Description
Jacky was running. There was no thought in his head, only an intense drive to run. There was no sense he was getting anywhere, no plan, no destination, no future. All he had was a sense of what was behind, what he was running from. Jacky was running. The Natives of the Colony are restless.
The Settlers are eager to have a nation of peace, and to bring the savages into line. Families are torn apart, re-education is enforced. This rich land will provide for all. This is not Australia as we know it. This is not the Australia of our history.
This TERRA NULLIUS is something new, but all too familiar. This is an incredible debut from a striking new Australian Aboriginal voice.
Review
Australia is being colonised, but the natives are restless and unhappy.
When Jacky makes a run for it, away from the slavery he has known his whole life, the natives follow his escape with joy and more rebellion.
When one of the settlers finally decides he can no longer continue to kill indiscriminately, he becomes an outlaw as well.
This is the tale of two men from opposite sides. Can they help each other?
This is an amazing story from a debut author, Claire Coleman. The story sounds all to familiar to past Australian history, but this is a story set with a massive twist. It will provoke much discussion in the classroom about morals, ethics, cultural differences, war, and invasions.
Extraordinarily hard to put down, I would love to see this book added to Senior School reading lists, as it is so thought provoking. I loved it.
Best suited to Year 10 and up.
Reviewed by Michelle.
