No comments about Donald Thomson in Arnhem Land.

No comments about Beyond the Big Run.

No comments about The Fortunes of Mary Fortune (Penguin Australian Women's Library).

5 comments about Rabbit-proof Fence.

1. Rabbit-Proof Fence is the story of 3 young part-Aboriginal girls in Australia, the oldest only fifteen years of age. Historically, "half-caste children", (half-Aboriginal and half-Caucasian) were considered wards of the Australian government and were, therefore, forcibly removed from their families and taken to settlment schools that were little more than jails. The purpose of these schools was to prepare these Aboriginal children for their role in white society as domestics and farmworkers. This book is a true story of 3 girls who escaped from the Moore River Settlement school. Their story is nothing less than amazing. The description of the "weevily porridge" that they were served for breakfast at the school, or the sheets that were only issued when the big inspectors were coming to visit and the other hardships they faced should sadden and anger every reader. Unfortunately, there are many similarities between their story and the treatment of Native Americans in this country. It is a must read!



2. Sorry folks I just could not get through this book. Unanimously the "critics" said the first 50 pages were disorganized and tedious. I read up to page 10, "zzzz" I then skipped ahead to page 50 thinking "OK NOW the action will begin" nope just more of the same rambling sentences. I am keeping the book for its historical reference, and maybe someone else will read it and then convince me of the story's value.
   M*E*G*O = My Eyes Glazed Over!



3. I visited the Amazon site after viewing the DVD "Rabbit Proof Fence." Although I have not read the book, the DVD contained a lot of landscape and many periods during the movie were what some may consider "quiet." When experiencing literature from another era or culture, I believe it helps to try to put self into the environment of the characters. The pace of "Rabbit Proof Fence" helped me be there.
   
   I would reccomend reading the book (even though I didn't...) and highly recommend viewing the DVD. I experienced the grace and courage that exists in all of us at some level.



4. A true account of the author's mother who was part of the "stolen generation", a group of aboriginal children who were taken by the Australian government's as part of their policy for the protection of indigenous children.
   It is hard to believe that this policy was once considered the right thing to do, and not so long ago either, 1930's. But then again, Australia only granted Aboriginal people the vote in the late 1960's.
   This book is about Molly, who was taken by the Australian government as a young girl and put into a settlement, and her journey back to her family.
   A great story of courage and determination. Well worth a read.



5. The book and the movie are something that all people in the world must tray to change. Ethnic and linguistic diversity is real. Read this book!

No comments about Red Dust: a Classic Account of Australian Light Horsemen in Palestine During the First World War.

No comments about A Biographical Dictionary of Australian and New Zealand Economists (Elgar Original Reference).

No comments about John Curtin: A Biography (Australian Lives).

No comments about Flaws in the Glass: A Self-Portrait.

No comments about Petria Thomas: Swimming Against the Tide.

No comments about Jandamarra and the Bunuba Resistance.