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Spirits of the Ghan
It is 2001 and as the world charges into the new Millennium, a century-old dream is about to be realised in the Red Centre of Australia: the completion of the mighty Ghan railway, a long-lived vision to create the 'backbone of the continent', a line that will finally link Adelaide with the Top End. But construction of the final leg between Alice Springs and Darwin will not be without its complications, for much of the desert it will cross is Aboriginal land.
Hired as a negotiator, Jessica Manning must walk a delicate line to reassure the Elders their sacred sites will be protected. Will her innate understanding of the spiritual landscape, rooted in her own Arunta heritage, win their trust?
It’s not easy to keep the peace when Matthew Witherton and his survey team are quite literally blasting a rail corridor through the timeless land of the Never-Never. When the paths of Jessica and Matthew finally cross, their respective cultures collide to reveal a mystery that demands attention. As they struggle against time to solve the puzzle, an ancient wrong is awakened and calls hauntingly across the vastness of the outback . . .
Hired as a negotiator, Jessica Manning must walk a delicate line to reassure the Elders their sacred sites will be protected. Will her innate understanding of the spiritual landscape, rooted in her own Arunta heritage, win their trust?
It’s not easy to keep the peace when Matthew Witherton and his survey team are quite literally blasting a rail corridor through the timeless land of the Never-Never. When the paths of Jessica and Matthew finally cross, their respective cultures collide to reveal a mystery that demands attention. As they struggle against time to solve the puzzle, an ancient wrong is awakened and calls hauntingly across the vastness of the outback . . .
416 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2015
118 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
About the author
Judy Nunn
48 books349 followersJudy Nunn (born 13 April 1945) is an Australian actress and author.
Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, THE GLITTER GAME, CENTRE STAGE and ARALUEN, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, KAL, BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS, TERRITORY, PACIFIC, HERITAGE and FLOODTIDE confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.
Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, THE GLITTER GAME, CENTRE STAGE and ARALUEN, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, KAL, BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS, TERRITORY, PACIFIC, HERITAGE and FLOODTIDE confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
October 4, 2018
I am in awe when authors perform amazing research to provide readers with fine work. It is evident here Judy Nunn has done a great job in this my first read of hers, I am most late to the party.
This is a book based on the building of the famous Ghan railway, the story spans from the year 2000 back to past Aboriginal times. The author's command of the language and thorough knowledge of Aboriginal culture astounded me and I myself learned a lot.
Jessica is a negotiator ensuring sacred sites are not disturbed during the construction and her story leads back generations.
The author captures the spiritual side amazingly and evoked eerie but beautiful images of the special area called The Northern Territory.
An audio read narrated very well, especially given I would not have been able to pronounce Aboriginal names anywhere near correctly.
This is a book based on the building of the famous Ghan railway, the story spans from the year 2000 back to past Aboriginal times. The author's command of the language and thorough knowledge of Aboriginal culture astounded me and I myself learned a lot.
Jessica is a negotiator ensuring sacred sites are not disturbed during the construction and her story leads back generations.
The author captures the spiritual side amazingly and evoked eerie but beautiful images of the special area called The Northern Territory.
An audio read narrated very well, especially given I would not have been able to pronounce Aboriginal names anywhere near correctly.
November 2, 2015
Jessica Manning would tell people she was “Aboriginal Irish – an exotic mix” with a grin as she quoted her father. Her mother Rose was Aboriginal and father Toby was Irish; the love between the pair was heart-warming to Jess and after her mother’s death, their memories and love for Rose continued unabated. Living in Sydney, Jess studied her heritage at university and when she was hired as an Aboriginal negotiator where she would work with the Elders as the Ghan railway was slowly constructed between Alice Springs and Darwin, her dreams felt like they were coming true.
It had been around a century since the line finished at Alice Springs, and with the usual delays, arguments and discussions, the agreement in 2001 to finally complete the railway to Darwin was a welcome one. But the crossing of Aboriginal land through the Red Centre was fraught with problems – many sacred sites had to be avoided and building the line couldn’t start until the agreements were made. Jess’ heritage was with the Arunta people, and she had such an intense understanding of their culture and all it involved, that it was obvious her spirituality was deeply ingrained within her. She was perfect for the job – was highly respected by both Aboriginal and white people alike.
Matthew Witherton hailed from Adelaide, where he had followed in his father’s footsteps – boss of the survey team which was marking the corridor for the rail line, Matthew was a quietly confident, casual young man who was well-respected by his men. When he and Jess met for the first time, Matthew had no idea of the impact Jess would have in his life. Suddenly the long ago past was confronting him; could Jess help him? Did she understand what was happening? Because Matthew certainly didn’t. The mysterious wrongs of the past needed to be remedied and time was running out…
I absolutely loved Spirits of the Ghan by Aussie author Judy Nunn! She is a wonderful writer; a storyteller who knows how to cast a spell over her readers. The descriptions of the Australian outback, the laying of the now famous Ghan railway line and the country it flows through – all is done so that I felt like I was there. The flies, the heat; I felt it all! Told in two timelines, 1876 and 2001, they came together in a most satisfying way. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Spirits of the Ghan to all.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
It had been around a century since the line finished at Alice Springs, and with the usual delays, arguments and discussions, the agreement in 2001 to finally complete the railway to Darwin was a welcome one. But the crossing of Aboriginal land through the Red Centre was fraught with problems – many sacred sites had to be avoided and building the line couldn’t start until the agreements were made. Jess’ heritage was with the Arunta people, and she had such an intense understanding of their culture and all it involved, that it was obvious her spirituality was deeply ingrained within her. She was perfect for the job – was highly respected by both Aboriginal and white people alike.
Matthew Witherton hailed from Adelaide, where he had followed in his father’s footsteps – boss of the survey team which was marking the corridor for the rail line, Matthew was a quietly confident, casual young man who was well-respected by his men. When he and Jess met for the first time, Matthew had no idea of the impact Jess would have in his life. Suddenly the long ago past was confronting him; could Jess help him? Did she understand what was happening? Because Matthew certainly didn’t. The mysterious wrongs of the past needed to be remedied and time was running out…
I absolutely loved Spirits of the Ghan by Aussie author Judy Nunn! She is a wonderful writer; a storyteller who knows how to cast a spell over her readers. The descriptions of the Australian outback, the laying of the now famous Ghan railway line and the country it flows through – all is done so that I felt like I was there. The flies, the heat; I felt it all! Told in two timelines, 1876 and 2001, they came together in a most satisfying way. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Spirits of the Ghan to all.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
June 9, 2016
My first book of the year - and what a great start - just blew me away!
I felt an immediate connection because I live in the NT and my husband was in one of the many teams of anthropologists that surveyed the railway line, along side local indigenous people, recording sites of significance to the local tribes so the line could be taken around rather than through, or artefacts moved before they were damaged.
Spirits of the Ghan is an amazing story, it spans over 100 years and connects the present with the past. I loved how the past is gradually revealed to the reader, but the present day main characters never find out their connection to the past. Judy Nunn managed to portray Aboriginal life, both in the bush and in the city without placing blame or being judgemental. She also handled the extreme racism against the aboriginal race very well, along with the stealing of Aboriginals babies from their mothers 'to give them a better life.' These issues were not the focus of the story, but were very important back stories.
I especially loved the focus on the spiritualism of the Aboriginal peoples - there are some things that can't be explained, but living in the Territory makes you more aware and accepting of their spirit world and dreaming. I found it perfectly normal for the events that occur to have happened - although I can understand why some may raise a disbelieving eyebrow.
This is my first book by Judy Nunn - and I will certainly read more.
I felt an immediate connection because I live in the NT and my husband was in one of the many teams of anthropologists that surveyed the railway line, along side local indigenous people, recording sites of significance to the local tribes so the line could be taken around rather than through, or artefacts moved before they were damaged.
Spirits of the Ghan is an amazing story, it spans over 100 years and connects the present with the past. I loved how the past is gradually revealed to the reader, but the present day main characters never find out their connection to the past. Judy Nunn managed to portray Aboriginal life, both in the bush and in the city without placing blame or being judgemental. She also handled the extreme racism against the aboriginal race very well, along with the stealing of Aboriginals babies from their mothers 'to give them a better life.' These issues were not the focus of the story, but were very important back stories.
I especially loved the focus on the spiritualism of the Aboriginal peoples - there are some things that can't be explained, but living in the Territory makes you more aware and accepting of their spirit world and dreaming. I found it perfectly normal for the events that occur to have happened - although I can understand why some may raise a disbelieving eyebrow.
This is my first book by Judy Nunn - and I will certainly read more.
February 8, 2016
In writing Spirits of the Ghan Judy Nunn has fashioned a riveting historical fiction around one of Australia's most ambitious enterprises, the construction of The Ghan Railway line which will link Adelaide, near the southern extreme of South Australia, with the Northern Territory at the very top, going straight through the Australian desert...or the Red Centre as it is commonly called due to the deep red colours of its earth.
Aptly dubbed the 'backbone of the continent', the completion of this much envisaged railway link will bring to fruition a century of negotiations and planning between political leaders and the Indigenous land owners, resulting in the successful connection of the north and south of Australia via one continuous railway line. Thus opening up the prospects of enormous opportunities for future trade and commerce and offering local peoples with long term employment opportunities.
The story takes place in Australia between 1876-2001
Gently incorporating historical facts with fictitious scenarios, Judy Nunn introduces us to one extended family of Aboriginies and enlightens her readers with some of the cultural aspects of Australia's Indigenous People, such as their strong family bonds and deep spiritual ties to the land and their ancestors, and the paramount importance of their sacred sites.
In the telling of this construction of the Ghan we also learn about many of the people who are in one way or another affected by this enterprise, building on their fascinating family histories and blended cultures we learn about their involvement through work, and their connections through the generations.
The story lights on the subject of the stolen generation with care and sensitivity, neither highlighting nor glossing over these activities, showing how one particular family was generationally affected by such conducts we can see the ramifications in retrospect.
Judy Nunn has done a magnificent job of recreating a scenario of a story that might otherwise seem uninspiring. I can easily see this becoming a movie.
Every character has been carefully cast in such a way as to paint as believably realistic a portrait of the people and their lives during that place and time, without compromising the integrity of its facts or fictions.
It is refreshing to read such accounts without any political inferences being made either way, allowing the reader to feel for the characters accordingly and to see the circumstances for what they were. With all of its beauty and horror, and spiritual awareness, this is a very good and credible story.
It is sometimes hard to imagine that in 1876, and so far into the Australian outback....or middle of the Central Australian desert, you should find such an eclectic mix of cultures as so many were drawn to different prospects there.
The Ghan is named after the Afghan cameleers who had long since been brought to this country to traverse the vast distances of the Australian desert with their camels, plying their trades and transporting a variety of cargo, including passengers between its destinations.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in highly recommending it for lovers of historical fiction, I give it a well earned 5★s
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.
March 19, 2022
I am a big fan of historical fiction and recently was just introduced to the prodigious Australian author Judy Nunn. Judy has written over 15 novels and kids books, and this 2015 novel tells about the building of The Ghan. The Ghan Is a train line that crosses the continent of Australia, and the book is inspired by a trip that Nunn took on that train. She deals with the central part of this railway which was not built until the 21st century, despite having been laid out years previously.
The name of the railway line and the book is a tribute to the camel herders who brought their camels from Afghan to Australia in the 1800’s, and which animals were used to transport goods and materials used in the construction of the Telegraph services across the country. The railway line was then devised to basically follow the route of the Telegraph lines, sort of like here in the United States where in the western part of the country the Interstate highways follows the railroad track.
This is a book about culture, history, and the aboriginal belief that ancestors can you speak to you in your dreams, or can even invade your thoughts while you are awake. There are many interesting characters in this book, but the two main characters seem to be Jess, a young woman of aboriginal and Irish descent, as well as Matthew a surveyor who was there to work out the final route of the railway lines. Jess had been hired by the government to be an intermediary to the indigenous people because the government wanted to be very surely they were not disturbing any sacred sites during the building of this railway. And it is through this job that Jess meets Matthew. Trust me it's not a love story.
Instead Nunn has given us a fantastic look at certain events that occurred in the 1880s and which resonate even today in the indigenous regions of Australia. Some of the characters which we meet in the early chapters will all be entwined later in the book as we get white settlers, aboriginal natives, Afghan camel herders, and others who will eventually help us discover the secret that the spirits of the past hold in this one small area and which will play havoc with the original path of the railroad. We get to see the prejudice, culture, and history of Australia all woven into this novel, and is a story that is entirely captivating. I found that the plot was believable, the characters are extremely well developed and interesting, and the fact that Nunn was able to keep any sort of romance between Jessica and Matthew out of this book was a big plus for me. Two mates trying to do what's best. We get caught up in the lives of the characters as well as their interactions, and all the while we were also introduced to the history regarding the development of the rail line. In the end you have a much greater understanding as to how this railway was built and the spirits that helped guide the path of the railway. Just an excellent book, well written, fantastically researched and a book that I heartily recommend that you try and find. This book was not available in any of my Free Library services and so I had to buy it, and I'm very happy I did. Not only that I bought three other books by the same author and I cannot wait to begin those. Truly a five star effort and, what makes it even better, it teaches us about a small portion of the history of Australia and its people.
The name of the railway line and the book is a tribute to the camel herders who brought their camels from Afghan to Australia in the 1800’s, and which animals were used to transport goods and materials used in the construction of the Telegraph services across the country. The railway line was then devised to basically follow the route of the Telegraph lines, sort of like here in the United States where in the western part of the country the Interstate highways follows the railroad track.
This is a book about culture, history, and the aboriginal belief that ancestors can you speak to you in your dreams, or can even invade your thoughts while you are awake. There are many interesting characters in this book, but the two main characters seem to be Jess, a young woman of aboriginal and Irish descent, as well as Matthew a surveyor who was there to work out the final route of the railway lines. Jess had been hired by the government to be an intermediary to the indigenous people because the government wanted to be very surely they were not disturbing any sacred sites during the building of this railway. And it is through this job that Jess meets Matthew. Trust me it's not a love story.
Instead Nunn has given us a fantastic look at certain events that occurred in the 1880s and which resonate even today in the indigenous regions of Australia. Some of the characters which we meet in the early chapters will all be entwined later in the book as we get white settlers, aboriginal natives, Afghan camel herders, and others who will eventually help us discover the secret that the spirits of the past hold in this one small area and which will play havoc with the original path of the railroad. We get to see the prejudice, culture, and history of Australia all woven into this novel, and is a story that is entirely captivating. I found that the plot was believable, the characters are extremely well developed and interesting, and the fact that Nunn was able to keep any sort of romance between Jessica and Matthew out of this book was a big plus for me. Two mates trying to do what's best. We get caught up in the lives of the characters as well as their interactions, and all the while we were also introduced to the history regarding the development of the rail line. In the end you have a much greater understanding as to how this railway was built and the spirits that helped guide the path of the railway. Just an excellent book, well written, fantastically researched and a book that I heartily recommend that you try and find. This book was not available in any of my Free Library services and so I had to buy it, and I'm very happy I did. Not only that I bought three other books by the same author and I cannot wait to begin those. Truly a five star effort and, what makes it even better, it teaches us about a small portion of the history of Australia and its people.
November 1, 2016
3.5 ★ s
Nunn is a competent, rather plain writer, whose words serve the story OK, but she’s rarely lyrical or poetic. However, her unadorned style makes for easily accessible prose. Spirits of the Ghan is a well-written, straight-forward novel which entertained and held my attention throughout.
I loved the portrayal of the women in this book. Rose, the Arunta woman with a confidence crisis, whose tragic end leaves her brilliant daughter Jessie without a mum. Lilian Birch and her Russian mother Svetlana Bircher, such colourful, brainy, strong, verbal women with talent. Aunty May, Rose’s older sister, a wise woman and leader of her community.
Jess, the main female protagonist, is a remarkable young woman who manages to bestride white and black cultures with ease. She has been richly served by her late mother Rose, in teaching her the native dialect of her ancestors, the Western Arunta, and also giving her a love of music and story, plus an understanding of the importance of kinship and respect.
Another charming aspect of the story is the affectionate portrayal of the working men on the Ghan project, Gav, Pottsy, Fitzy and others. Although minor characters, their qualities add a rich element to the story, including some Aussie male outback humour.
Personally I felt a bit uneasy about the paranormal effects experienced at the sacred site and other associated places. However, I respect the beliefs and views of other readers, for whom these elements might resonate. I’m a genuine sceptic, but I think Nunn handled those scenes well, because I was happy to keep reading, rather than dismissing those paragraphs where Matthew and others felt the presence of those beyond the present time. To me this is the sign of an experienced author in charge of her subject matter.
Nunn is a competent, rather plain writer, whose words serve the story OK, but she’s rarely lyrical or poetic. However, her unadorned style makes for easily accessible prose. Spirits of the Ghan is a well-written, straight-forward novel which entertained and held my attention throughout.
I loved the portrayal of the women in this book. Rose, the Arunta woman with a confidence crisis, whose tragic end leaves her brilliant daughter Jessie without a mum. Lilian Birch and her Russian mother Svetlana Bircher, such colourful, brainy, strong, verbal women with talent. Aunty May, Rose’s older sister, a wise woman and leader of her community.
Jess, the main female protagonist, is a remarkable young woman who manages to bestride white and black cultures with ease. She has been richly served by her late mother Rose, in teaching her the native dialect of her ancestors, the Western Arunta, and also giving her a love of music and story, plus an understanding of the importance of kinship and respect.
Another charming aspect of the story is the affectionate portrayal of the working men on the Ghan project, Gav, Pottsy, Fitzy and others. Although minor characters, their qualities add a rich element to the story, including some Aussie male outback humour.
Personally I felt a bit uneasy about the paranormal effects experienced at the sacred site and other associated places. However, I respect the beliefs and views of other readers, for whom these elements might resonate. I’m a genuine sceptic, but I think Nunn handled those scenes well, because I was happy to keep reading, rather than dismissing those paragraphs where Matthew and others felt the presence of those beyond the present time. To me this is the sign of an experienced author in charge of her subject matter.
September 23, 2017
4.5★
Aboriginal girl from Redfern searches for mum’s family in the Red Centre and meets sensitive Adelaide surveyor working on the famous Ghan railway.
Sounds like a blurb for an airport pot-boiler, doesn’t it? On the contrary, this engaging, interesting novel runs from the 1800s to today and spreads across the continent from isolated parts of the Northern Territory to metropolitan capital cities.
Central Australia has always been sparsely populated, but many cultures have found their way there and into these stories. The author has sensitively woven history, Aboriginal spiritualism, and a personal search for identity around an iconic national engineering project.
The book opens in 1876 with a tragedy which is to have repercussions beyond what anyone could have imagined.
Chapters alternate between generations and groups—Indigenous families, colonial pastoralists, Afghan cameleers, academics, jazz musicians, art snobs. The author’s research and tale-telling covers a lot of territory (no pun intended) as well as outback history.
Our main interests are Jess, the young Aboriginal researcher, and Matt, the Adelaide surveyor mentioned earlier.
Jess’s mum, Rose, was born in Hermannsberg, in the Northern Territory, and taken from her family when she was only 6 years old to be trained as a domestic on a big property. The phrase ‘Stolen Generation’ isn’t used, but she certainly belonged to it.
“They talked together in Arunta.
“‘I was taken from my family when I was six years old,’ she said. ‘I was the youngest. I had two brothers and a sister, May. I don’t really remember my brothers. They didn’t take much interest in me; I was too little. But I remember May –we played together. I remember Mum screaming when they took me too. Screaming her lungs out, she was. Didn’t do her any good. They took me off to the cattle station and I never saw her again. I was brought up by the whitefellas there.'”
Jess’s dad, Toby, is an Irish muso, as Jess describes him. He’s a popular, well-regarded sound engineer, and he and Rose raise Jess in Redfern, surrounded by jazz and the urban Aboriginal culture of the Block.
Rose has ended up a long way from home with Toby, the love of her life, but ‘home’ continues to call her so strongly that Jess resolves to work hard in school and get herself to uni to learn as much as she can about her mum’s heritage and family.
Matt’s mother, on the other hand, is flamboyant, world-famous artist Lilian Birch, renowned for her paintings of the desert country, while his father is a low-key government surveyor who loves working in the remote outback.
Opposites who attracted.
Throw in Lilian’s Russian mother, and you get an idea of how varied these characters are.
The spirit of the centre is what draws them together, the ancient culture, the history and mystery of the people and their ghosts—and finally, the challenges these all bring to completing Australia’s famous south-north railway, the mighty Ghan.
Recommended! Both the book and the Ghan!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy. The book is to be published in November.
Aboriginal girl from Redfern searches for mum’s family in the Red Centre and meets sensitive Adelaide surveyor working on the famous Ghan railway.
Sounds like a blurb for an airport pot-boiler, doesn’t it? On the contrary, this engaging, interesting novel runs from the 1800s to today and spreads across the continent from isolated parts of the Northern Territory to metropolitan capital cities.
Central Australia has always been sparsely populated, but many cultures have found their way there and into these stories. The author has sensitively woven history, Aboriginal spiritualism, and a personal search for identity around an iconic national engineering project.
The book opens in 1876 with a tragedy which is to have repercussions beyond what anyone could have imagined.
Chapters alternate between generations and groups—Indigenous families, colonial pastoralists, Afghan cameleers, academics, jazz musicians, art snobs. The author’s research and tale-telling covers a lot of territory (no pun intended) as well as outback history.
Our main interests are Jess, the young Aboriginal researcher, and Matt, the Adelaide surveyor mentioned earlier.
Jess’s mum, Rose, was born in Hermannsberg, in the Northern Territory, and taken from her family when she was only 6 years old to be trained as a domestic on a big property. The phrase ‘Stolen Generation’ isn’t used, but she certainly belonged to it.
“They talked together in Arunta.
“‘I was taken from my family when I was six years old,’ she said. ‘I was the youngest. I had two brothers and a sister, May. I don’t really remember my brothers. They didn’t take much interest in me; I was too little. But I remember May –we played together. I remember Mum screaming when they took me too. Screaming her lungs out, she was. Didn’t do her any good. They took me off to the cattle station and I never saw her again. I was brought up by the whitefellas there.'”
Jess’s dad, Toby, is an Irish muso, as Jess describes him. He’s a popular, well-regarded sound engineer, and he and Rose raise Jess in Redfern, surrounded by jazz and the urban Aboriginal culture of the Block.
Rose has ended up a long way from home with Toby, the love of her life, but ‘home’ continues to call her so strongly that Jess resolves to work hard in school and get herself to uni to learn as much as she can about her mum’s heritage and family.
Matt’s mother, on the other hand, is flamboyant, world-famous artist Lilian Birch, renowned for her paintings of the desert country, while his father is a low-key government surveyor who loves working in the remote outback.
Opposites who attracted.
Throw in Lilian’s Russian mother, and you get an idea of how varied these characters are.
The spirit of the centre is what draws them together, the ancient culture, the history and mystery of the people and their ghosts—and finally, the challenges these all bring to completing Australia’s famous south-north railway, the mighty Ghan.
Recommended! Both the book and the Ghan!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy. The book is to be published in November.
June 7, 2018
The story begins with a prologue set in 1876, before moving forward in time where we meet Toby Manning and his daughter Jessica. Toby always told Jessica she was, ’Aboriginal Irish. An exotic mix. A mix of the Dreamtime and the blarney.’ Although her mother, Rose, had taught her the Western Arunta language, Jess knew little else about her mother’s people. At university she begins to learn more through her Anthropology major and study of Indigenous languages, primarily those of the central desert people her mother came from. Given her background Jess is hired to work with the elders as an Aboriginal negotiator, as the Ghan railway is planned and constructed between Alice Springs and Darwin. Matthew Witherton is the Master Surveyor of the team designated to work on this project. When he first meets Jess he has no idea of the changes she will make in his life as he seeks to unravel some troubling dreams.
Initially it seems there are several distinct threads running through this story and it takes a while before they all tie together. But in time they do. The characters are all interesting and the setting is portrayed in such a way as you can almost taste the red dust and feel the heat of the Australian interior. For someone who has never been to this part of our great country, it certainly gave me the feeling of the place. The story covers issues of racism which are handled honestly and sensitively while showing some not so flattering pictures of Australia’s past. However, the reader also sees the other side and the acceptance of different people and their culture and beliefs.
I am one who will rarely read a book by celebrity but so many of my friends here on Goodreads have raved about Judy Nunn’s books that I had to give Judy Nunn a try. When I saw this one I had to pick it up. It is well reached and with diverse characters and I learned a bit about Aboriginal culture. It was an interesting read, although at times it did seem to bog down a little with too much information. However, I was very glad in the end that I had chosen to read it and would recommend it to anyone who loves Aussie fiction with a historical basis. There is a sense of things that cannot be explained, as well as more than one romance in this book. In other words, lots of things to keep a reader interested. A good read.
Initially it seems there are several distinct threads running through this story and it takes a while before they all tie together. But in time they do. The characters are all interesting and the setting is portrayed in such a way as you can almost taste the red dust and feel the heat of the Australian interior. For someone who has never been to this part of our great country, it certainly gave me the feeling of the place. The story covers issues of racism which are handled honestly and sensitively while showing some not so flattering pictures of Australia’s past. However, the reader also sees the other side and the acceptance of different people and their culture and beliefs.
I am one who will rarely read a book by celebrity but so many of my friends here on Goodreads have raved about Judy Nunn’s books that I had to give Judy Nunn a try. When I saw this one I had to pick it up. It is well reached and with diverse characters and I learned a bit about Aboriginal culture. It was an interesting read, although at times it did seem to bog down a little with too much information. However, I was very glad in the end that I had chosen to read it and would recommend it to anyone who loves Aussie fiction with a historical basis. There is a sense of things that cannot be explained, as well as more than one romance in this book. In other words, lots of things to keep a reader interested. A good read.
January 19, 2018
Spirits Of The Ghan is a lovely family saga set in Central Australia over a decade. Jessica Manning's mother was one of the stolen generations after the ending of her marriage decide to go live with her mothers family in Alice Springs. Jessica Manning found a job with the local Land Councils as a negotiator to protected sacred sites during the building of The Ghan. Matthew Witherton is in charge of the survey team and did not know about his aboriginal heritage. The readers of Spirits Of The Ghan will follow Jessica and Matthew to see what happens.
I enjoyed reading Spirits Of The Ghan. I love the way, Judy Nunn combines the historical and the modern plots of Spirits Of The Ghan with the fantastic twist at the end of this book that readers will not expect. I like Judy Nunn portrayals of her characters and the way she intertwined then with each other. Judy Nunn engaged me with the plot of Spirits Of The Ghan from the first page. Judy Nunn did a fantastic job of describing her setting of Spirits Of The Ghan which ensure that her readers feel like they are a character in the book.
The readers of Spirits Of The Ghan will learn about problems that Aboriginal children had when taken from the families. Also, how it affected them in later life.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading Spirits Of The Ghan. I love the way, Judy Nunn combines the historical and the modern plots of Spirits Of The Ghan with the fantastic twist at the end of this book that readers will not expect. I like Judy Nunn portrayals of her characters and the way she intertwined then with each other. Judy Nunn engaged me with the plot of Spirits Of The Ghan from the first page. Judy Nunn did a fantastic job of describing her setting of Spirits Of The Ghan which ensure that her readers feel like they are a character in the book.
The readers of Spirits Of The Ghan will learn about problems that Aboriginal children had when taken from the families. Also, how it affected them in later life.
I recommend this book.
May 15, 2016
Judy Nunn has created a masterful tale weaving many strands past and present into this story of the building of the Ghan, the railway through the heart of Australia connecting Adelaide to Darwin. Through the stories and histories of anthropologist Jessica Manning, part Aboriginal, part Irish and surveyor Matt Witherington, wealthy son of an artist, she tells the story of the Australian centre. Starting with a young girl lost in the outback in 1876, she moves through to 2001 and the building of the railway along the way encompassing stories of the indigenous people of the region, the white settlers and telegraph linesmen who maintained the telegraph lines and the Afghan camel trains who brought much needed supplies to the outback and for whom the Ghan was named. Along the way she gently touches on cultural sensitivity for the sacred Aboriginal sites and the theory of "biological absorption" of the indigenous people leading to a stolen generation of Aboriginal children.
This was a very enjoyable story by a consummate story teller. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to know more of the history of Australia. 4.5★
This was a very enjoyable story by a consummate story teller. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to know more of the history of Australia. 4.5★
November 8, 2017
Compelling, sad, tragic, poignant, historical record of a time gone by and how it impacts on current day.
A love story of land and people. Cultures and beliefs and customs. An indepth look at humanity and morality which leaves both sour and good feelings in the pit of the stomach. Very well researched.
Plainly written but so clearly you can picture the people in your mind's eye so very well. It combines tales of colonisation, settlers, First Nations people and Afghan traders across two time periods looking at how ancestry and may impact who we are today. And how the decisions of some can affect the lives of many.
Wish I hadn't put it down when I originally began it last holiday. I picked it up again two days ago then when couldn't sleep last night got up and read 3/4 of it reading right to the end. It's been a very long time since I have seen the sun rise as I finished a book.
A book to read again and mull over many times.
A love story of land and people. Cultures and beliefs and customs. An indepth look at humanity and morality which leaves both sour and good feelings in the pit of the stomach. Very well researched.
Plainly written but so clearly you can picture the people in your mind's eye so very well. It combines tales of colonisation, settlers, First Nations people and Afghan traders across two time periods looking at how ancestry and may impact who we are today. And how the decisions of some can affect the lives of many.
Wish I hadn't put it down when I originally began it last holiday. I picked it up again two days ago then when couldn't sleep last night got up and read 3/4 of it reading right to the end. It's been a very long time since I have seen the sun rise as I finished a book.
A book to read again and mull over many times.
June 15, 2017
I am a tiny bit conflicted by this book. The back story built up for every single character, no matter how minor was actually a brilliant touch, and allowed me to really connect with the major (and not so major) characters, and feel a part of the story. The overarching story line was well hidden, and came together beautifully, but I think the resolution was a little too telegraphed.
March 11, 2017
I enjoyed this, and learnt some things along the way! I hadn’t realised that the full Ghan railway hadn’t run all the way through from Adelaide to Darwin until the 21st century! I also hadn’t thought about what was involved in bringing the project about - the blasting through rock, the negotiations with Aboriginal elders, the remoteness from major centres…
Like my first Judy Nunn (Elianne), this was an interesting read. I read a Q&A with Judy Nunn on her website where she said that taking a train journey on the Ghan piqued her interest in writing about it, but I’m not sure how she got the idea to include the spirits of Aboriginal ancestors. In her Q&A she said that she wanted to make people think about what they believe about an afterlife. As a Christian, I definitely believe in an afterlife, but I’ve never had the experiences that Jess or Matt encounter. But perhaps as a product of Western civilisation (even growing up in a Christian environment), I am just less attuned to the spirit world than our Indigenous people, or even than people working in the outback environment.
ETA: I'm going to bump this one up to 4.5★, since I'm still thinking about it!
Like my first Judy Nunn (Elianne), this was an interesting read. I read a Q&A with Judy Nunn on her website where she said that taking a train journey on the Ghan piqued her interest in writing about it, but I’m not sure how she got the idea to include the spirits of Aboriginal ancestors. In her Q&A she said that she wanted to make people think about what they believe about an afterlife. As a Christian, I definitely believe in an afterlife, but I’ve never had the experiences that Jess or Matt encounter. But perhaps as a product of Western civilisation (even growing up in a Christian environment), I am just less attuned to the spirit world than our Indigenous people, or even than people working in the outback environment.
ETA: I'm going to bump this one up to 4.5★, since I'm still thinking about it!
October 26, 2015
3 1/2 - 4 stars
My View:
Australia has some great female authors and Judy Nunn is at the top of her field. Judy Nunn has a huge following and it is not difficult to understand why; her style of combining histories and the personal story are very affective. The narratives here share fictionalised historical based events of Australia’s colonial history and a fictionalised personal story of a child of The Stolen Generation (Rose’s story). The echoes of these stories impact and effect the contemporary narrative and the lives of the characters building the renowned remote railway track known as The Ghan Railway.
I enjoyed this style of writing, the histories, the settings, the characters. And even more I loved the spiritual element that plays a significant part in this narrative. I think this novel will play an important part in reintroducing the topic of the Stolen Generation to many readers. Judy Nunn introduces this emotional subject in her novel by the way of a very personal history; Rose’s experiences demonstrates the consequences of this policy. You cannot help but empathise with the plight of the individual and the generation affected. Kudos to Judy Nunn for tackling such a difficult issue and highlighting the damage that this policy continues to affect.
A combination of history, the personal, the outback and the mystical combine to make this an enjoyable and thought provoking read.
My View:
Australia has some great female authors and Judy Nunn is at the top of her field. Judy Nunn has a huge following and it is not difficult to understand why; her style of combining histories and the personal story are very affective. The narratives here share fictionalised historical based events of Australia’s colonial history and a fictionalised personal story of a child of The Stolen Generation (Rose’s story). The echoes of these stories impact and effect the contemporary narrative and the lives of the characters building the renowned remote railway track known as The Ghan Railway.
I enjoyed this style of writing, the histories, the settings, the characters. And even more I loved the spiritual element that plays a significant part in this narrative. I think this novel will play an important part in reintroducing the topic of the Stolen Generation to many readers. Judy Nunn introduces this emotional subject in her novel by the way of a very personal history; Rose’s experiences demonstrates the consequences of this policy. You cannot help but empathise with the plight of the individual and the generation affected. Kudos to Judy Nunn for tackling such a difficult issue and highlighting the damage that this policy continues to affect.
A combination of history, the personal, the outback and the mystical combine to make this an enjoyable and thought provoking read.
January 18, 2016
This is the first book I've read by Judy Nunn, my mum recommended it to me.
I really enjoyed this story. It jumped between the 1870s and early 2000s along with stories of the main characters parents. It was an interesting story and the way the different, seemingly unrelated stories wound together to create the story.
A good Aussie story set in the Northern Territory.
I really enjoyed this story. It jumped between the 1870s and early 2000s along with stories of the main characters parents. It was an interesting story and the way the different, seemingly unrelated stories wound together to create the story.
A good Aussie story set in the Northern Territory.
August 18, 2022
Not enough Ghan
December 23, 2024
Superb book, such a wonderful rich tapestry intertwining the different aspects of the story. The delight of being taken on the journey of this book so wonderfully told through a layer of our history. The story was complex, brought together with characters who were developed as part of the growth of the story. Loved every minute of reading this.
December 27, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
It is 2001 and as the world charges into the new Millennium, a century-old dream is about to be realised in the Red Centre of Australia: the completion of the mighty Ghan railway, a long-lived vision to create the 'backbone of the continent', a line that will finally link Adelaide with the Top End. But construction of the final leg between Alice Springs and Darwin will not be without its complications, for much of the desert it will cross is Aboriginal land. Hired as a negotiator, Jessica Manning must walk a delicate line to reassure the Elders their sacred sites will be protected. Will her innate understanding of the spiritual landscape, rooted in her own Arunta heritage, win their trust? It's not easy to keep the peace when Matthew Witherton and his survey team are quite literally blasting a rail corridor through the timeless land of the Never-Never. Wen the paths of Jessica and Matthew finally cross, their respective cultures collide to reveal a mystery that demands attention. As they struggle against time to solve the puzzle, an ancient wrong is awakened and calls hauntingly across the vastness of the outback...
*2.5 stars*
Oh, I am so disappointed with this book. I had had such high hopes for it - so many people had told me to keep an eye out for it, that it was going to be something special...and a lot of the reviews on Goodreads and other places looked great...
But for me, it just wasn't.
Look, there were some really good aspects to this book: the research involved to tell this story must have been immense. The knowledge of the impositions placed on Aboriginal people during the construction of the railway; the history of the peoples themselves and their connection to the land; the work that went into the planning and construction...that was all very good, and I appreciated it a lot.
But, when it came to putting it all together, it just fell flat for me. The MC's - Jessica and Matthew - weren't very interesting to me, a didn't develop a connection to either of them. The dialogue was pretty plain as well - at times, I felt like I was reading a book from a debut author who hadn't found their groove, not an author who has more than a dozen novels to her name...
Sadly, this book didn't grab as I had hoped...
Paul
ARH
It is 2001 and as the world charges into the new Millennium, a century-old dream is about to be realised in the Red Centre of Australia: the completion of the mighty Ghan railway, a long-lived vision to create the 'backbone of the continent', a line that will finally link Adelaide with the Top End. But construction of the final leg between Alice Springs and Darwin will not be without its complications, for much of the desert it will cross is Aboriginal land. Hired as a negotiator, Jessica Manning must walk a delicate line to reassure the Elders their sacred sites will be protected. Will her innate understanding of the spiritual landscape, rooted in her own Arunta heritage, win their trust? It's not easy to keep the peace when Matthew Witherton and his survey team are quite literally blasting a rail corridor through the timeless land of the Never-Never. Wen the paths of Jessica and Matthew finally cross, their respective cultures collide to reveal a mystery that demands attention. As they struggle against time to solve the puzzle, an ancient wrong is awakened and calls hauntingly across the vastness of the outback...
*2.5 stars*
Oh, I am so disappointed with this book. I had had such high hopes for it - so many people had told me to keep an eye out for it, that it was going to be something special...and a lot of the reviews on Goodreads and other places looked great...
But for me, it just wasn't.
Look, there were some really good aspects to this book: the research involved to tell this story must have been immense. The knowledge of the impositions placed on Aboriginal people during the construction of the railway; the history of the peoples themselves and their connection to the land; the work that went into the planning and construction...that was all very good, and I appreciated it a lot.
But, when it came to putting it all together, it just fell flat for me. The MC's - Jessica and Matthew - weren't very interesting to me, a didn't develop a connection to either of them. The dialogue was pretty plain as well - at times, I felt like I was reading a book from a debut author who hadn't found their groove, not an author who has more than a dozen novels to her name...
Sadly, this book didn't grab as I had hoped...
Paul
ARH
October 26, 2015
I've never read any of Judy Nunn's previous books, so when I saw her newest for review on Netgalley, I jumped at the chance.
This story is told from a number of different time lines... the previous ancestors stories, to the present day characters of Jesse and Matt, they all have an important part to play and this is all set up in the first half of the book. While it jumped between different story lines and did I find it effortless to read, I was never fully engaged with the characters during this phase. Sometimes I felt I was just being told the story, where as I like to feel part of it.
This changed however in the second half of the book, when I reached Jess and Matt's story about the Ghan that I became totally immersed. This is where I felt part of the story and I couldn't put it down. I can't describe if it was a different way of narration or the story itself as it didn't jump back and forth so much but I was transfixed by it and I loved the way it all came together for a very satisfying read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to finally read one of Judy Nunn's books, not that I hadn't come across them before, it just made me actually sit down and read one!
I now know not to bypass them in future.
This story is told from a number of different time lines... the previous ancestors stories, to the present day characters of Jesse and Matt, they all have an important part to play and this is all set up in the first half of the book. While it jumped between different story lines and did I find it effortless to read, I was never fully engaged with the characters during this phase. Sometimes I felt I was just being told the story, where as I like to feel part of it.
This changed however in the second half of the book, when I reached Jess and Matt's story about the Ghan that I became totally immersed. This is where I felt part of the story and I couldn't put it down. I can't describe if it was a different way of narration or the story itself as it didn't jump back and forth so much but I was transfixed by it and I loved the way it all came together for a very satisfying read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to finally read one of Judy Nunn's books, not that I hadn't come across them before, it just made me actually sit down and read one!
I now know not to bypass them in future.
January 15, 2019
Easy read, but very heavy handed and I got pretty bored about halfway through. I'm guessing I'm not her prime audience.
February 4, 2024
I love it when a new book comes my way by a serendipitous route. This one was a present from my daughter’s mother-in-law, with us for a short while over the Xmas period. She’d finished it so handed it to me rather than take it back on that long flight to Tasmania.
It’s an absorbing read and there are elements some will undoubtedly find difficult. Essentially, this is a saga, but it is deeply soaked in symbolism and carries the theme of connections to an elevated level. Ostensibly, the book is about the creation of a railway line from Adelaide to Darwin, Australia. But it is so much more than this. It is a romance, a history, an adventure. It is also an examination of the prejudices, injustices, violence, and brutality that has bedevilled the indigenous aboriginal peoples of this extraordinary land ever since the first transported convict was shipped there with his authoritarian overseers.
The relationship between those who had occupied the land for over 40,000 years and the newcomers determined to claim the place as their own was always difficult. Religion, culture, western versions of civilisation, and the toxic mix of power and profit, together condemned both aboriginals and settlers to the most uneasy cohabitation. That those first immigrants were mostly convicted criminals (many of whom had been sentenced for the most trivial misdemeanours) led by men who sought power, control, and personal elevation, set the tone for an invasion that was never likely to create harmony.
There is a thread of romance running through the book that lifts it above the general background of injustice. I found the introduction of new characters a little unsettling the first time I encountered it, but it was quickly clear that the author was employing a necessary device to incorporate the theme of connections. Once I understood that link, I found the book totally absorbing. Only the vagaries of post-Xmas life and various other essential calls on my time prevented me reading this story at a single sitting. Certainly, it is a page-turner.
The characters, diverse, richly depicted, and so true to life, were easy to understand and empathise with, even those who acted despicably. People have reasons for their cruelty, lack of understanding, prejudices, ignorance, and moods, and here I encountered no character I found without enough background to bring them to life on the page.
For me, this book also cast light on a mystery that had plagued me for all the years I’ve been an atheist. I won’t explain that here, as it is an integral aspect of the denouement and I’ve no wish to spoil the journey for other readers. Those with insight will probably feel that moment of enlightenment in the same way I did. It illuminated my view of certain beliefs in an unexpected way that allows me now to see how some basic creation stories may have come about in truth long before those who distorted them for personal power and control did their uncaring damage.
I found the novel fascinating, engaging, sometimes difficult, illuminating, humorous, and moving. I have no hesitation in recommending it to all who read above the level of superficiality.
It’s an absorbing read and there are elements some will undoubtedly find difficult. Essentially, this is a saga, but it is deeply soaked in symbolism and carries the theme of connections to an elevated level. Ostensibly, the book is about the creation of a railway line from Adelaide to Darwin, Australia. But it is so much more than this. It is a romance, a history, an adventure. It is also an examination of the prejudices, injustices, violence, and brutality that has bedevilled the indigenous aboriginal peoples of this extraordinary land ever since the first transported convict was shipped there with his authoritarian overseers.
The relationship between those who had occupied the land for over 40,000 years and the newcomers determined to claim the place as their own was always difficult. Religion, culture, western versions of civilisation, and the toxic mix of power and profit, together condemned both aboriginals and settlers to the most uneasy cohabitation. That those first immigrants were mostly convicted criminals (many of whom had been sentenced for the most trivial misdemeanours) led by men who sought power, control, and personal elevation, set the tone for an invasion that was never likely to create harmony.
There is a thread of romance running through the book that lifts it above the general background of injustice. I found the introduction of new characters a little unsettling the first time I encountered it, but it was quickly clear that the author was employing a necessary device to incorporate the theme of connections. Once I understood that link, I found the book totally absorbing. Only the vagaries of post-Xmas life and various other essential calls on my time prevented me reading this story at a single sitting. Certainly, it is a page-turner.
The characters, diverse, richly depicted, and so true to life, were easy to understand and empathise with, even those who acted despicably. People have reasons for their cruelty, lack of understanding, prejudices, ignorance, and moods, and here I encountered no character I found without enough background to bring them to life on the page.
For me, this book also cast light on a mystery that had plagued me for all the years I’ve been an atheist. I won’t explain that here, as it is an integral aspect of the denouement and I’ve no wish to spoil the journey for other readers. Those with insight will probably feel that moment of enlightenment in the same way I did. It illuminated my view of certain beliefs in an unexpected way that allows me now to see how some basic creation stories may have come about in truth long before those who distorted them for personal power and control did their uncaring damage.
I found the novel fascinating, engaging, sometimes difficult, illuminating, humorous, and moving. I have no hesitation in recommending it to all who read above the level of superficiality.
December 29, 2020
I love an epic saga and was completely here for this one. It gave me all the feels!! I can’t wait to get myself to the red centre now to see for myself ‘the light so vibrant’ and ‘feel the land breathe’. I didn’t even know the Ghan railway wasn’t completed until 2001. I loved this sensitive insight into the First Nations culture; the insight I’ve gained into the Dreaming. Loved that it didn’t shy away from the ugliness of colonialism
. A great holiday read and more x
. A great holiday read and more x
June 29, 2025
2.5 ⭐️s
I usually love Judy Nunn’s books but this was not a fave. Lacked excitement, hard to follow, went on and on about the superstition of sacred sites, too heavy handed, and not enough about the Ghan which was really disappointing.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by Katie Beckett
Duration: 14 hrs, 59 min. 1.25x Speed
I usually love Judy Nunn’s books but this was not a fave. Lacked excitement, hard to follow, went on and on about the superstition of sacred sites, too heavy handed, and not enough about the Ghan which was really disappointing.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by Katie Beckett
Duration: 14 hrs, 59 min. 1.25x Speed
October 6, 2015
It is 2001 and as the world charges into the new Millennium, a century-old dream is about to be realised in the Red Centre of Australia: the completion of the mighty Ghan railway, a long-lived vision to create the 'backbone of the continent', a line that will finally link Adelaide with the Top End.
Well I just finished Spirits of the Ghan by Judy Nunn; due out the end of October 2015. I was lucky enough received access to a pre-publication ebook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
And I absolutely love it! Spirits of the Ghan is the first book I have read by Judy and it definitely won’t be my last.
I know it sounds cliché but from the very first page I was hooked. I wanted to keep reading and that didn’t change throughout the whole book.
Spirits of the Ghan has everything a great read needs; an intriguing storyline, interesting characters, history, culture, friendship, family, heartbreak and a little romance.
I loved the fact that throughout the book it was told from the points of view of different characters. This allowed me to get to know and love each character and become engrossed in their story.
I was enjoying the book so much and was worried the end half of the book would let me down; but it didn’t. I thoroughly enjoyed the story right to the very end and couldn’t have asked for a better way for the book to be wrapped up.
Two days after I finished the book I find myself still thinking about it.
Well I just finished Spirits of the Ghan by Judy Nunn; due out the end of October 2015. I was lucky enough received access to a pre-publication ebook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
And I absolutely love it! Spirits of the Ghan is the first book I have read by Judy and it definitely won’t be my last.
I know it sounds cliché but from the very first page I was hooked. I wanted to keep reading and that didn’t change throughout the whole book.
Spirits of the Ghan has everything a great read needs; an intriguing storyline, interesting characters, history, culture, friendship, family, heartbreak and a little romance.
I loved the fact that throughout the book it was told from the points of view of different characters. This allowed me to get to know and love each character and become engrossed in their story.
I was enjoying the book so much and was worried the end half of the book would let me down; but it didn’t. I thoroughly enjoyed the story right to the very end and couldn’t have asked for a better way for the book to be wrapped up.
Two days after I finished the book I find myself still thinking about it.
October 19, 2015
I was wandering through my library the other day and noticed a brochure that said Judy Nunn would be visiting during her book tour to promote Spirits of the Ghan. I had read her book called Territory just before I moved to the Northern Territory and was excited to hear she had another book about the Northern territory coming out. I had a sneaky peek in NetGalley and got myself a copy.
Spirits of the Ghan is fantastic Australian fiction, spanning the generations and melding historical fiction with contemporary fiction. It gave a wonderful insight into aboriginal life, both in the outback and in the city. The spirituality of the aboriginal people gave the book a magical realism feel. The severe racism against the aboriginal people in the 1800's and the stolen generation of the 1960's were explored.
I was excited to see the town I live in mentioned early on in the book. I'm looking forward to meeting Judy in that particular town next week.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Spirits of the Ghan is fantastic Australian fiction, spanning the generations and melding historical fiction with contemporary fiction. It gave a wonderful insight into aboriginal life, both in the outback and in the city. The spirituality of the aboriginal people gave the book a magical realism feel. The severe racism against the aboriginal people in the 1800's and the stolen generation of the 1960's were explored.
I was excited to see the town I live in mentioned early on in the book. I'm looking forward to meeting Judy in that particular town next week.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2016
my first Judy Nunn and I fell in love with her descriptive and historical text. Am definitely a fan and looking to read others from this fine author.
June 20, 2019
Well researched with regards to both the Ghan and the local Aboriginal culture, however I found the story slow and quite a bit of unnecessary "filling".
September 10, 2019
Judy Nunn is indeed a good storyteller. This is the first of her books I have read and it was a terrific read. I especially enjoyed the Ghan setting and the links across time.
All the central characters are sympathetically and tolerantly portrayed. In the background there are people who succumb to drink, drugs and violence but those we care about are psychologically sympathetic.
My discomfort comes from the neatness of the outcomes .The proposition that the spirits and the descendants of the victims of past evil can heal the wrongs without exposing the evil. I like happy endings with a sense of karma, but in this case, for these descendants, all might be well that ends well, but not for those slaughtered and abused along the way.
It is an ambitious, well researched and engaging story with much to help us understand something of Aboriginal experience and our colonial history. That’s necessary, but not sufficient.
All the central characters are sympathetically and tolerantly portrayed. In the background there are people who succumb to drink, drugs and violence but those we care about are psychologically sympathetic.
My discomfort comes from the neatness of the outcomes .The proposition that the spirits and the descendants of the victims of past evil can heal the wrongs without exposing the evil. I like happy endings with a sense of karma, but in this case, for these descendants, all might be well that ends well, but not for those slaughtered and abused along the way.
It is an ambitious, well researched and engaging story with much to help us understand something of Aboriginal experience and our colonial history. That’s necessary, but not sufficient.
March 12, 2023
I really wanted to love this book, I really did. It had such amazing reviews and so many copies sold World wide. But although I enjoyed it, I didn’t love it. It wouldn’t be a book that I would reread over and over again.
I was intrigued by the Australian History. The backstory of the Ghan, the politics, the aboriginal heritage, the sacred places. The little tidbits of stories within stories to culminate the ending. But I found it a little lacklustre, there was so much more which could have been done. Australia has such a rich history, and although some of it is heart breaking, this story really could have done with a deeper dive into that history.
I was rather disappointed.
I was intrigued by the Australian History. The backstory of the Ghan, the politics, the aboriginal heritage, the sacred places. The little tidbits of stories within stories to culminate the ending. But I found it a little lacklustre, there was so much more which could have been done. Australia has such a rich history, and although some of it is heart breaking, this story really could have done with a deeper dive into that history.
I was rather disappointed.
February 21, 2020
This book about story of Alice Springs that how the railway was built by three generations. So much knowledge of outback , desert, Sad story. Sometime is was difficult to read cause author mentioned many family' s life. Ending part was great.
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