We recently had the privilege of welcoming Michal Dziwulski and Dr Chris Wilson to Book Hero to discuss their powerful new book, He Told Us, an in-depth investigation into the Christchurch mosque attacks of 15 March 2019 and the years leading up to them. Drawing on extensive research, the book examines how the perpetrator became radicalised, the warning signs that were missed, and why there is still so much to learn from one of the darkest days in Aotearoa New Zealand's history.
Ever since seeing the red cover and bold block letters of He Told Us on release day, Hannah has been intrigued by the investigative premise of Chris Wilson and Michal Dziwulski’s new book. Therefore when Michal and Chris offered to come visit she was very excited to have the chance to interview them about their motivations for writing the book, their process, and the response they were hoping for.
A forensic investigation into the terror attacks at two Christchurch mosques in 2019, He Told Us tracks both the process of the terrorist’s radicalisation and the environments this occurred in. All the while it deftly intersperses the stories of the victims, the real reminder of why understanding this process is important, not out of some macabre interest but as a preventative measure to prevent our communities in the future. Chris and Michal spoke about how our instinct is to bury the attacks, to prevent the terrorist from getting the attention he desired; however, they argue this is ineffectual at preventing copycat attacks and so aim to reveal him as a coward, rather than a looming mysterious spectre. One of their main aims with the book is to bring to light evidence that could have been found by the Royal Commission of Inquiry by doing their own research, as a way of pointing out flaws with the investigative process that offers a slow and incomplete justice to the families of victims.
Despite the significance of the attacks it's surprising just how much information has remained largely unknown or has been inaccessible around what happened that day. Michal and Chris spoke about their motivation for writing the book, explaining that they wanted to provide a clearer understanding of the events while helping to preserve the stories of those whose lives were forever changed.
Although the subject matter is both confronting and daunting, the writing is accessible, both scientific and following a logical narrative flow. This book would suit anyone interested in the justice system, current events, and those concerned about increasing political polarisation.
A huge thank you to Michal Dziwulski and Dr Chris Wilson for taking the time to visit Book Hero and share the work behind He Told Us.
