We Come With This Place

We 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