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A review by melodypowers65
Swallow the Air by Tara June Winch
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Objectively, I think there is no doubt this is a very good and beautifully written book. The way it shows the intergenerational trauma of Australia's Indigenous people from the dispossession of their lands and the destruction of their culture was really well done. My 4-star rating is based on this.
However, my current mental headspace meant I struggled with the depictions of drug abuse, domestic violence and racism, and even with the very descriptive prose and changing timelines at times. The book doesn't solely focus on these things - it also has happy memories and beautiful depictions of country - but there was enough that I found it difficult to read as an "immediately before bed" book.
I would still recommend this book to people who would like to read about the continuing trauma faced by Australia's Indigenous people as written by an Aboriginal woman, but I will note that I preferred The Yield, Winch's other novel, purely from a storytelling perspective.
However, my current mental headspace meant I struggled with the depictions of drug abuse, domestic violence and racism, and even with the very descriptive prose and changing timelines at times. The book doesn't solely focus on these things - it also has happy memories and beautiful depictions of country - but there was enough that I found it difficult to read as an "immediately before bed" book.
I would still recommend this book to people who would like to read about the continuing trauma faced by Australia's Indigenous people as written by an Aboriginal woman, but I will note that I preferred The Yield, Winch's other novel, purely from a storytelling perspective.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug use, Racism, and Rape
Minor: Sexual violence