brookesbookstagram's review
3.0
TW: racism, intergenerational trauma, violence, abuse, stolen generation.
I really enjoyed flicking through this book. The content may be heavy, but having it broken down into each individual's short story, focussing on their own experiences, their families experiences and how it's shaped their lives and used that adversity was empowering.
It really puts into perspective your own cultural bias, privilege, thoughts and behaviours. The book grasps at stories from multiple generations and perspectives, and I enjoyed travelling through these individual stories as a beautiful, yet harrowing collection.
I felt that I would have enjoyed it more if I had the opportunity to read each story in more detail, as I felt that each story only being a few pages, that I wasn't able to reach and connect deeply with each story.
I really enjoyed flicking through this book. The content may be heavy, but having it broken down into each individual's short story, focussing on their own experiences, their families experiences and how it's shaped their lives and used that adversity was empowering.
It really puts into perspective your own cultural bias, privilege, thoughts and behaviours. The book grasps at stories from multiple generations and perspectives, and I enjoyed travelling through these individual stories as a beautiful, yet harrowing collection.
I felt that I would have enjoyed it more if I had the opportunity to read each story in more detail, as I felt that each story only being a few pages, that I wasn't able to reach and connect deeply with each story.
thornberry's review
3.0
Very short and surface level interviews of aboriginal women, intertwined with Silva’s own essay on social issues affecting aboriginal women. I would have loved to have had these interviews in a longer and in-depth form. If you are across aboriginal issues, there really isn’t anything new here. I would suggest giving this visually beautiful book to your non-indigenous mother/grandmother/ aunty who could use a nudge in the direction of these issues.
vikkom's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
Silva wrote and compiled a book full of wisdom from Australian First Nations women from all over the continent. I appreciate her telling the stories of both of elders and young people, as well as those who are more middle aged with many accomplishments under their belts: it really helped show the breadth of experience, and how the experience of being indigenous/aboriginal is different over time (and yet still the same). Wonderfully illustrated, and with helpful resources at the back.
sashreads's review
5.0
What an inspiring piece of art. I feel weird giving a non fiction book a rating because it's literally their life story. How am I supposed to rate that. But I really enjoyed reading all the different relays from each generation of the First Nation. And how future Blak women are going to change the world.
tasmanian_bibliophile's review
4.0
I did not know what to expect when I picked up this beautifully presented book. Marlee Silva, author and host of Tiddas4Tiddas, has brought together the experiences of several Indigenous women and girls, Rachael Sarra has surrounded the stories with colourful, vibrant artwork.
The stories are inspiring: full of hope and courage, as well as recognition of the difficult reality of life for many Indigenous people.
Two things stood out for me. The first is the need to share the success stories. It is the success stories that will provide the positive role models and inspire others. The second was this reflection on Australia Day:
‘It is important to stress, though, I will still feel unable to celebrate Australia on any day, if the date change isn’t accompanied by a change in attitudes and actions.’
It is obvious, isn’t it? So obvious that most of us have missed this critically important issue. What are we celebrating, and why?
There are thoughts about identity and belonging, about connection to culture. Different experiences. And there is this perspective:
‘For a lot of women, but particularly women of colour or other minority backgrounds, imposter syndrome is something they face every day when they find success in what they do, or step out from the expectations broader society has of them. It refers to an overwhelming sense that you don’t deserve to receive recognition or praise or to have opportunities you’ve received or be on particular platforms.’
How many of you can relate to this?
Be inspired, and don’t forget to share your success stories.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
The stories are inspiring: full of hope and courage, as well as recognition of the difficult reality of life for many Indigenous people.
Two things stood out for me. The first is the need to share the success stories. It is the success stories that will provide the positive role models and inspire others. The second was this reflection on Australia Day:
‘It is important to stress, though, I will still feel unable to celebrate Australia on any day, if the date change isn’t accompanied by a change in attitudes and actions.’
It is obvious, isn’t it? So obvious that most of us have missed this critically important issue. What are we celebrating, and why?
There are thoughts about identity and belonging, about connection to culture. Different experiences. And there is this perspective:
‘For a lot of women, but particularly women of colour or other minority backgrounds, imposter syndrome is something they face every day when they find success in what they do, or step out from the expectations broader society has of them. It refers to an overwhelming sense that you don’t deserve to receive recognition or praise or to have opportunities you’ve received or be on particular platforms.’
How many of you can relate to this?
Be inspired, and don’t forget to share your success stories.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith