Povo

by Adam Novaldy Anderson

Thirty-seven writers from First Nations, migrant and refugee backgrounds reveal the true wealth and beauty of Australia’s cultural melting pots.Australia is often referred to as The Lucky Country — a land of economic opportunity and vast natural resources. But how does this myth square up against the true experiences of Indigenous and culturally diverse Australians living in our nation’s most densely populated regions?Featuring original works of prose, poetry and non-fiction which centre and celebrate the eclectic vibrancy and linguistic fluidity of a new generation of Australian writers.Povo features a ground-breaking collection of works by emerging and established writers from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The collection includes experimental writing from the Asylum Seekers Centre, Macquarie Fields High School and Leumeah High School.Acclaimed & Award-Winning contributors Grainer is a Kuku Djungan, Muluridji, Wakaman, Tagalaka, Kunjen, Warrgamay and Yindinji actor, writer and editor from Far North Queensland. In 2023, Phoebe won the prestigious Australia Council Dreaming Award.Natalia Figueroa Barroso is a Uruguayan-Australian writer from Penrith. Natalia is currently working on her debut novel, Hailstones Fell Without Rain (UQP, 2025).Daniel Nour is an Egyptian-Australian writer. In 2020, Daniel won the New South Wales Premier’s Young Journalist of the Year Award. Daniel is currently working on his debut novel as a recipient of the 2021 Affirm Press Mentorship for Sweatshop Writers.

Paperback

Reviews

[Déwi]

This collection of short stories about the true experiences of Indigenous and culturally diverse Australians shows us the power of words, speaking up and speaking out and truth telling. Some of the stories are truly confronting - told with honesty, humour, and full of heart. This is a powerful read that evoked so many feelings and really opened my eyes and also question the inequalities that exist alongside the rich diversity of this country.

[Permanently 23]

Some interesting takes and beautiful lines in this. It’s also a bit of a snapshot of ideas rather than stories in a few parts. 2.5 stars.

[Justin]

Povo is a collection of stories from people living in Sydney's South-West. Certain stories hit hard, others not so much. Some stories are graphic and tell stories of rough childhoods, others are beautiful and heartwarming, all are eye-opening.

[Natalia Figueroa Barroso]

Australia is often referred to as The Lucky Country — a land of economic opportunity and vast natural resources. But how does this myth square up against the true experiences of Indigenous and culturally diverse Australians living in our nation’s most densely populated regions?
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In this original and eclectic new anthology, emerging and established writers from First Nations, migrant and refugee backgrounds reveal the true wealth and beauty of Australia’s cultural melting pots.
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Featuring Forever Tupou, Victor Guan Yi Zhou, Natalia Figueroa Barroso, Meyrnah Khodr, Adrian Mouhajer, Rayann Bekdache, Daniel Nour, Fahad Ali, Nadia Demas, Jenanne Ibrahim, Leila Mansour, Priyanka Bromhead, Helen Nguyen, Yasir Elgamil, Katie Shammas, Phoebe Grainer and many more!
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Edited by Adam Novaldy Anderson.

(Text by Sweatshop)

[Mikael]

<3<3<3. especially the rawness of the "gutter" chapter ("got a ciggie cunt" is a highlight) and the no-holds-barred "crumbs" chapter.

listened to a reading from some of the writers. some stories in this book work even better as spoken word.

one thing, i didn't know it was so hard for white or whitened tongue to pronounce the indonesian word "nyai" — it's "neeah-ee"

[Error]

It's a complication of numerous authors, so some stories are very good and others less so. Still enjoyable for a quick read.

[Lilly in the mid 20s]

Some stories are amazing and others less so but that's what complication style works are about. I appreciate that school children were also given the opportunity to get works published.