Books + Publishing Noongar writer Claire Coleman's debut novel, Terra Nullius, envisions a continent disturbingly familiar and worryingly futuristic. In our politically tumultuous time, the novel's themes of racism, inherent humanity and freedom are particularly poignant. Weekend Australian Set in an Australia that is simultaneously recognisable and bleakly foreign, Coleman's work of speculative fiction tells a story of colonisation and displacement that is both devastating and all too familiar. Terra Nullius is witty, weird, moving and original. An incredible debut from a striking new Australian Aboriginal voice. This Terra Nullius is something new, but all too familiar. This is not the Australia of our history. Families are torn apart, reeducation is enforced. The Settlers are eager to have a nation of peace, and to bring the savages into line. All he had was a sense of what was behind, what he was running from. There was no sense he was getting anywhere, no plan, no destination, no future. There was no thought in his head, only an intense drive to run. What have we learned from our past? A daring debut novel from the winner of the 2016 black&write! writing fellowship. In the near future Australia is about to experience colonisation once more. Nominated for Ditmar Award Best New Talent 2018 Longlisted for the Indie Book Award for Debut Fiction 2018 Shortlisted for the Aurealis Award for a Science Fiction Novel 2017 Shortlisted for the ABIA Matt Richell Award for New Writers 2018 Highly Commended in the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards 2017
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