Swallow The Air
November 4th 2007 01:19
After the loss of her mother, young May and her brother Billy are taken in by Aunty. As Billy takes his own path of destruction, May begins a search for herself, and her Aboriginal identity. With her head full of family stories, she seeks relatives in the city and country, trying to piece together what it means - this culture of hers, in today’s Australia.
Swallow the Air is a first novel from a young local (NSW South Coast) writer that has won praise around the country. Our club was both moved and disturbed by what, at times, seemed a futile existence for aboriginals. Domestic violence, alcohol, drugs and financial struggle dogs the family. But we found humour too, and some beautiful poetic prose from what is obviously a developing, yet talented young writer.
Our discussion centred around our personal experience with Aboriginals and whether this story rang true and how typical was May’s family in today’s society. Denise liked the fact that the author did not idolize aboriginals or their culture, but simply made them human. Joan commented that in her experiences with our first people, she found them courageous, especially the women. Heads nodded around the table as we all found this thread in the book.
It is always exciting finding a book set in your local area. Tara grew up in the Northern suburbs of the Illawarra and as you read, you can watch May scamper through her childhood on the beach at Bellambi or climb through the rainforest of the escarpment.
But what I liked most about this book is the beautiful, simple heart May sees her world with. Before the hurt, the anger and the deliverance she has something only young children possess … an innocence that only knows unconditional love.
Winch is a real talent worth watching … maybe a female Tim Winton? Who knows, but I for one, am willing to give her the time to develop into one of our best creative writers.
Postscript Swallow the Air won the David Unaipon Award for Indigenous Writers.
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Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I look forward to reading this book. There is something unique about stories of ordinary people. In a world gone mad on sex and violence it is little wonder that these types of tales of ordinary and very REAL people are often left untold.
Thanks for the write up about it.
Ash
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art
Comment by Joanne
Open Book
Yes true. I have been missing for awhile. Time, although a friend, can be my enemy some weeks. Reading and writing projects that won't go away (I do some freelance work), and Openbook has suffered somewhat.
One day I'll close my door on the world and just write. Yeah, like that's going to happen!
Nice to hear from you. I consider you one of my friends at Orble along with Jeanne at Writer's Notes. Check out her blog if you haven't yet. Her current one is great fun.