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Notes
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Dedication: I dedicate this novel to the wonderful Aboriginal Aunties who inspired me and shared their wisdom and cultural knowledge: Evelyn Bates, Veronica Saunders, Emily Walker, Jenny Ebsworth, Rachel Carney, Lillian Crombie, Thelma Thorne (dec.) Delma Davison (dec.) and Robyn Williams (dec.)
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
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Close to the Bone : Julie Janson’s Début Novel
2023
single work
review
— Appears in: Australian Book Review , September no. 457 2023; (p. 28)
— Review of Madukka the River Serpent 2022 single work novel'Given the huge popularity of crime fiction, some readers might wonder why there are not more examples by Aboriginal authors. Perhaps it is because crime in general is too close to the bone. It was only coincidental to be reviewing Julie Janson’s Madukka the River Serpent amid the controversy that followed the ABC’s coverage of the recent coronation, yet the relevance was inescapable. For the tiny number of readers unaware, this is when the slimy gutter of social media-fuelled racism dragged journalist Stan Grant down to the point where the national broadcaster lost one of its best (temporarily, one hopes). Grant’s departure speech at the end of his final Q&A on 21 May was so moving and thought-provoking it will stand in history alongside other landmark speeches – Paul Keating’s Redfern address springs to mind – and may well prove to be a catalyst for reform. Though prompted by cruelty and hate, it responded with generosity and love – love of people, love of culture, love of country.' (Introduction)
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Indigenous Crime Fiction Is Rare, but in Madukka the River Serpent Systemic Violence and Connection to Country Are Explored
2023
single work
essay
— Appears in: The Conversation , 20 March 2023;
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Close to the Bone : Julie Janson’s Début Novel
2023
single work
review
— Appears in: Australian Book Review , September no. 457 2023; (p. 28)
— Review of Madukka the River Serpent 2022 single work novel'Given the huge popularity of crime fiction, some readers might wonder why there are not more examples by Aboriginal authors. Perhaps it is because crime in general is too close to the bone. It was only coincidental to be reviewing Julie Janson’s Madukka the River Serpent amid the controversy that followed the ABC’s coverage of the recent coronation, yet the relevance was inescapable. For the tiny number of readers unaware, this is when the slimy gutter of social media-fuelled racism dragged journalist Stan Grant down to the point where the national broadcaster lost one of its best (temporarily, one hopes). Grant’s departure speech at the end of his final Q&A on 21 May was so moving and thought-provoking it will stand in history alongside other landmark speeches – Paul Keating’s Redfern address springs to mind – and may well prove to be a catalyst for reform. Though prompted by cruelty and hate, it responded with generosity and love – love of people, love of culture, love of country.' (Introduction)
-
Indigenous Crime Fiction Is Rare, but in Madukka the River Serpent Systemic Violence and Connection to Country Are Explored
2023
single work
essay
— Appears in: The Conversation , 20 March 2023;
Awards
- 2023 longlisted Davitt Award — Best Adult Crime Novel
- 2023 longlisted Miles Franklin Literary Award
- Murray-Darling Basin,