I was immediately taken by the exquisite writing of this story. Poetic, lyrical and whimsical, it transported me back to my childhood at a bush school, where I learned the Dreamtime stories and was introduced to the beauty of our flora and fauna by teachers – not First Nation but deeply connected to the land.
The opening chapters lull us into a sense of familiarity with Nannertgarrook, a young mother who treasures her idyllic life. Her heart overflows with love for her two children, her husband and her Boonwurrung clan. Their land is Sea Country, their family totem the great Mother Whale. The Boonwurrung women honour their sacred relationship with these majestic creatures, understanding their custodial responsibility. Only through their care can the whales thrive and, in turn, ensure the future of generations to come. Their traditions and ceremonies are Lore, respected and preserved through millennia.
It’s clear that Tasma Walton is the perfect person to narrate this story. Connected to Nannertgarrook through ancestry, she brings authenticity and depth. As both an actor and writer, her ability to evoke imagery and fill the spaces of this woman’s world make the narrative all the more compelling.
The story takes a devastating turn. Nannertgarrook is kidnapped, along with other women, and sold to the men who kill the seals. Separated from everything she loves, she is forced into a brutal existence – held captive, put to work, and subjected to unspeakable horrors, including years of sexual abuse. Through it all, she clings to her identity, her spirit unbroken, determined to keep her cultural ties alive.
In our colonial history it begs the question, who were the real savages?
Reviewed by Sue Stanbridge
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tasma Walton is a proud Boonwurrung woman from the saltwater Country of Melbourne and surrounding coastlines. As an award winning actress, she has appeared in numerous television productions, films and theatre. As a writer, Tasma’s first novel Heartless was nominated for an ABIA Award for General Fiction. As a mum, she is most excited about sharing some deadly stories featuring strong Aboriginal heroines and their adventures with Boonwurrung Creation Beings.
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