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How Decent Folk Behave

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( 361 ratings, 65 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
How Decent Folk Behave by Maxine Beneba Clarke is a powerful collection of poetry that navigates through contemporary issues in society. The verses explore themes such as social justice, identity, resilience, and the human condition, offering both a reflection and a call to action in today's complex world. Clarke's evocative language and keen insight challenge readers to consider their own roles and responsibilities in fostering a compassionate society.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you appreciate thought-provoking poetry that challenges societal norms and offers a deep reflection on social issues through beautifully crafted language. It's perfect for those who enjoy exploring the intersection of culture, identity, and politics through the arts.

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A vibrant, thought-provoking collection from the ABIA and Indie award-winning author of The Hate Race and Carrying the World.

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! Description

we are all just one small disaster

away from sinking,

and sometimes you only realise

when you're gasping for air

On a daylight street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a Black man is asphyxiated – by callous knee of an officer, by cruel might of state, and under the crushing weight of colony. In Melbourne, the body of another woman has been found – this time, after catching a late tram home.

The Atlantic has run out of the English alphabet when christening hurricanes this season. The earth is on fire – from the redwoods of California to Australia's east coast. The sea draws back, and tsunamis lash out in Samoa and Sumatra. Water rises in Sulawesi and Nagasaki. Bloated cod are surfacing all along the Murray Darling.

The virus arrives, and the virus thrives. Authorities seal the public housing towers up and truck in one cop to every five residents. Notre Dame is ablaze – the cathedral spire blackened and teetering.

Out in Biloela, the deportation vans have arrived. Every Friday, in cities all across the world, children are walking out of school. The wolves are circling. The wolves are circling.

These poems speak of the world that is, and sing for a world that may one day be.

'One of the most compelling voices in Australian poetry this decade' Overland Literary Journal

'a powerful and fearless storyteller' Dave Eggers

'Readers are left with the sense they have been seen, heard and understood' Books + Publishing

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?

How Decent Folk Behave by Maxine Beneba Clarke is mentioned as thought-provoking and powerful, offering reflections on contemporary issues such as privilege, feminism, and societal challenges. It's noted for providing timely reminders of the current social climate.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780733647666

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 October 2021

Country: Australia

Imprint: Hachette Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 173g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Maxine Beneba Clarke is an Australian poet and writer of Afro-Caribbean descent. She is the ABIA and Indie award-winning author of Carrying the World (2016), Foreign Soil (2017) and The Hate Race (2018). She is the author of five books for children, including the CBCA and Boston Globe/Horn Prize award-winning picture book The Patchwork Bike (2016, illustrated by Van T Rudd), and the critically acclaimed Wide Big World (2018, illustrated by Isobel Knowles). Maxine is the author-illustrator of two picture books, Fashionista (2019) and When We Say Black Lives Matter (2020). She also illustrated the picture book 11 Words for Love (2022), written by Randa Abdel-Fattah. We Know A Place is the third picture book she has both written and illustrated.

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  • The Hate Race
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