We Come With This Place
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We Come With This Place
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We Come With This Place
A deeply personal, profound tribute to family and the Gudanji Country to which Debra Dank belongs.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionWe Come with This Place by Debra Dank is an evocative narrative that intricately weaves together the timeless landscape of Gudanji Country and the poignant stories of its people. Set against the backdrop of the Australian outback, this book is a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the enduring connection to land. Dank takes readers on a mesmerising journey through vividly described episodes, moving seamlessly through time and place to paint a tapestry of resilience, love, and tradition.
As she delves deep into personal and collective histories, Dank does not shy away from confronting the harsh realities of ingrained racism and violence. She reveals the brutal practices and legislation that have long oppressed Aboriginal communities, poignantly illustrating the trauma and resilience of her ancestors. Despite the suffering and anger at the injustice inflicted upon her people, Dank’s narrative is equally one of profound love – love for family, for marriage, and for the land that sustains both body and spirit.
At the heart of We Come with This Place is the extraordinary strength of family bonds. Dank’s portrayal of her parents and grandparents is deeply moving, showing them as pillars of wisdom and love who guide their children and grandchildren through the complexities of life and the importance of their heritage. Through joyful gatherings and the communal experiences of sharing food and stories, Dank illustrates how cultural traditions are passed down and preserved.
Dank writes with remarkable honesty and insight, blending human emotion with a rich sensory depiction of the natural world. Readers can almost feel the puffs of dust underfoot, sense the oppressive heat, hear the night-time symphony of a campfire, and see the emerald flashes of budgerigars in flight. Her vivid descriptions bring the landscape to life, making it almost a character in its own right. The depiction of station shanties, fresh water sources, and the journeying wind adds layers of authenticity and depth to her narrative.
This book is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Gudanji people and the land they cherish. It is a deeply personal tribute to family and country but extends beyond to offer a vision of Australia as it should be – one where land and people exist in harmony, acknowledging and respecting the rich cultural heritage that has endured for countless generations. We Come with This Place is a compelling, thought-provoking read that challenges and inspires, offering a nuanced perspective on history, identity, and the powerful bond between people and their land.
Awards and Listings:
Shortlisted for the 2023 NSW Premier's Literary Awards
Shortlisted for the 2023 Prime Minister's Literary Award for Non-Fiction
Douglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction
Indigenous Writers' Prize
UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing
Shortlisted for three Queensland Literary Awards 2023
Longlisted for the 2023 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award
Longlisted for the 2023 Stella Prize
Prime Minister's Summer Reading List 2022, Grattan Institute
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
We Come With This Place by Debra Dank is a compelling memoir that blends personal history with the cultural and natural landscapes of Australia. Reviewers praise it as an insightful and educational read, rich in the author's heritage and experiences. Described as both touching and informative, it offers a deep connection to Aboriginal life, philosophy, and history, making a significant impact on readers.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781760687397
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 July 2022
Country: Australia
Imprint: Echo Publishing
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 135.0mm
Height: 210.0mm
Weight: 297g
About the Author
Debra Dank is a Gudanji/Wakaja woman, married to Rick, with three adult children and two grandchildren. An educator, she has worked in teaching and learning for many years - a gift given through the hard work of her parents. She continues to experience the privilege of living with country and with family. Debra completed her PhD in Narrative Theory and Semiotics at Deakin University in 2021.
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