The Songmaster

by Di Morrissey

A timely and profound novel that entrances and entertains.

In Melbourne, a baby girl is found abandoned in the Victorian Art Gallery. She is wrapped in a shawl decorated with a motif that links her to ancient rock paintings in the Kimberley. . .

In Los Angeles, a movie producer's dying daughter is haunted by nightmares after visiting the Kimberley. . .
And it is to the Kimberley that ex-nun Beth Van Horton brings a disparate group of travellers whose lives will be changed forever.

The Kimberley - a land that cradles Australia's ancient treasures - is also home to a people whose powerful secrets could unlock the future for modern mankind.

Genres: Australia

485 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Di Morrissey (born 18 March 1943 in Wingham, New South Wales) is one of Australia's most popular female novelists. She grew up in the remote surrounds of Pittwater, north of Sydney, Australia.

Growing up she counted famous Australian actor Chips Rafferty as a close mentor and friend who helped provide for her and her mother after the death of her father as a child, sending them overseas to California to live with family.

In her later years, Di went on to become a journalist on London's Fleet Street, and worked for CBS in Honolulu, where she lived with her husband who was in the foreign service, and even had a small role in the series Hawaii Five-0, a guest role in season three, episode seven, 1970 starring as 'Alicia Anderson'.

After moving back to Australia, Di published her first book 'Heart of the Dreaming' which instantly became a bestseller. Since then Di has published another 17 bestsellers, her latest being 'The Silent Country'.

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know how I forgot this storyline! Sounds great.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Afraid this is one book that I just could not get into. No matter how much I tried. Bit disappointing as Di Morrissey books so far I have enjoyed. This book I found to wander off not once but many, many times. But having said that I look forward to starting The Bay.

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the way in which this book showed that we all can embrace the aboriginal culture and learn about it and repsect it. I learnt alot from the characters on the ways of the land and how the aboriginal culture dates back to ancient times, about their rituals and beliefs.

[Laurie Obanion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great by Di Morrissey. The books are historically accurate and include a compelling storyline and great characters. I'm pretty obsessed with Australia!

[Susan Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit cliched at times, not all that creative from a literary point of view and it was slow to get going but I ended up enjoying it as an easy holiday read. It had some decent characters, a pretty good (if over the top at times) exploration of some very relevant aboriginal / non-aboriginal issues and conflicts and the pace picked up as the book went along. A few less cliches and a bit more subtlety wouldn't have gone astray but I liked the perspective the author took on the issues.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me want to go and see the Kimberley.

[Karen L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Discovered Di Morrissey while spending time in Australia. The books are set in various places around the continent. It provides some history and insight into the various regions and early settlers. Might call these historical fiction. Also, provides traditions and customs of the original landowners. This was a little different style then the other two I have read. This one had one basic story line, although there was one tangent story. This one focuses on the Kimberly area and the Aboriginal art fascination. It contrasts art dealers who work with the Aboriginal artist and those who just want to exploit for personal gain. It documents a cross section of people who go out to learn about the aborigines and bring their trades to bear to bridge the cultural gap. There is tragedy involved as well as loose ends but a final chapter and ceremony one year after the initial adventure provides some insights and hints.

[Joy Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book and the inter action with the aboriginal people. We all have a lot to learn from all of our individual cultures It is not only the aboriginal culture that is overlooked so is the Christian belief system where we can no longer sing carols unless they are culturally appropriate as so many people live here from other countries !!
I enjoyed the different aspects of the book and would go on an aboriginal led camping experience to see and know their traditional culture as I'm sure it would be very enlightening and a knowledgeable experience . I think one of the issues is how we think any culture should live their life however any different culture impacts everyone around. Sensitively written and taking in pastoral concerns with marrying the aboriginal culture that it's finding common goals. Thought provoking

[Tianne Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been able to put this into the context of the time it was written as well as how it fits with still many relevant issues. It was interesting that Pauline Hansen was mentioned at the same time of her recent senate stunt.

Remote communities have had so much to deal with and this book brings so many forward. Pastoral lease holders trying to survive, indigenous communities trying to not loose their culture and sacred sites. The outside issues of being exploited having many things taken including family identity. Well addressed and handled.

[Amy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really struggled to get into this book at the start, perhaps a few too many different characters being introduced for my short attention span, but I'm so glad I persevered because they all come together so beautifully once I got my head around who was who. An truly delightful story that I couldn't put down in the end and even had dreams about after reading before bed. Do yourself a favour and read this gorgeous story

[Pamrla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written , about cattle owners and aboriginal peoples battle for land rights , over mining and cultural values of the aboriginal heritage and rights. Also a intriguing story of lawyers from Sydney and aboriginal dream culture involvement .

[Jenny Rushforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book....
I know it’s a Novel, but Di did such a lot of research about the Aborigines....& their beliefs....
Absolutely Loved it....
I felt I was “right there”, at the Kimberley spending time with the Barradja people.
Thank you Di....

[Kaye Arnold · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried! The blurb sounded great, but I wasn’t gripped within the first couple of chapters. Therefore, I gave up. 2nd book by this author that I have been unable to click with. Has great reviews from others, but not my cup of tea.

[Naomi]

I found this book to be a bit of a slog. I did enjoy exploring this world. The issues in Australia between the colonizing white folks and the indigenous peoples there (land use rights, protection of sacred spaces, racism) are the same ones we are working with in North America.

[Kat Ashworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique adventure into the heart of Australia's history and contemporary culture. I dearly hope one day the vision of a 'Bush University' comes to fruition.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of beating the drum over injustices done the Aborigines but lots of pieces of knowledge bestowed as well

[Chris Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was set in the Kimberley's and was informative about aboriginal culture and beliefs.

[Berni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't get into this audio book. Is probably much more enjoyable on paper.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. Drew me right in.

[Helen Ollerenshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed the book.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story of the Aboriginal and land owners in the Kimberly region. Completed by audio.

[Candida Waterford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, well worth reading I thought. I gave it a 5 star

[Felicity Waterford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story not only helped me understand a little of Aboriginal culture but the difficulties faced. Made me want to go to the Kimberly.

[Marianne Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of her best but it was a lovely insight into the Aboriginal culture and ways we can embrace it and work together

[Sue Houghton · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual

Great book with some interesting insight to the forgotten people of Australia. I would recommend it as a great read

[Ejlkasld · Rating 1 out of 5]

For the first time with this author I struggled to finish this book.
I was initially excited to read this book due to the cultural significance and that every other Di Morrissey book I’ve read is a great and easy read, but I was left disappointed.
I found it very difficult to follow the characters and who was who and how were they connected. A lot of the initial setting the scene and background work was so incredibly confusing. It took a long time to get into the heart of the story, and it struggled to hold my attention or be that interesting until almost half way through.
I was very interested in reading this book due to the First Nations Culture and insite into cultural practices and in relation to that I wasn’t disappointed. But I feel like other than that it wasn’t incredibly interesting or enthralling. This is the longest time it has taken me to read one of this authors books.

[Kellie · Rating 1 out of 5]

WORST BOOK EVER!! ONLY BOOK I EVER COULDNT GET THROUGH!!

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

good

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful once you get into it interesting and a insight to indigenous culture and beliefs up against white /western law ans culture

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Australian who loves this country, I found this a enlightening read