Terra Nullius Book Review @duffythewriter

Terra Nullius – What Happens When The Settlers Become Colonised?

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.

I’ve been purposely picking up and reading books which aren’t in my chosen genre and i’m finding some wonderful books out there which would have passed me by otherwise.  Terra Nullius is another powerful read which is unique in both prose and plot.

Terra Nullius is set in a period in the not too distant future where the settlers are now being colonised by something unknown.  Are there lessons learned? Is it good old fashioned Karma? Is it different somehow? Or just the same as before? Lives extinguished for the sake of others deemed more evolved and educated.

I’m a white British female who reaps daily rewards of a comfortable life on the Lower North Shore in Sydney.  I know that the invasion of indigenous Australia was atrocious, and there is a guilt which I recognise, but to be honest not one I feel too often. I can live my life without having to think about what came before, so long ago in history. Terra Nullius doesn’t give me anywhere to hide and although the characters are fictional, the stories told of displacement, fear, disease, death and slavery are delivered raw and true by Coleman.  There were times I had to take a break from reading, it got pretty emotional and uncomfortable, however it’s a necessary read. How are we to learn if we don’t acknowledge and try to be better?

What Did I Think About Terra Nullius?

Terra Nullius is not a light read by any means, but it is gripping. The characters, especially the central character Jacky, will hook you in, but be ready for some serious reflection time. Terra Nullius will shine a light on your own life of privelage, prick your conscience, and it will demand that you acknowledge a history of what has come before, and may come again.

Buy now from Booktopia.

Check out other Australian writers here