joolliee's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray by Anita Heiss
⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Set in Wiradjuri country, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams) follows the life of Wagadhaany (Wog-a-dine), a young aboriginal woman. Wagadhaany means dance, but through oppression by the White man, Wagadhaany loses the joy of dance.
Told from multiple viewpoints, the story explores the themes of family and belonging. The Murumbidya Bila (Murrumbidgee River) centres us through place and provides a turbulent constant in this tale of love and loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned about the life of the Wiradjuri under the Masters and Servants law and the impending gold rush.With Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray you get not just a wonderful story but a lesson in Wiradjuri life and language. The book contains a helpful glossary of Wiradjuri language and the story is filled with insights into the life of inland NSW aboriginal people during the mid 19th century.
⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Set in Wiradjuri country, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams) follows the life of Wagadhaany (Wog-a-dine), a young aboriginal woman. Wagadhaany means dance, but through oppression by the White man, Wagadhaany loses the joy of dance.
Told from multiple viewpoints, the story explores the themes of family and belonging. The Murumbidya Bila (Murrumbidgee River) centres us through place and provides a turbulent constant in this tale of love and loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned about the life of the Wiradjuri under the Masters and Servants law and the impending gold rush.With Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray you get not just a wonderful story but a lesson in Wiradjuri life and language. The book contains a helpful glossary of Wiradjuri language and the story is filled with insights into the life of inland NSW aboriginal people during the mid 19th century.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Child death, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcoholism and Animal cruelty
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