowed,... - #3
The Night Wanderer by Drew Hayden Taylor is a unique multicultural young adult novel that blends European vampire lore with modern Aboriginal culture. The story follows Tiffany Hunter, a troubled teenager living on Otter Creek Reserve, who encounters a mysterious stranger named Pierre L'Errant, who turns out to be a vampire with a long historical journey from Canada to Europe. As Tiffany navigates family problems and teenage angst, she gets entangled in a tale of romance, teen angst, and the threat of a vampire who is more complex than he appears. The book explores themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the clash between traditional and modern lifestyles, all set in a supernatural and gothic backdrop.
- #4
"Walkabout" by James Vance Marshall tells the story of two American siblings, Mary and Peter, who survive a plane crash in the Australian Outback. Lost and struggling to survive, they encounter a young Aboriginal boy who helps them navigate the harsh desert environment. The novel explores themes of cultural differences, survival, and the challenges of communication between individuals from different backgrounds. Through vivid descriptions and character development, the author paints a compelling picture of the children's journey and their interactions with the Aboriginal boy.
The narrative of "Walkabout" delves into the complexities of human relationships, showcasing how the siblings' encounter with the Aboriginal boy leads to a deeper understanding of each other's worlds. offers a glimpse into the Aboriginal culture, traditions, and way of life, providing readers with a rich exploration of the Australian Outback and the survival skills needed to endure its unforgiving landscape. With a focus on themes of trust, survival, and cultural exchange, the story unfolds as a poignant tale of resilience and growth amidst adversity.
It was silent and dark, and the children were afraid. They huddled together, their backs to an outcrop of rock. Far below them, in the bed of the gully, a little stream flowed inland — soon to peter o... - #5
Beth, a young Aborigine teen who has passed away, guides her grieving father to solve a mysterious case that leads to uncovering dark secrets in a small town. The novel explores themes of loss, grief, family bonds, and the trauma faced by Aboriginal women. The writing style is described as haunting, dreamlike, and engaging, with a mix of poetry and non-traditional narrative structures that create a beautiful and emotional reading experience.
His blond hair was flat and grubby, and his skin seemed too big for his bones. The muscly, tanned guy who’d built me a two-story tree house when I was a kid had been replaced by a pale shell of a man ... - #6
"Aboriginal Australians" by Richard Broome delves into the history and experiences of the Aboriginal people in Australia. It provides a detailed account of the atrocities they faced, the impact of colonization, and the ongoing struggles for recognition and rights. The writing style is informative, engaging, and at times, moving, offering readers a deeper insight into the Aboriginal culture and history.
- #7
Ghost Bird by Lisa Fuller is a young adult horror mystery novel set in a small Australian town in the 1990s. The story revolves around an Aboriginal schoolgirl whose twin sister goes missing under mysterious circumstances. Throughout the book, the protagonist, Tace, experiences vivid dreams that lead her to believe her sister is in danger, and she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. The narrative delves into Aboriginal culture, family dynamics, and mythology, providing a unique and insightful perspective on the challenges faced by Aboriginal individuals in a racist small town setting.
Lisa Fuller's writing style in Ghost Bird is described as creepy, suspenseful, and atmospheric. The book effectively combines elements of horror with strong character development and themes of relationships between people and cultures. Through Tace's search for her missing sister, the novel offers a commentary on racism, inequality, and the strength of community, all while incorporating Australian Indigenous folklore to create a chilling and captivating storyline.
Laughing with the same smile, same eyes, but a mirror image. A small freckle above the eyebrow on my right and her left is how most people tell us apart. Mirror twins are rare. Opposite sides of a who... - #8
"Golden Urchin" by Madeleine Brent follows the story of Mitji, a girl who is kidnapped and raised by an Aboriginal tribe. As she grows up, she believes she is a freak of nature left by the totem gods. After many years, she leaves the village, saves a man's life in the desert, and finds a new home, learning to live as a white woman. The plot takes readers on a journey from Australia to Switzerland to England and finally to Africa, where a shipwreck and a race for survival along the Skeleton Coast climax the adventure. The story is filled with excitement, romance, comedy, and tragedy, making it a captivating read that keeps readers engaged from the very first paragraph.
The writing style of Madeleine Brent in "Golden Urchin" is praised for its strong character development, intricate plots, and satisfactory conclusions. offers a unique perspective on the transformation of the main character, Meg, from her tribal past to a more conventional lifestyle, showcasing her growth and resilience. The exotic locations and problems faced by the characters provide an intriguing backdrop, with each of Brent's novels following a similar pattern of a young woman raised in an unusual setting who ultimately finds herself in England, using her unconventional background to solve challenges and find love.
- #9
'The Bat' in the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbø follows the Norwegian detective Harry Hole as he investigates a murder in Sydney, Australia. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing Harry's struggles with alcoholism, his damaged past, and his interactions with the Australian police and local culture. The narrative combines elements of Australian mythology, dark crime thriller, and a touch of eeriness, culminating in a captivating final pursuit that keeps the reader engaged until the end.
“I’m fine,” Harry Hole had lied. It was more than thirty hours since he had taken off from Oslo via London, and after the change of planes in Bahrain he had sat in the same bloody seat by the emergenc... - #10
The Outback Stars by Sandra McDonald is a military science fiction novel set in a futuristic universe where Australian astronauts discover alien technology enabling star travel. The story follows Lieutenant Jodenny Scott, who faces corruption and mysteries aboard the massive ship Aral Sea, where she is tasked with fixing issues within the crew. The writing style combines elements of space opera, romance, and intricate science fictional ideas, reminiscent of works by Lois McMaster Bujold and Tanya Huff.
espite the protective suit shielding her from flames, Lieu-tenant Jodenny Scott expected to die very soon. The prospect should have alarmed her, but on some dim, exhausted level, she sup-posed it was ...