The Song Walker

LoveReading4Kids Says

Readers will be immediately hooked by the intriguing opening to this novel. A girl wakes up in the middle of the Australian desert with no idea of who she is or how she got there or why she is carrying a strange heavy case. Her life is saved when she meets Tarni, a First Country girl from the Alaywarre community.  Tarni is on a mysterious quest of her own and together they set off on a trek through the ever changing Outback.

The location is as beautifully evoked as these intriguing characters and as their stories unfold and memories are awakened, a strong bond is formed between the girls despite their cultural and economic differences. Music is a strong theme throughout the book, not just because of what the case contains, but through the ancient song lines which Tarni uses to navigate their route.

Respect for ancient traditions and the powerful connections between people and places is an important aspect of this remarkable and beautifully written story. We also confront the imbalance of power between the First Country and the white community reflected in the importance put on the life of a white girl but not on that of a First Country girl.

This book has a powerful message of equality and empathy, spirituality and identity. An intense and rewarding reading experience that fans of her debut novel The Shark Caller will absolutely devour.

Joy Court

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