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Why Weren't We Told? cover art

Why Weren't We Told?

By: Henry Reynolds
Narrated by: Peter Hosking
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Publisher's Summary

Why were we never told? Why didn't we know? Historian Henry Reynolds has found himself being asked these questions by many people, over many years, in all parts of Australia. The acclaimed Why Weren't We Told? is a frank account of his personal journey towards the realisation that he, like generations of Australians, grew up with a distorted and idealised version of the past.

From the author's unforgettable encounter in a North Queensland jail with injustice towards Aboriginal children, to his friendship with Eddie Mabo, to his shattering of the myths about our "peaceful" history, this best-selling book will shock, move, and intrigue.

©1999 Henry Reynolds (P)2001 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about Why Weren't We Told?

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Must listen

Grateful for this book which has rectified my lack of school education about what really happened.

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Enlightening

An enlightening and moving expose. Thanks choice of voice was also very well suited to the delicate subject matter. aa

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  • IAN
  • 19-07-2023

A story that should be told!

A sad retelling of how most of Australian s do not know what happened when the country was settled by Europeans by one of our most respected historians, this book should be taught in all our schools.

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Must read

Beautifully written and read. Information that all Australians should know, but presented in a way that doesn’t make you feel judged for not knowing it before. Full of empathy, intelligence, and vital information for our country. If all Australians read/listen to this book maybe we could forge a hopeful future together.

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3 people found this helpful

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essential learning

exactly..... why weren't we told? thank you Mr Reynolds for skyrocketing my education on this essential learning

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2 people found this helpful

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Eye opening Australian history

Easy to listen narration. Very interesting material. Mabo and Wik sections very helpful. Loved the tactic of reversing perspective to see the situation more clearly.

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Everyone should know this

This book and it's knowledge should be part of the school curriculum.
Excellent and easy to listen to.

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2 people found this helpful

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Not told for a despicable reason

Since Federation, all Australian governments have chosen to treat us people like mushrooms; kept in the dark and fed on excrement, the easier to keep us fighting each other instead of the cruel racist system that would make slaves of all of us, black or white. I'm almost overwhelmed by the content of this book. There's so much to absorb. I will have to read it again soon. I am white. Born in England.

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Mind-blowing and deeply saddening

Some of what Reynolds has written about, I was aware of. However, the detail that is reached is shattering, educational, insightful and horrifying. This is a must read.

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Engaging, thought provoking

Extensive description of revisionist history of Australia. Should be Mandatory reading for schools and universities

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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.