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Terra Nullius

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Terra Nullius

By: Claire G. Coleman
Narrated by: Mark Coles Smith, Tamala Shelton
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About this listen

Highly Commended in the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards 2017

Longlisted for the Indie Book Award for Debut Fiction 2018

Longlisted for the Stella Prize 2018

Jacky was running. There was no thought in his head, only an intense drive to run. There was no sense he was getting anywhere, no plan, no destination, no future. All he had was a sense of what was behind, what he was running from. Jacky was running.

The natives of the colony are restless. The settlers are eager to have a nation of peace, and to bring the savages into line. Families are torn apart, reeducation is enforced. This rich land will provide for all.

This is not Australia as we know it. This is not the Australia of our history. This Terra Nullius is something new, but all too familiar.

This is an incredible debut from a striking new Australian-Aboriginal voice.

©2018 Claire G. Coleman (P)2018 Hachette Australia Audio Dystopian Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Thought-Provoking

Critic Reviews

"The truth that lies at the heart of this novel is impossible to ignore." (Books+Publishing)
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Liked the idea, but I felt it missed in execution, especially being such a short book. Some good themes and likeable characters, but holes in the narrative that were distracting

Good concept

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On so many levels it shouldn’t work. As science fiction, it’s adequate, although it’s not really trying to be science fiction. As allegory, it’s a bit heavy-handed, yet it doesn’t feel preachy. As history… well, that’s where it really shines. It helped me see how the invasion of Australia by the British was perceived by Aboriginal people and British settlers alike.

I can’t really add much without giving major spoilers. The first few chapters felt a little slow, but once the characters and storylines are set up, things start moving and head towards an unexpectedly moving finish.

I was really impressed by the narration as well. Top work.

I really, really enjoyed this book.

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This is a story all Australians should take the time to acknowledge. I appreciate your words, Claire Coleman. Thank you for putting this into the world.

I'm going to miss this book. I'm sad already.

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Great plot, great characters and the narration is one of my favourites. An all round amazing boom and performance.

Brilliant.

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Superb book. All Australians should read it. The narration was excellent. Extremely heart felt and a great way to help us be more open hearted.

Brilliant story

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