The Belburd

by Nardi Simpson

From the award-winning author of Song of the Crocodile comes a lyrical and masterfully woven novel about women, creation, belonging and the precious fragility of a life.

'Mothers are experts at overflow . . . You may forget the words or kisses or gifts they give but that doesn't mean they didn't happen . . . We don't need to remember all the love poured into us. We need to be thankful that it makes us. When it comes to love, it's all about being. Not remembering so much.'

Ginny Dilboong is a young poet, fierce and deadly. She's making sense of the world and her place in it, grappling with love, family and the spaces in which to create her art. Like powerful women before her, Ginny hugs the edges of waterways, and though she is a daughter of Country, the place that shapes her is not hers. Determined and brave, Ginny seeks to protect the truth of others while learning her own. The question is how?

And, all the while, others are watching. Some old, some new. They are the sound of the belburd as it echoes through the world; the sound of cars and trucks and trains. They are in trees and paper and the shape of ideas. They are the builder and the built. Everything, even Ginny, is because of them.

The Belburd is a powerful story that shows us we are all connected from before we began to long after we begin again.

Praise for Nardi Simpson's Song of the Crocodile

'Exquisite . . . Simpson explores the enduring legacy of violence and racism in a narrative enriched by beautiful descriptions of the landscape' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

'Simpson's writing attains a rare quality of grace, the prose lyrical and grounded at the same time . . . skilfully weaving the profound into the everyday' SATURDAY PAPER

'Lyrical and evocative' SUNDAY AGE

'A captivating saga from an astonishing Australian writer' WHO WEEKLY

'Drips with evocative descriptions of the land' THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY

'A lightning debut' KILL YOUR DARLINGS

'A moving, wise and deeply rewarding novel from an astonishing writer' EMILY MAGUIRE

Genres: Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2024

About the author

Nardi Simpson is a Yuwaalaraay writer, musician, composer and educator from North West NSW freshwater plains. A founding member of Indigenous folk duo Stiff Gins, Nardi has been performing nationally and internationally for 20 years. Her debut novel, Song of the Crocodile was a 2018 winner of a black&write! writing fellowship.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really emotive read. I loved Ginny; she was strong and resilient with just the right amount of prickliness. And with Sprite (or Spit, or Splat), I got to see what it might be like to belong to country, not the other way round. I feel like this is Simpson’s greatest gift to the reader.

I have read many books by authors who have clearly described the difference between owning and enclosing land, and belonging to country and all the other beings that pass over, under and in it who also belong to it. While I rationally understood the difference, I didn’t see how it impacts your life, where you see that your life begins and how even in death, you still belong to it and you are still intimately bonded to your kin.

It was as if with her passing, Sprite became immortal by becoming country. It gave me a much deeper understanding of the saying “always was, always will be..” and how little it has do with ownership as white Australia conceptualises it.

It is a beautiful book and I am so thankful Nardi Simpson wrote it, and that I read it.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
A profound and deeply spiritual narrative embedded in First Nation people’s Dreamtime and lore is captured in a lyrical and literary way by the award winning author Nardi Simpson.
First Nations poet Ginny is rebuilding her life after her relationship ended, the healing process helping her reconnect to her roots.
Poems are laced with native seeds and are carefully sown around the city to nourish an environment that needs repair.
Interactions slowly building the confidence and connection.
Alternating chapters enlighten the reader on the Dreamtime and how the people came to be.
A privilege to enter this world and enjoy the origins via an authentic lense.
Ginny is someone I would like to meet.
She made me laugh, empathise and enjoy her journey.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simpson's prose is as lyrical as expected, with rhythms that move you through (and bonus for actual poetry). The book also beautifully evokes Gadigal and Cammeraygal country and waterways. However, the plot and split structure of this one didn't really work for me, and I struggled to stay in Ginny's thread in particular.

[booksweread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful writing and prose as expected from Nardi. Love the language, the flow, the writing about country, being on country, and the water.

The ideas are almost abstract, slow, melancholy but important.

I loved Ginny. Broken and flawed, humble, smart and beautiful. My heart ached for her. Her relationship as protector of the waterways is inspiring, asking for permission to use it, apologising to it and always taking care of it.
Her interaction with the Arab family at the park, tabouli, maamoul, all of it made me smile.

I felt myself struggling as I was reading, wondering how the narratives would connect. So I stopped and read a review that really put the story into perspective.
I’m so glad I did this and glad that I continued to read.

Slow and contemplative, just go on the journey without needing to know if there is a destination. A privilege to read and be immersed on land that always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

With thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Australia for a digital copy of the book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"All I loved are in my breath, and I am in theirs. When they eat at their fires, I am with them in the flames and the smouldering coals that embrace them. I am in the water they drink and the words they speak, and in the dreams they make at night ... I am in everything, old and new. I am the sound of the belburd as it rings through the world."

Told in alternating storylines. On the one hand we have Indigenous poet Ginny Dilboong, who plants her words and seeds in the neighbourhood as she heals fr0m a breakup. The other, a dreamtime creation story. A novel of belonging, connection and recovery.

As with Simpson's first novel, the prose is beautiful, but I took longer to connect with this novel than I did Song of the Crocodile. Although, as the novel progressed I became more deeply engaged. This is a novel I think I would like to read again as there is, I am sure, more than I found on first reading. And the ending... Also, if you read this make sure to read the author's note.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that follows a spirit through a birth story, and Ginny, a poet who is publishing her writing. Not a story with a big arch but new, interesting perspectives.

[Katie Snell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the contrast of the 2 different stories with the magical realism woven throughout. However, I don't think they came together well and I did not enjoy the modern story or see how it related to the other story.

[Peta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It’s beautifully written and has so many memorable quotes. My fave - ‘crouching hipster, hidden racist!’
I’m looking forward to seeing Nardi at the Canberra Writers festival on Saturday 26 October, 2024. ❤️❤️❤️

[Pip Jennings · Rating 3 out of 5]

The poetry and prose is superb but I found it a difficult read.

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Ginny wanted to get there as early as she could.’

Ms Simpson’s second novel is a story of dreaming and The Dreaming. In the physical present, meet Ginny Dilboong. She is a young poet, trying to make sense of her place in the world. In the metaphysical world, meet both being and not-being, those who watch and shape, meet the continuation of past, present and future.

These two (related and separate) stories unfold over the three parts of this novel, entitled the mound, the round, and the ground. While it was Ginny’s story that grabbed my attention, because of elements I can relate to, it was the story of the other being who has various names including ‘Sprite’ and ‘Splat’ that took me into a world I’ve thought about far less often: an infinite world of experiences prebirth and post death. If Sprite is focussed on a future life, Ginny is focussed on achieving her best life. And, despite the metaphysical aspects of the journey (or, perhaps because of them) I found it easy to connect to both Ginny and Sprite.

‘When it comes to love, it's all about being. Not remembering so much.'

I paused part way through the story to remember where I first heard the name Dilboong. And once I remembered, and checked a few aspects less well remembered, this story moves from terrific to brilliant.

Nardi Simpson is a Yuwaalaraay woman who was a singer and songwriter before she wrote fiction. And her combination of skills makes this story glow.

‘Everything you have and see in this place is because of me. I am the universe, the belburd. Everything, even you, is because of me.’

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Liisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a novel that hums with spirit and reverence — for Country, for story, and for those who came before.

Told through the interwoven narratives of Ginny, a young Blak poet in modern-day Sydney, and Sprite, a soul awaiting birth, The Belburd is both lyrical and deeply philosophical. Simpson explores belonging, the inheritance of trauma and beauty, and the ethical complexities of storytelling — especially when those stories are not your own to tell.

There are moments of real magic here. I loved Ginny’s fierce independence, her connection to urban Country, and the poetic acts of quiet resistance she stages across the city. And Sprite’s sections — surreal, visceral, and dreamlike — reminded me of the power of imagining the world before we enter it.

But the novel felt uneven at times. The two threads, while thematically linked, didn’t always sit comfortably side by side, and by the end they seemed to pull away from each other rather than converge. I found myself wishing for a little more narrative cohesion, or at least some guidance through the more abstract sections.

Still, Simpson’s prose is textured, rhythmic, and brimming with care. Her ability to evoke landscape and emotion through sound and movement is just wonderful. Eel Mother, in particular, is a standout creation: elemental, nurturing, and utterly unforgettable.

For those who love literary fiction that challenges form and centres First Nations perspectives, The Belburd offers much to sit with and learn from. 🖤💛❤️

[Marles Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recall reading Song of the Crocodile, which I absolutely loved, and it was natural to pick up this next book by @NardiSimpson. This book was a magical journey; it was hard to to close my eyes and imagine these words coming to life in song, colour and being. This book moves between two narratives: the first is through Ginny who writes poetry about the world in which she lives and the traditions and culture and spirits that have made her who she is, and she plants her poems like actual plants through her community, anticipating their growth. The second narrative belongs to Sprite. Sprite is an egg, awaiting her birth by her Eel Mother, and is connecting to many other awaiting to be born, who are not going to make it. Sprite has the benefit of knowing and seeing all that ever was, and all that will be.
What this story brings to us is the ever-existing impacts of colonisation on our environment – how to maintain care of Country when urban sprawl is eating away at its fringes. The dual narratives challenge the concept of belonging. Belonging to Country, and being a part of Country that is not your own, wanting to find that place where you feel connection and protection.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Belburd by Nardi Simpson is a lyrical, literary marvel. I was mesmerised, captivated, enthralled by this novel. The prose is stunning and imbued with culture that gave the writing such a richness.

Beautifully rooted in First Nations people's lore and dreamtime, it reads as a deeply spiritual and profound book. Exploring creation, belonging and connection, and life itself, this book was intellectually stimulating and sometimes confusing, but boy, was I having a good time reading it. I'll be thinking and reflecting on this book for a long time.

Nardi Simpson is appearing at my local writers festival and I cannot wait to go and hear her speak.

Highly recommend. I'll be recommending this book to every reader I know.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Australia & New Zealand for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful narrative with lyrical prose and poetry that moves between the present life of an indigenous poet and a metaphysical birth and death cycle. It is not a book about events or where 'things happen', it is a book about concepts, different ways of thinking and innovative use of words and language. There are many layers within the story and time spent reflecting on each of the chapters and ideas enhances the reading experience. The themes include women, love, lifecycles, belonging, and connection to land and sea. I really loved the rich prose and the profound insights. Initially I found it difficult to read and I struggled to work out what was 'happening'. Once I relaxed into enjoying the flow of words, images and ideas I was mesmerised. Highly recommended for those who enjoy immersion in language and concepts.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is written by a First Nations Yuwaalaraay author. It follows the story of a young indigenous Australian woman, a poet, living in Aboriginal community housing in Sydney, who uses her poetry as a means to heal from a relationship breakup — she buries poems, written on handmade recycled paper embedded with native seeds, around the local city-side, wherever the environment is calling for regeneration. She connects to and converses with the water and land even surrounded by the thrum of a busy city. A great attention is given to describing the mundane details of the everyday with beautiful language. Interspersed with this modern storyline is a more spiritual tale of how a soul is birthed and dies, based on cultural creation stories, and its continued belonging to the land and water, even in the materials of manmade structures and cities — remaining in and as the universe.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fabulous novel with two threads or narrators: one is Ginny, a young self published poet who lives in social housing and is nursing a broken heart, the other is Sprite, who 'lives' in the spirit world. Basically it is a blending of the physical world and the dreamtime world. I won't say too much more other than quote something told to Ginny by a young man who she bumps into at the cemetery at night: "'We ended it. And i was lost. I tried everything to patch the holes. But I became consumed by my brokenness...Only when I allowed love to be over could I disintegrate. I didn't expect my foundations to survive. But they did. And that meant I could renovate,' he said cheekily." Allow yourself to be taken along for this ride, there is a powerful emotional punch at the end.

[Danaë Paternoster · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me, Nardi is a very powerful writer who swoops you away with the flow of her stories and carries you through Country.

This story had a different flow than the Song of the Crocodile, and it took some time to get into it as I'm less familiar with reading poetry. She is one of my favourite writers and I'm looking forward to her next book!

The 3 parts of the book guide you through different parts and ways of existence, before conception and after death, and show the endless cycle of life and the connection between all.

Ginny's story reminds me about resilience and the need to heal our environments and communities.

The author's note is not to be skipped. It completes the story line of Sprite.

[Norman Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyrical, mystical, and steeped in Country, The Belburd braids an indigenous poet’s grief from the loss of a recent relationship with expansive Dreaming visions of the Sydney / Warrane waterfront. Simpson’s musical prose sings when evoking place, flora and fauna, and her poems are accessible and a highlight for me. The novel’s elliptical style rewards patience, but long detours — like the extended “soul egg” and “mum’s cave” passages — sometimes drift without clear purpose, and minute, flowery detail (yes, even about making a sachet coffee) can jar against the book’s more luminous moments. Still, Simpson’s ability to weave the intimate and the cosmic, and to hold past, present, and possibility in the same breath, makes this a distinctive, resonant read.

[Danielle Greenslade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innovative and moving. I listened via Spotify audio after hearing a great interview between Nardi Simpson and Michael Williams on Read This podcast, (highly recommended) Thank you for this generosity. I wondered how the two main “characters” might ultimately connect… and there is much creative beauty and poetry in this Aboriginal Realism. Congratulations

[Chooks Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm. Pushing a 4. Loved SOTC...this one was a tenuous relationship. Struggled through the middle to reconnect again at the end, then slapped hard with the impact of the author's note...should have started there (the penny dropped). Certainly beautiful, and masterclass of 'voice' in Sprite...worth another read perhaps

[Leticia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, gentle tale about life and connection wonderfully read by the author. The dreamy quality of her language and the rich imagery she creates makes it a very special read. Highly recommended it.

[Kathleen Stuart]

I liked the concept of this book. But it took me almost a year to read it, so the writing style wasn’t for me. I would usually DNF but the first chapter drew me in and I kept thinking I would be hit with a second wave of that, but it didn’t happen for me.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book. I love this author. I need to reflect deeply on this book. A good read and intellectually stretching. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[R.F. Veer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Poignant, poetic and aching in all the right ways.

[Laura Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning novel with heartfelt and visual language. Rich with aboriginal culture and knowledge, I can’t recommend this book more! Nardi is a born storyteller and that is obvious in every page.

[Robert Connelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great dreamtime adventure.

[Marg Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Belburd is a glorious story of dreamtime connection. I'd have liked a bit more of Ginny's story. Loved it!

[Maddie Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous prose and paints a beautiful picture of Aboriginal culture and the ebbs and flows of life

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an understated feminist masterpiece. The intimacy and observations on life are a gift.

[Wendy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really struggled to finish this book. The writing didn’t appeal and I am not a fan of magical realism.