It's been a long time since I've cried while reading a book but this one actually made me cry myself to sleep (don't tell anyone).
Demons at Dusk is the debut novel of local author Peter Stewart. It gives a fictional account of the 1838 massacre of 28 Aboriginal Australians at Myall Creek Station, NSW. It marks the first time that settlers were convicted of murder for such massacres.
The author states that the bulk of the book is based on historical records and the account of the trials is often taken directly from histocial transcripts. He has merely humanised the story for the reader and this makes it even more chilling.
This book is truly shocking and brings to life a very dark and unaknowledged part of Australian History - that of Aboriginal genocide. It describes it in horrific detail - rape of women, bashing of babies and torture of the people. Because it is fiction, Stewart first allows the reader to get to know the central players on a personal level. This makes it even harder to read the scene when they are massacred.
It is also a testament to those that did stand up for the rights of Aboriginal people at that time. I've heard many excuse past behaviour because 'those were the times'. It's books like this that show what can happen when a minority decide that the times should change.
Overall I think this is essential reading for all Australians, as it gives us an understanding of a past we should be ashamed of. I'm now hoping to read some non-fiction on this subject.
Demons at Dusk is the debut novel of local author Peter Stewart. It gives a fictional account of the 1838 massacre of 28 Aboriginal Australians at Myall Creek Station, NSW. It marks the first time that settlers were convicted of murder for such massacres.
The author states that the bulk of the book is based on historical records and the account of the trials is often taken directly from histocial transcripts. He has merely humanised the story for the reader and this makes it even more chilling.
This book is truly shocking and brings to life a very dark and unaknowledged part of Australian History - that of Aboriginal genocide. It describes it in horrific detail - rape of women, bashing of babies and torture of the people. Because it is fiction, Stewart first allows the reader to get to know the central players on a personal level. This makes it even harder to read the scene when they are massacred.
It is also a testament to those that did stand up for the rights of Aboriginal people at that time. I've heard many excuse past behaviour because 'those were the times'. It's books like this that show what can happen when a minority decide that the times should change.
Overall I think this is essential reading for all Australians, as it gives us an understanding of a past we should be ashamed of. I'm now hoping to read some non-fiction on this subject.
1 comment:
I've now reserved this book to read, thanks for the honest and informative review Karen.
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