‘Frank Byrne is a hero who worked for over ten years to have this book written, to set the record straight about the denial of truth in history telling in this country.’ — Alexis Wright
‘This is a very strong story of survival. A tragic reminder of the harshness and unfairness of the mission era but also the toughness and determination of our people.’ — Bruce Pascoe
‘We are the owners of our stories, they belong to us. For generations past and generations to come. It is about time we rise to tell our junga nyanyi, our truth.’ – Maureen Jipyiliya Nampijinpa O’Keefe, Chairperson of Running Water Community Press and Warlpiri Kaytetye author
In this evocative, at-times heartbreaking memoir, Stolen Generations survivor Frank Byrne recounts his life-long search for his mother. His journey takes him across the Central and Western deserts of Australia to the Kimberley coast and back. Along the way Frank not only experiences his fair share of struggle but also receives immense loving support. It is the first title in a new truth-telling series by Running Water Community Press.
This edition completes the award-winning extract published in 2017 (ISBN 9780648062905). The extract was showcased at Frankfurt Book Fair in 2019 by the Australian Publishers Association, gathering national and international acclaim.