Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Anita Heiss, Simon & Schuster, $32.99.
Defined as an epic story of love, loss and belonging, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray is based on devastating true events. It is set on timeless Wiradyuri country, where the life-giving waters of the rivers can make or break dreams.
A love of country oozes through the pages as Anita Heiss writes with heart and energy. A proud member of the Wiradjuri Nation of central NSW, an Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, Dr Heiss is an award-winning author.
Set in 1852, the Marrambidya – what we know as the Murrumbidgee River – floods through the township of Gundagai. It does not discriminate, leaving death and destruction in its wake.
However, one of the lucky ones is Wagadhaany. She does survive, but is her life now better than the fate she escaped? She lacks a dance in her step as she is forced to move away from her miyagan, her heart is broken forevermore calling her back home. She dreams of a better life, away from the degradation of being owned.
Then Wagadhaany’s heart slowly begins to heal after meeting Wiradyuri stockman Yindyamarra. Her reflections are reverent. “Wagadhaany knows that this place has flooded before, and it will again. She wants to tell the man herself, but she wouldn’t dare. That would be disrespectful …”
An authoritative tale of a deep connection to country, community and the Aboriginal people’s identity. It’s a remarkable, hopeful story about love and loss which leaves an ineffaceable impression. The river is more than just about dreams, it’s a guide leading you towards spiritual knowledge.
Name the ‘lucky’ one and, if the answer is correct, you could be one of two winners to get a copy of the book. Entries should be sent to [email protected] by Monday, 21 February 2022. Names of the winners will be announced in Frank Cassidy’s PS-sssst…! column on 22 February 2022.
