Freedom Ride: A Freedom Rider Remembers

by Ann Curthoys

Written by one of the passengers, this book recounts the story of Australia's historic Freedom Ride—the 1965 bus journey of 29 Sydney University students to fight racism. First-person accounts from fellow riders illustrate the challenges along the ride, including confrontations, intense street debates, and physical violence. Included are interviews from local residents, both black and white, who met the bus and struggled with the consequences. Pages from the author’s diary are included.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Australia, Politics

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was amazing for last minute tweaks to my research assignment god bless this book

[Lia Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad I read this. It began with a comprehensive overview of politics in the early 60s, then traced the journey of the original freedom ride and all of the debates, criticism and varied perspectives on the ride. It spent a lot of time assessing reflection and impact of the freedom ride. For me, it was particularly interesting what the response of the Aus National Union of Students was, and Charles Perkins’ view on how it impacted the 1967 referendum. These were only small parts but I find them personally poignant.

[Jennifer Rolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured time and place so well.

[Brad]

An interesting look into what was happening during the 1960s. The ride went around some of NSW to show discrimination against Aboriginal people and there was plenty to be found especially when several towns became very hostile like Walgett and Moree. Ann Curthoys was present on the ride and did mention the conditions on the reserves, missions and shanty towns where Aboriginals lived. They were in 3rd world conditions with no electricity or even running water. The ride bought the issues relating to Aboriginal people to the forefront of the world stage and within Australia as well. Well worth the read. A good books

[Velvetink]

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[Craig Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by a participant turned historian, Freedom Ride tells the story of a bus journey by about 30 Australian students seeking, successfully, to dramatize the treatment of Aborigines in New South Wales. Lots of details concerning the admniistration and participants as well as the key events involving the desegregation of veterans clubs and swimming pools. A largely forgotten, interesting part of the larger Sixties story.

[Anchal Bhatia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very informative read, as I don't know much about Australian History in general. Regardless, I was not a fan of the format and was not as engrossed as I wish I was.