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That Deadman Dance

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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
That Deadman Dance tells the story of the early interactions between the Noongar people and European settlers through the eyes of Bobby Wabalanginy, a young and clever Noongar man. The novel follows Bobby as he engages with the newcomers, sharing hunts, farming the land, and exploring the surrounding area while a fledgling colony takes shape. However, the initial harmony gradually gives way to tension as new rules and restrictions from the Europeans alter the fragile peace, prompting a response from Bobby's Elders. The story is conveyed in playful, musical prose, offering a rich and accessible portrayal of Australia's early days.
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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 is ideal for readers interested in historical fiction that explores Indigenous perspectives and colonial history through a vivid and compassionate narrative. It suits those who appreciate lyrical prose and stories that delve into cultural encounters.

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In playful, musical prose, this book explores the early contact between the Aboriginal Noongar people and the first European settlers. The novel's hero is a young Noongar man named Bobby Wabalanginy.

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

In playful, musical prose, this book explores the early contact between the Aboriginal Noongar people and the first European settlers. The novel's hero is a young Noongar man named Bobby Wabalanginy. Clever, resourceful and eager to please, Bobby befriends the new arrivals, joining them hunting whales, tilling the land, exploring the hinterland and establishing the fledgling colony.

But slowlyβ€”by design and by accidentβ€”things begin to change. Not everyone is happy with how the colony is developing. As the Europeans impose ever stricter rules and regulations in order to keep the peace, Bobby's Elders decide they must respond in kind.

Supple and accessible in style, generous in spirit and outlook, That Deadman Dance is a fascinating, powerful portrait of Australia's earliest days.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780330404235

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 June 2011

Country: Australia

Imprint: Picador Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 201.0mm

Weight: 324g

Pages: 408

About the Author

Born in 1947, Kim Scott's ancestral Noongar country is the south-east coast of Western Australia between Gairdner River and Cape Arid. His cultural Elders use the term Wirlomin to refer to their clan, and the Norman Tindale nomenclature identifies people of this area as Wudjari/Koreng. Kim's professional background is in education and the arts. He is the author of two novels, True Country and Benang, poetry and numerous pieces of short fiction.

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