Impressively researched and referenced. An extensive linear report that outlines an essential context to this history. There was so much that elicited Impressively researched and referenced. An extensive linear report that outlines an essential context to this history. There was so much that elicited a gut response from me: rage, delight, surprise, empathy, sorrow, discomfort, hope. I could write volumes about my thoughts on so many injustices. But it’s not about me. It’s about them....more
A retrospective rating and review. A query from a Goodreads friend reminded me that I've read this one, many years ago. I think we read it in school? I A retrospective rating and review. A query from a Goodreads friend reminded me that I've read this one, many years ago. I think we read it in school? I recall enjoying it, but can only offer this limited review. I have fond memories of a very good live production of songs and reels reseached from the Tasmanian convict era, most Irish in origin, performed in the penitentiary (or it could have been the asylum?) at Port Arthur with the 1927 silent film of the same name screened on the convict-built brick walls as a backdrop. Although an eerie experience, I think it added to my favourable recollection of the novel....more
**spoiler alert** Admittedly, I could have googled this group of famous people (Einstein, Mother Teresa, Simone de Beauvoir to name a few), but Bernar**spoiler alert** Admittedly, I could have googled this group of famous people (Einstein, Mother Teresa, Simone de Beauvoir to name a few), but Bernard Marin’s interview format is innovative and effective, and more interesting than a simple internet search. The author knows his stuff and gives hints of the idiosyncrasies and gestures of his chosen heavyweights from modern history. Their imagined responses appear intelligent and handled with respect. There are portrait photos at the beginning of each chapter and this helped me feel I was present, observing the interviews. The settings are well constructed; I could smell the furniture from bygone eras, the coffee, cigars, the old books. It is important to note, Marin lists his resources (diaries, letters, papers) which provide a much needed/appreciated credibility to his imagined interviews. However, it would be interesting to know how the descendants or other historians, biographers would react to this format. A highlight to this read is to learn about some of the documented criticisms and contradictions that were levelled at of some of the interviewees, and how they responded to them....more
Peter Weir’s movie and that haunting theme music have stayed with me since the 1970s. I finally got to read what inspired this triumph in Australian cPeter Weir’s movie and that haunting theme music have stayed with me since the 1970s. I finally got to read what inspired this triumph in Australian cinematography. I stumbled upon a worn copy, a treasure from one of those delightful roadside libraries.
This novel was all I expected, and wanted. I was tantalised by the mystery, atmosphere and loose ends.
As a throwaway to her list of characters, Joan Lindsay wrote: Whether Picnic at Hanging Rock is fact or fiction, my readers must decide for themselves. As the fateful picnic took place in the year nineteen hundred, and all the characters who appear in this book are long since dead, it hardly seems important.
I love to learn about the underdogs, the unsung heroes in many settings, not just in wars, so this account of the Chipilly Six was welcomed. The authorI love to learn about the underdogs, the unsung heroes in many settings, not just in wars, so this account of the Chipilly Six was welcomed. The author’s extensive research and interest in his material paid off. I liked how he mapped the lives of these relatively unknown 6 ANZACS, not only their WWI experiences, their feats and injuries, but also how they readjusted to a post-war Australia.
With the defeat of the referendum, I can imagine this text being studied in schools for decades to come: classroom debates on politicalUPDATE 29.10.23
With the defeat of the referendum, I can imagine this text being studied in schools for decades to come: classroom debates on political discourse; how to ‘sell’ a referendum without bi-partisan support, or the meanspirited withdrawal of bi-partisan support for political gains; truth telling for Indigenous Australians (OH YES, we need this for generally, not just in schools, by the way); today’s relevance of a constitution written in 1901 when Australia was still seen by many as a British colony; the absence of laws that can challenge mis-and disinformation. Forget about referendums, I fear the dye has been cast for any future Australian elections. It was a simple proposition to FINALLY give First Australians recognition in the constitution and a non-binding Indigenous voice to successive governments. It’s a shame that simple message (originally supported by most) became, once again, a convenient political football.
YES… This update was written with a genuine heavy heart.
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ORIGINAL REVIEW
Yes, I’m a ‘yes’ voter, but was still keen to read up on the nuts and bolts of this referendum, and what led up to it. No, I don’t ignore the other side of the debate and am happy to listen, it’s just I’m yet to hear anything credible. Yes, I have great respect for the authors of this handbook. Yes, they advocate for the ‘yes’ vote, but they also highlight other countries (notably New Zealand and Canada) that have gone through similar constitutional changes to recognise and respect First Nations Peoples, and that they are not without challenges. No, I don’t like the scaremongering and headlines that overuse the word ‘divisive’. Yes, I accept there can be differences of opinion - that’s democracy, not division. Yes, I think information pamphlets from both sides, hopefully turning up in our letterboxes soon, will be a good thing. I hope they set out their positions in a clear way to assist those still with concerns or doubts to come to a more informed decision....more
There are already good and informative reviews for this memoir. I can add little to them. This is a fine achievement and personal account of how one fThere are already good and informative reviews for this memoir. I can add little to them. This is a fine achievement and personal account of how one family navigated the challenges of learning disorders in the Australian school system. ...more