8 Must-read Books By Indigenous Authors
This is a significant time of the year for acknowledging and celebrating Indigenous culture. We are currently in the middle of National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week is just around the corner. It is an important time to learn about First Nations culture and confront the traumatic history of this country so that we can work on healing country and reconciliation. We have gathered together 8 must-read books by talented Indigenous authors. These books tell stories of the heartbreak of the stolen generation, what it means to be Indigenous in modern Australia and of connection to and love of country. It is so important for all Australians to learn these stories so that we can all move forward with understanding and empathy.
The Yield by Tara June Winch
First up we have the ‘The Yield’ by renowned Wiradjuri author Tara June Winch — winner of the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award. The novel tells the story of a young woman named August Gondiwindi who returns to her family home, Prosperous House on Massacre Plains after her grandfather’s death. It is a bittersweet homecoming as she reconnects with family but also finds out their family home is to be repossessed by a mining company. She also finds out her grandfather Albert had begun to write a Wiradjuri dictionary before his death. Desperate to make amends she begins a quest to save their land, culture and language. The book celebrates Indigenous language, storytelling and identities (Goodreads, 2020).
You can purchase the book here or listen to the audiobook here.
A Butterfly Song by Terri Janke
Butterfly Song is a semi-autobiographical novel by Torres Strait Islander woman Terri Janke. The novel begins in 1992, the year of the High Court’s decision on Indigenous land rights in Australia. During this time Torres Strait Islander woman, Terena Shaw has just finished her law degree in Sydney and is thrust into her first case. The case has her questioning whether she really wants to be a lawyer after all and what it really means to be a black lawyer in a white legal system. This story gives readers a unique Torres Strait Islander perspective on First Nations history (Goodreads, 2021).
You can purchase the book here.
Tell Me Why by Archie Roach
This incredible book tells the story of celebrated Indigenous Australian musician, Archie Roach. The book has been awarded the 2020 Indie Book of the Year and the ABIA 2021 Audiobook of the Year (Xidias, 2020). It is an intimate memoir that tells his story as a child of the stolen generation, a musical and lyrical genius and leader. His moving and often shocking story explores heartbreak, family and community, survival and renewal and the healing power of music. All proceeds from the book go to the Archie Roach Foundation, a non-for-profit that creates meaningful opportunities for First Nations artists (Archie Roach, 2019).
You can purchase the book here or listen to the audiobook here.
My Tidda, My Sister by Marlee Silva
We often hear about the importance of the continuation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, but we often may not fully understand the significance this has. This continuation is truly incredible, the ultimate expression of resilience, strength and beauty. This is a culture often led by women. ‘My Tidda, My Sister’ is a collection of stories brought together by author and host of the Tiddas 4 Tiddas Podcast, Marlee Silva. It gives insight into the lives of Indigenous sisters and peers, celebrating their experiences through truth-telling. The book tells heart-warming stories and also shines the light on the heart-breaking realities for Indigenous Australian women. Featuring incredible colourful artwork by Rachael Sarra ‘My Tidda, My Sister’ is a must read (Readings, 2021).
You can purchase the book here.
Too Much Lip by Melissa Lucashenko
‘Too Much Lip’ is a novel full of dark humor by multi-award-winning author Melissa Lucashenko. The story follows wise-cracking Kerry Salter, a woman who has spent a lifetime avoiding two things: her hometown and prison. But with the news that her pop is dying she decides to head south on a stolen Harley. She plans for it to be a quick trip yet she quickly discovers that Bundjalung country has a way of keeping people. Old family wounds open as she and her family fight to stop the development of their beloved river and there is also the unexpected arrival of a good-looking fella. ‘Too Much Lip’ is a raw and honest exploration of a modern-day Aboriginal family (Goodreads, 2021).
You can purchase the book here or listen to the audiobook here.
Growing up Aboriginal in Australia by Anita Heiss
This anthology compiled by award-winning-author Anita Heiss showcases diverse Indigenous voices, experiences and stories about what it means to grow in Australia as a First Nations person. Each account reveals the impacts of invasion and colonisation, written by many different authors and high profile identities spanning coastal and desert regions, cities and remote communities. They speak of language, living on country, the education system and the workplace. Each piece comes from the heart, calling for empathy and the changing of stereotypes (Readings, 2021).
You can purchase the book here or listen to the audiobook here.
Carpentaria by Alexis Wright
From one of Australia’s finest Indigenous writers, Carpentaria is Alexis Wright’s second novel and winner of the 2007 Miles Franklin Literary Award. In this unique novel Alexis Wright uses stark reality, mysticism and reimagination to re-create the land of the Carpentaria, the Gulf country of north-western Queensland. The story is set in the town of Desperance here, loyalties run deep and lines have been drawn between the Phantom family and the west end Pricklebush peoples. There are also disputes with white officials from the neighbouring towns. Trapped between the past, present and politics Indigenous tribes fight for their natural resources, sacred sites and their people. Full of magical realism, this story exposes the heart-breaking reality of Indigenous life (Goodreads, 2021).
You can purchase the book here or listen to the audiobook here.
You call it Desert, We Used to Live There by Pat Lowe with Jimmy Pike
‘You call it Desert, We Used to Live There’ is a rare glimpse of life of Walmajarri people living in the Great Sandy Desert. The book is a collaboration of Englishwoman Pat Lowe and her lifetime partner Jimmy Pike, a Walmajarri man and renowned artist. While spending time in the red heart of Australia they recorded Jimmy Pike’s stories through his painting and Pat Lowe’s writing. With Pike as her teacher Lowe explores the day-to-day lives of the desert peoples. She writes about their use of the land, its unique features and materials, expressing their resourcefulness and ingenuity. The book opens everyone’s eyes to the traditional way of life for Indigenous people and their incredible survival skills in one of the world’s toughest environments (Goodreads, 2021).
You can purchase the book here.
