AustLit

'Kate Auty's O'Leary of the Underworld expands historical work begun by Neville Green's The Forrest River Massacres (1995), but through the eagle eyes of legal analysis, a perspective for which Auty is well-known. Auty's aim is to profile the dishonesty and murderous actions of Bernard O'Leary, one of the main perpetrators of the Forrest River massacres in the Kimberley region. She brings together various contexts, personalities, and events that culminated in the case and trial. The killings that preceded the Forrest River massacre are also detailed (pp. 22–29). Auty's work is uncommon in targeting a specific individual, providing detailed backstories. She retrospectively charges O'Leary of crimes for which he was absolved. The book is illustrated with unique and well-sourced maps, photographs, and sketches that help the reader visualise events.'(Introduction)          

'With the coming referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, the concept of “truth-telling” is currently getting more airtime than ever. For decades, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been calling on Australia to front up to the truth of the past so we can deal with the present and move towards a more positive and collaborative future. Until this truth has been confronted, the racist lies this country was built upon will continue to fester, erupting in more acts of violence and erasure.'  (Introduction)