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Benevolence

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Benevolence

By: Julie Janson
Narrated by: Tamala Shelton
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About this listen

Nominated for the Mark & Evette Moran NIB Literary Award

For perhaps the first time in novel form, Benevolence presents an important era in Australia’s history from an Aboriginal perspective. Told through the fictional characterisation of Darug woman Muraging (Mary James), Benevolence is a compelling story of first contact. Born around 1813, Muraging is among the earliest Darug generations to experience the impact of British colonisation - a time of cataclysmic change and violence, but also remarkable survival and resistance.

At an early age, Muraging is given over to the Parramatta Native School by her Darug father. Fleeing the school in pursuit of love, she embarks on a journey of discovery and a search for a safe place to make her home. Spanning the years 1816-35, Benevolence is set around the Hawkesbury River area, the home of the Darug people, in Parramatta and Sydney.

Julie Janson’s intensely visual prose interweaves historical events with detailed characterisation - she shatters stereotypes and gives voice to an Aboriginal experience of early-settlement.

©2020 Julie Janson (P)2021 W F Howes Historical Fiction World Literature Native American Fiction

Critic Reviews

"Janson's writing is evocative.... The shame of colonisation is amplified by the proud complexities of the narrative.... Muraging's - and Janson's - refusal to perform the victim to voyeurs of trauma is an act of defiance." (Sunday Age)

"Benevolence is a searing, unforgettable work...this novel is of immense importance." (Joy Lawn, Paperbark Words)

"The text’s undulation evokes the ever-changing interactions between settlers and Aboriginal populations following settlement, giving voice to an oft-overlooked Aboriginal perspective." (Australian Book Review)

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I chose this book after listening to a wonderful ABC conversation with the author. Julie Janson paints a realistic , emotional, confronting narrative of colonisation. I was inspired by the strength and resilience of the main character. A beautifully written novel that held my attention to the final word.

Strength. Survival, inspirational

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Beautifully written and rich in tradition, language and history but therein lies the other side of the blade, it is an uncomfortable and tragic truth writ large for those open to listening. we need to do more.
This should be another compulsory read for non-Aboriginal Australians

Lacerating in its truth

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As an adult of English education, it’s so important to learn the true history of Australia. Although this is a work of fiction, it puts a lot of context around the real life battles of the rightful owners of this land.
They were treated dreadfully. It’s embarrassing and heartbreaking.
This is such a well written book. I am better for reading it.

Australia has a black history

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Interesting, thought provoking and captivating story unlike any that I have read / listened to before. Educational but a compelling story at the same time. I’d love to read a sequel

Captivating story

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I loved this so much, didn't want it to end. The Narrator has the most compelling voice. thank you for sharing

Brilliant Recount

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I have read a few books re colonisation and the Aborigines and this one tops the lot. The author keeps the Language flowing among the English but without losing the reader.Loved this book and it's authenticity. Everyone should read it.
One problem from Audible's side is the reference tag saying 'United States' which is clearly an error as the story is fully set in Australia and British colonisation.

Brilliant

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.