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A Point in Time #6
Alison's Conviction
A young autistic woman finds her voice and a path toward justice in this uplifting short story about the power of family history by Thomas Keneally, award-winning author of Schindler’s List.
When Alison Strange receives a debt claim she can’t afford to pay from the Australian government’s unemployment office, she’s caught completely off-balance. As she wrestles with a slippery bureaucracy, her history-loving grandfather bolsters her resolve with the story of their ancestor John Strange, an English cobbler who was banished to Australia for his part in a political movement. Drawing inspiration from John’s life, Alison finds her own unique way to demand a future that’s fair for all.
Thomas Keneally’s Alison’s Conviction is part of A Point in Time, a transporting collection of stories about the pivotal moments, past and present, that change lives. Read or listen to each immersive story in a single sitting.
When Alison Strange receives a debt claim she can’t afford to pay from the Australian government’s unemployment office, she’s caught completely off-balance. As she wrestles with a slippery bureaucracy, her history-loving grandfather bolsters her resolve with the story of their ancestor John Strange, an English cobbler who was banished to Australia for his part in a political movement. Drawing inspiration from John’s life, Alison finds her own unique way to demand a future that’s fair for all.
Thomas Keneally’s Alison’s Conviction is part of A Point in Time, a transporting collection of stories about the pivotal moments, past and present, that change lives. Read or listen to each immersive story in a single sitting.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2022
About the author
Thomas Keneally
115 books1,335 followersThomas Michael Keneally, AO (born 7 October 1935) is an Australian novelist, playwright and author of non-fiction. He is best known for writing Schindler's Ark, the Booker Prize-winning novel of 1982, which was inspired by the efforts of Poldek Pfefferberg, a Holocaust survivor. The book would later be adapted to Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List (1993), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Often published under the name Tom Keneally in Australia.
Life and Career:
Born in Sydney, Keneally was educated at St Patrick's College, Strathfield, where a writing prize was named after him. He entered St Patrick's Seminary, Manly to train as a Catholic priest but left before his ordination. He worked as a Sydney schoolteacher before his success as a novelist, and he was a lecturer at the University of New England (1968–70). He has also written screenplays, memoirs and non-fiction books.
Keneally was known as "Mick" until 1964 but began using the name Thomas when he started publishing, after advice from his publisher to use what was really his first name. He is most famous for his Schindler's Ark (1982) (later republished as Schindler's List), which won the Booker Prize and is the basis of the film Schindler's List (1993). Many of his novels are reworkings of historical material, although modern in their psychology and style.
Keneally has also acted in a handful of films. He had a small role in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (based on his novel) and played Father Marshall in the Fred Schepisi movie, The Devil's Playground (1976) (not to be confused with a similarly-titled documentary by Lucy Walker about the Amish rite of passage called rumspringa).
In 1983, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). He is an Australian Living Treasure.
He is a strong advocate of the Australian republic, meaning the severing of all ties with the British monarchy, and published a book on the subject in Our Republic (1993). Several of his Republican essays appear on the web site of the Australian Republican Movement.
Keneally is a keen supporter of rugby league football, in particular the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles club of the NRL. He made an appearance in the rugby league drama film The Final Winter (2007).
In March 2009, the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, gave an autographed copy of Keneally's Lincoln biography to President Barack Obama as a state gift.
Most recently Thomas Keneally featured as a writer in the critically acclaimed Australian drama, Our Sunburnt Country.
Thomas Keneally's nephew Ben is married to the former NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally.
Often published under the name Tom Keneally in Australia.
Life and Career:
Born in Sydney, Keneally was educated at St Patrick's College, Strathfield, where a writing prize was named after him. He entered St Patrick's Seminary, Manly to train as a Catholic priest but left before his ordination. He worked as a Sydney schoolteacher before his success as a novelist, and he was a lecturer at the University of New England (1968–70). He has also written screenplays, memoirs and non-fiction books.
Keneally was known as "Mick" until 1964 but began using the name Thomas when he started publishing, after advice from his publisher to use what was really his first name. He is most famous for his Schindler's Ark (1982) (later republished as Schindler's List), which won the Booker Prize and is the basis of the film Schindler's List (1993). Many of his novels are reworkings of historical material, although modern in their psychology and style.
Keneally has also acted in a handful of films. He had a small role in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (based on his novel) and played Father Marshall in the Fred Schepisi movie, The Devil's Playground (1976) (not to be confused with a similarly-titled documentary by Lucy Walker about the Amish rite of passage called rumspringa).
In 1983, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). He is an Australian Living Treasure.
He is a strong advocate of the Australian republic, meaning the severing of all ties with the British monarchy, and published a book on the subject in Our Republic (1993). Several of his Republican essays appear on the web site of the Australian Republican Movement.
Keneally is a keen supporter of rugby league football, in particular the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles club of the NRL. He made an appearance in the rugby league drama film The Final Winter (2007).
In March 2009, the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, gave an autographed copy of Keneally's Lincoln biography to President Barack Obama as a state gift.
Most recently Thomas Keneally featured as a writer in the critically acclaimed Australian drama, Our Sunburnt Country.
Thomas Keneally's nephew Ben is married to the former NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 5, 2023
In a Nutshell: A good short story but not as impactful as it could have been.
Story Synopsis:
Plusses:
➕ The governmental apathy towards individual issues comes out excellently. For a change, the contemporary timeline was better.
➕ Learnt some interesting historical details about a few of the original Aussie settlers who were banished from England.
➕ The title has a dual meaning, creating a word play on ‘conviction.’ Both meanings suit the story well. That’s one clever title!
➕ Though Alison’s grandparents have only supportive roles, they are well-sketched and endearing.
Minuses:
❌ As a part of the ‘point in time’ series, this story also contains one pivotal plot point that changes the narrative for Alison, and that’s the story about her ancestor. The historical backstory has some good revelations about the English attitude towards criminals against the government. But the writing is so dry, almost like an infodump in a textbook. Moreover, the historical parts and the contemporary elements don’t blend in seamlessly. I never felt like I was reading a single story with two threads.
❌ XXXL-length paragraphs. In a short story!?!
❌ While I liked the Australian elements, I didn’t really get many of the terms and policies referred to. Maybe this won’t be a minus to an actual Australian.
❌ Not sure how I feel about the use of Alison’s autism in the story. While it appears genuine in portrayal, it feels too forced and even exaggerated in some scenes.
❌ The somewhat incomplete ending also spoiled my fun.
All in all, an okay read by the author of Schindler’s List. But this definitely didn’t stay in my head after I completed it, so no long-term impact.
2 stars.
This is the sixth standalone story in the ‘A Point in Time’ series, and is available for free to Amazon Prime subscribers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
Alison Strange, a young autistic woman, receives a huge debt claim from the Australian government’s unemployment office. As she struggles to get her debt nullified, she is told just one thing: pay the debt.
Her supportive grandfather bolsters her spirits by telling her the story of one of their ancestors, a cobbler who was banished to Australia for his role in a political rebellion. Taking inspiration from this ancestor’s life, Alison too decides to stand up for her rights.
Plusses:
➕ The governmental apathy towards individual issues comes out excellently. For a change, the contemporary timeline was better.
➕ Learnt some interesting historical details about a few of the original Aussie settlers who were banished from England.
➕ The title has a dual meaning, creating a word play on ‘conviction.’ Both meanings suit the story well. That’s one clever title!
➕ Though Alison’s grandparents have only supportive roles, they are well-sketched and endearing.
Minuses:
❌ As a part of the ‘point in time’ series, this story also contains one pivotal plot point that changes the narrative for Alison, and that’s the story about her ancestor. The historical backstory has some good revelations about the English attitude towards criminals against the government. But the writing is so dry, almost like an infodump in a textbook. Moreover, the historical parts and the contemporary elements don’t blend in seamlessly. I never felt like I was reading a single story with two threads.
❌ XXXL-length paragraphs. In a short story!?!
❌ While I liked the Australian elements, I didn’t really get many of the terms and policies referred to. Maybe this won’t be a minus to an actual Australian.
❌ Not sure how I feel about the use of Alison’s autism in the story. While it appears genuine in portrayal, it feels too forced and even exaggerated in some scenes.
❌ The somewhat incomplete ending also spoiled my fun.
All in all, an okay read by the author of Schindler’s List. But this definitely didn’t stay in my head after I completed it, so no long-term impact.
2 stars.
This is the sixth standalone story in the ‘A Point in Time’ series, and is available for free to Amazon Prime subscribers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
May 24, 2023
3⭐️
Good story but nothing mind-blowing. Short stories usually aren’t.
I liked certain aspects of this short story like how Alison handled stressful situations despite her quirks. I thought she was a strong character and I loved the interactions between her and her grandfather.
This may be biased since I don’t live in Australia but I didn’t totally understand the Australian unemployment rules and regulations and I found myself googling different terms and reading up on articles to get a better understanding. I felt distracted trying to learn what everything meant so I could understand the story better.
Still a good story and short if you’re looking for a quick 1 hour read.
Good story but nothing mind-blowing. Short stories usually aren’t.
I liked certain aspects of this short story like how Alison handled stressful situations despite her quirks. I thought she was a strong character and I loved the interactions between her and her grandfather.
This may be biased since I don’t live in Australia but I didn’t totally understand the Australian unemployment rules and regulations and I found myself googling different terms and reading up on articles to get a better understanding. I felt distracted trying to learn what everything meant so I could understand the story better.
Still a good story and short if you’re looking for a quick 1 hour read.
August 9, 2022
An autistic young woman with Tourette’s gathers up the wherewithal to fight the government over the false claim that she received benefits weren’t due to her . A feisty young lady with a wonderful grandfather makes for a good story . I listened as well as read and the narration for me was just okay.
( One of Amazon Original Stories , A Point in Time Collection. All seven stories on kindle + the Audible are included with a Prime membership.)
( One of Amazon Original Stories , A Point in Time Collection. All seven stories on kindle + the Audible are included with a Prime membership.)
November 27, 2022
For peace......just pay the debt.
Nuh Uh. Not gonna do it.
Alison Strange just received a summons informing her that she owes over $15,000 in debt. Alison had been out of work for a while and was receiving unemployment benefits. The letter implied that she was stealing from honest, tax-paying citizens. As she pursued it by phone and in person, the same chorus rang out: "Pay up, Sweetheart."
Now society viewed Alison as "different" because she is on the Autism Spectrum with Tourette's Syndrome. But our Alison knows a bad deal when she sees one. Robo generated debt was something that she was not going to tolerate. Even though Alison has an ancestor way back in the family tree who was sent to debtor's prison in Australia, the same fate was not going to fall upon her. Ever.
Thomas Keneally adds a delightful short story to the A Point in Time Series. (You need not have read any of them to enjoy this one.) Keneally opens the door for Alison and she steps through and starts takin' names. The banter is clever and creative.
Sometimes we just need a short read to build upon belief in the resilience of those who are underestimated by this world. Power to the Alisons of life. We just need to be in your presence.
Nuh Uh. Not gonna do it.
Alison Strange just received a summons informing her that she owes over $15,000 in debt. Alison had been out of work for a while and was receiving unemployment benefits. The letter implied that she was stealing from honest, tax-paying citizens. As she pursued it by phone and in person, the same chorus rang out: "Pay up, Sweetheart."
Now society viewed Alison as "different" because she is on the Autism Spectrum with Tourette's Syndrome. But our Alison knows a bad deal when she sees one. Robo generated debt was something that she was not going to tolerate. Even though Alison has an ancestor way back in the family tree who was sent to debtor's prison in Australia, the same fate was not going to fall upon her. Ever.
Thomas Keneally adds a delightful short story to the A Point in Time Series. (You need not have read any of them to enjoy this one.) Keneally opens the door for Alison and she steps through and starts takin' names. The banter is clever and creative.
Sometimes we just need a short read to build upon belief in the resilience of those who are underestimated by this world. Power to the Alisons of life. We just need to be in your presence.
August 21, 2022
Alison, on the spectrum, will NOT be forced to pay an electronically generated debt issued by the government claiming illegal unemployment payments. She's told repeatedly to "just pay it and you'll be fine," but with her grandfather's encouragement and learning of her family's history in protest, she refuses. I love these Point in Time stories by first class writers, in this case, one of my favorites whose curiosity and energy is still apparent.
August 11, 2022
*read for free with Kindle Unlimited and audible audio *
(In case anyone doesn't want to read stuff with mention of this.. it does mention Covid a few times)
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The quiet voiced tone suited our main girl perfectly and I admired her for sticking to her guns and not giving in. I just wish we could have seen how her fight turned out.. it ended on an okay note but it felt incomplete to me.
The history of the ancestor was interesting, my favorite part of the story.
(In case anyone doesn't want to read stuff with mention of this.. it does mention Covid a few times)
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The quiet voiced tone suited our main girl perfectly and I admired her for sticking to her guns and not giving in. I just wish we could have seen how her fight turned out.. it ended on an okay note but it felt incomplete to me.
The history of the ancestor was interesting, my favorite part of the story.
July 29, 2022
This one was ok.... didn't catch my attention as much.
May 11, 2023
Alison Strange is a young autistic woman from Australia. Her great ancestor was sent to Australia for taking part in a rebellion against British Government in 1800's. People in their family prefer to tell that he was convicted of stealing some shoes.
Now Alison herself got a letter stating that she owns the state a big amount of money for taxis. She has disability, but prefer to work and can proof that the computer generated statement (Robodebt) is wrong, but the bureaucratic system tells her to pay the debt and only after this to appeal against it.
A lot o people are affected by Robodebt but nobody is going to help them with this problem.
Alison finds in her courage and starts a movement in her own against injustice.
This is a short story that shows how a person, even with a disability, can change how people think and act.
Now Alison herself got a letter stating that she owns the state a big amount of money for taxis. She has disability, but prefer to work and can proof that the computer generated statement (Robodebt) is wrong, but the bureaucratic system tells her to pay the debt and only after this to appeal against it.
A lot o people are affected by Robodebt but nobody is going to help them with this problem.
Alison finds in her courage and starts a movement in her own against injustice.
This is a short story that shows how a person, even with a disability, can change how people think and act.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2022
So far, my favorite from the “A Point In Time” short story series. If you choose to listen to the audio version, the narrator was also my favorite of the series.
A unique and interesting story that ended with an uplifting message that I did not see coming. A message we can learn from - disabilities can be gifts and we can all be advocates.
In Allison’s Conviction, Allison is autistic and as a result of the COVID pandemic, loses her job and goes on disability. The government starts claiming she owes money through a series of intimidating calls. With a supportive “Grandrob,” Allison gains confidence and experience, step-by-step, standing up for what’s right - that she did not owe the government extra money. She doesn’t give up and eventually learns there was a computer error, yet government employees, although acknowledge it, won’t help her fix the error! (As a former government employee, I’m offended by this, but have seen this behavior, so it does happen).
Allison wins media and public attention in her mission to right a wrong. After observing Alison’s personal growth, and ability to articulate her points in ways people can relate, Granrob wisely articulates: “Does she [Allison] have a disability? Or is it a gift.” (I love this! Having a disability is a lifelong challenge. Thankfully, every challenge has its rewards.
Granrob summarizes Allison’s impact: “She’s become notable for saying not that she had a debt, but for saying she is not a thief, and saying it in terms that it’s impossible for anyone to disbelieve.”
As an advocacy professional, I love the message of personally articulating how something impacts you in one’s own words. Allison did this and was more successful in educating and influencing the media and the public where others had failed. You are your best advocate. No matter the issue, if it’s important to you, speak up and find a path that makes erodes to change. Thank you Allison’s Conviction for this powerful reminder.
A unique and interesting story that ended with an uplifting message that I did not see coming. A message we can learn from - disabilities can be gifts and we can all be advocates.
In Allison’s Conviction, Allison is autistic and as a result of the COVID pandemic, loses her job and goes on disability. The government starts claiming she owes money through a series of intimidating calls. With a supportive “Grandrob,” Allison gains confidence and experience, step-by-step, standing up for what’s right - that she did not owe the government extra money. She doesn’t give up and eventually learns there was a computer error, yet government employees, although acknowledge it, won’t help her fix the error! (As a former government employee, I’m offended by this, but have seen this behavior, so it does happen).
Allison wins media and public attention in her mission to right a wrong. After observing Alison’s personal growth, and ability to articulate her points in ways people can relate, Granrob wisely articulates: “Does she [Allison] have a disability? Or is it a gift.” (I love this! Having a disability is a lifelong challenge. Thankfully, every challenge has its rewards.
Granrob summarizes Allison’s impact: “She’s become notable for saying not that she had a debt, but for saying she is not a thief, and saying it in terms that it’s impossible for anyone to disbelieve.”
As an advocacy professional, I love the message of personally articulating how something impacts you in one’s own words. Allison did this and was more successful in educating and influencing the media and the public where others had failed. You are your best advocate. No matter the issue, if it’s important to you, speak up and find a path that makes erodes to change. Thank you Allison’s Conviction for this powerful reminder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2022
I was ready to throw in the towel on this so many times, but then it finally got a little (A very little) interesting. The main thought I had for the first half of this book was "Why?" Why did Thomas Keneally write this? A boring meander about an autistic girl researching her ancestry, which leads to all kinds of boring Inside Baseball minutiae about Australian history. But the man is an acclaimed author, so...I forged on.
Then, a light at the end of the tunnel! Our heroine, Alison, is unjustly hit with a huge tax bill that she cannot afford to pay. This could be interesting. Then we get a hugs slog into arcane Australian tax rules and laws. Again....why?
This borefest truly did seem pointless by the time it ended. The book picks up steam a little as Alison takes her case to the Government, but then the story settles back into pointless gear, and ends with no resolution at all. Throw in Keneally's often impenetrable writing style (I had to occasionally read a sentence or two over and over again before I got what he was trying to convey), and this was a tough read.
The lesson is: I guess I don't really want to SCHINDLER'S LIST after all. The movie will have to do.
Then, a light at the end of the tunnel! Our heroine, Alison, is unjustly hit with a huge tax bill that she cannot afford to pay. This could be interesting. Then we get a hugs slog into arcane Australian tax rules and laws. Again....why?
This borefest truly did seem pointless by the time it ended. The book picks up steam a little as Alison takes her case to the Government, but then the story settles back into pointless gear, and ends with no resolution at all. Throw in Keneally's often impenetrable writing style (I had to occasionally read a sentence or two over and over again before I got what he was trying to convey), and this was a tough read.
The lesson is: I guess I don't really want to SCHINDLER'S LIST after all. The movie will have to do.
August 28, 2022
A Point In Time is a collection of some amazing short stories. If I talk about my favorite story, then it would be Landing by Olivia Hawker. The plot has emotions, responsibility and love for family. Other stories are also good, it was just that some of them had a very complex ending. Although, the characters are lovely. But, still the book is not meant to skip. And, the best part is you can finish the book within a day.
I would like to give the book 4 stars. Thanks to the authors for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
I would like to give the book 4 stars. Thanks to the authors for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
September 13, 2022
Point in Time Collection
A young girl with autism and Tourette’s. This one was okay. I liked that Allison stood up for what was right. 3.5
A young girl with autism and Tourette’s. This one was okay. I liked that Allison stood up for what was right. 3.5
March 16, 2023
Another great short story, this one set in Australia, with a background of the main character Alison's ancestor. John Strange was a convict banished to Australia. Alison draws strength from his story to fight her own battles with the government.
December 5, 2022
I listened to this and others in this Amazon collection while in the car on a long trip. This was particularly appealing to me because I am currently dealing with resolving/understanding medical and hospital bills that make no sense. And I have an autistic son.
And I enjoyed the author’s Australian accent. It was mild enough that it didn’t interfere with hearing the spoken words.
This could have been increased to a full story to allow more development and depth for the characters. I would have liked to learn more about Alison in general, and specifically to know how her bill situation was resolved.
And I enjoyed the author’s Australian accent. It was mild enough that it didn’t interfere with hearing the spoken words.
This could have been increased to a full story to allow more development and depth for the characters. I would have liked to learn more about Alison in general, and specifically to know how her bill situation was resolved.
August 5, 2022
This is the only one I didn't like in the collection. I thought the writing was clumsy and the story meandered too much. The point of the story is that the grandfather sees his granddaughter's true strength but the way it's done is belabored and frustrating.
December 17, 2022
this was not for me.
i disliked how the character was portrayed and how her possible neurodivergency was used.
the writing felt dragged out, the characters don’t work for me and while the plot itself might have been good in other situations, it didn’t work for me.
i disliked how the character was portrayed and how her possible neurodivergency was used.
the writing felt dragged out, the characters don’t work for me and while the plot itself might have been good in other situations, it didn’t work for me.
August 15, 2022
I have read all seven of the stories in the A Point in Time collection. Naomi's Gift by Martha Hall Kelly is an excellent story of a baby born at Ravensbrück. Ash Wednesday by Paula McLain is another excellent, but gut-wrenching story of a Collinwood, Ohio school fire in 1908. Landing by Olivia Hawker is a good story about a newly married couple; the husband works excessive hours as an engineer at NASA preparing for the Apollo moon landing and his new wife is home expecting the birth of their firstborn. We are Bone and Earth by Esi Edugyan was informational, unexpected, and very interesting. It was way too short, and I want to know so much more about Sisi and what comes next. A Wild Rose by Fiona Davis is probably my favorite of this collection, it's about a concert pianist, Carnegie Hall, and Carnegie Studio Towers. While my piano skills are rudimentary, this book made me wish I had practiced more. Alison's Conviction by Thomas Keneally was a good story, but I was disappointed that Alison did not have a resolution to her issue with Robodebt. I also had a little trouble with some of the Australian colloquialisms and words. Mother Swamp by Jesmyn Ward is another excellent short story in this collection about an escaped slave colony in the Great Dismal Swamp. I highly recommend this collection, but especially Mother Swamp.
October 6, 2022
Ominous, insightful, and prescient, this second-to-last title in "The Point in Time" collection brings the series to our current moment in history. Written by the author of Shindler's List, this story takes on the pitfalls of bureaucracy for disabled persons and financially infirm. Keneally brings attention to those vulnerable to invisible and systematized discrimination and financial victimization at our own point in time.
Alison, a young woman with Autism and Tourette's Syndrome, receives a staggering debt notice for benefits she received while unemployed as a result of the COVID pandemic. Empowered by family history to stand up for herself and the equity for others in her own political moment, Alison determinedly refuses to capitulate to a wrongful error. She courageously asserts her integrity in the face of a powerful opponent and a society mired in dishonesty, distrust, technological dependence, and a disregard for the vulnerable. Fortunately, Alison has a support system that allows resistance, which many lacking might in her situation complicity comply because they do not see recourse, making her steadfast voice all the more vital.
This title is available digitally on Kindle and Audible, as part of the Amazon original Stories "A Point in Time Collection." I listened to this story in the Prime Library.
Alison, a young woman with Autism and Tourette's Syndrome, receives a staggering debt notice for benefits she received while unemployed as a result of the COVID pandemic. Empowered by family history to stand up for herself and the equity for others in her own political moment, Alison determinedly refuses to capitulate to a wrongful error. She courageously asserts her integrity in the face of a powerful opponent and a society mired in dishonesty, distrust, technological dependence, and a disregard for the vulnerable. Fortunately, Alison has a support system that allows resistance, which many lacking might in her situation complicity comply because they do not see recourse, making her steadfast voice all the more vital.
This title is available digitally on Kindle and Audible, as part of the Amazon original Stories "A Point in Time Collection." I listened to this story in the Prime Library.
October 1, 2022
Alison Strange is an autistic woman with Tourette’s and during the COVID crisis she lost her job and received unemployment allowances. One day she is sent a letter claiming she owes over fifteen thousand dollars to the Australian government’s unemployment office. Despite the stress of confrontation triggering her outbursts, Alison refuses to pay for this robodebt. The feisty lady decides to voice her concerns to the government and the public.
This one has a lot of emotional poignancy despite the almost non sequitur series of events. Alison takes courage from her family history, refuses to concede to bureaucracy and bullying, and gains confidence as she learns to advocate for herself. It’s a realistic vignette. The audience can relate to annoying telemarketing or debt collecting strategies, unhelpful government officials, and quirky relationships. It’s a surprisingly uplifting message among all the calls to simply pay the debt and move on. I can see how some feel this tale is unfinished as the problem has not been resolved despite media attention… However, it seems this series is focused on a defining moment in time so that may be intentional.
This one has a lot of emotional poignancy despite the almost non sequitur series of events. Alison takes courage from her family history, refuses to concede to bureaucracy and bullying, and gains confidence as she learns to advocate for herself. It’s a realistic vignette. The audience can relate to annoying telemarketing or debt collecting strategies, unhelpful government officials, and quirky relationships. It’s a surprisingly uplifting message among all the calls to simply pay the debt and move on. I can see how some feel this tale is unfinished as the problem has not been resolved despite media attention… However, it seems this series is focused on a defining moment in time so that may be intentional.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up!
I’ve never read anything by Thomas Keneally, but I know of Schindler’s List and have seen the film, so I was excited to give him a try. I’m having a hard time reviewing this one, however, because so much of it went over my head. It contains a lot of Australian governmental terms that are completely new and foreign to this American, but the one thing I could appreciate was the wonderful relationship between Alison and her grandfather.
“Alison Strange was a clever girl of whom it was known by her mother, her grandfather, and her teachers that she could not face tests of knowledge.”
Immediately the reader is informed that Alison is different from what’s expected, but we soon discover that she is indeed clever and persistent! I enjoyed getting to know this character and watching as she fought to navigate this overwhelming problem on her own terms while also learning more about her ancestors. Inspiring and endearing!
I’ve never read anything by Thomas Keneally, but I know of Schindler’s List and have seen the film, so I was excited to give him a try. I’m having a hard time reviewing this one, however, because so much of it went over my head. It contains a lot of Australian governmental terms that are completely new and foreign to this American, but the one thing I could appreciate was the wonderful relationship between Alison and her grandfather.
“Alison Strange was a clever girl of whom it was known by her mother, her grandfather, and her teachers that she could not face tests of knowledge.”
Immediately the reader is informed that Alison is different from what’s expected, but we soon discover that she is indeed clever and persistent! I enjoyed getting to know this character and watching as she fought to navigate this overwhelming problem on her own terms while also learning more about her ancestors. Inspiring and endearing!
May 3, 2023
I learned today that it is common for people on the autism spectrum to also have Tourette’s syndrome. Alison is one of those persons. She once heard her mother and aunt saying that “at least she didn’t use curse words when overcome with Tourette’s. She thinks that they don’t really get it. Any weird actions like barking, shouting out etc are an affliction. She does not think that curse words could make it worse.
She’s been out of work and drawing benefits when she gets an accusatory letter claiming she drew benefits while still working. Despite the Tourette’s she gets busy fighting this unjust charge. After all she had an ancestor who was deported to a penal island due to an unjust charge. Her family are NOT thieves. She protests and others come forward. Then at a big gathering she is asked to speak. She does, after all her family are NOT thieves and despite Tourette’s it’s important that the government acknowledge that.
She’s been out of work and drawing benefits when she gets an accusatory letter claiming she drew benefits while still working. Despite the Tourette’s she gets busy fighting this unjust charge. After all she had an ancestor who was deported to a penal island due to an unjust charge. Her family are NOT thieves. She protests and others come forward. Then at a big gathering she is asked to speak. She does, after all her family are NOT thieves and despite Tourette’s it’s important that the government acknowledge that.
August 6, 2022
Alison Strange is a young autistic woman living in Australia. One day she receives a collection notice that she owes the government money for illegally receiving unemployment while she was working. She knows this debt is not valid and she is determined to clear her name. She repeatedly meets resistance to clearing this debt and as she is feeling defeated, her grandfather tells her the story of an ancestor who was sent to Australia as a convict and managed to move forward with his life.
Tamala Shelton did a wonderful job of portraying Alison complete with the tics she exhibits when she is under stress. It was performed exactly as I imagine someone under that stress would tic. Thomas Keneally is widely known for Schindler's List but this short story portrayal of a young woman in Australia was wonderful.
Tamala Shelton did a wonderful job of portraying Alison complete with the tics she exhibits when she is under stress. It was performed exactly as I imagine someone under that stress would tic. Thomas Keneally is widely known for Schindler's List but this short story portrayal of a young woman in Australia was wonderful.
September 29, 2022
Thomas Keneally's short story is about a woman named Alison Strange learning about her family's history at a time where her own life has been complicated by government bureaucracy. Combined, she finds the determination to work for a more just world.
The writing was well done, and I enjoyed how I felt in the experiences of the characters. I liked how the author treated people with ASD in the story without seeming patronizing (which happens far too much).
Alison's Conviction is a quick read and left me feeling a sense of contentment with the story. The lack of concrete resolution of the action plot doesn't dampen the effects of the internal plot of Alison's character.
Alison's Conviction is the sixth story in the Point in Time digital series from Amazon.
The writing was well done, and I enjoyed how I felt in the experiences of the characters. I liked how the author treated people with ASD in the story without seeming patronizing (which happens far too much).
Alison's Conviction is a quick read and left me feeling a sense of contentment with the story. The lack of concrete resolution of the action plot doesn't dampen the effects of the internal plot of Alison's character.
Alison's Conviction is the sixth story in the Point in Time digital series from Amazon.
March 18, 2024
A modern fable of a regular person (albeit 'on the spectrum" of autism?) vs. AI in Australia. It tells the tale of Alison Strange, who has been arbitrarily assessed a fantastic sum by a Government computer stating that she received unemployment benefits while she was employed full time. After many harassing phone calls and a futile visit to her member of congress, Alison is finally exonerated by the appropriate State Bureau , but they can't seem to change the debt, so they just advise her to pay it!
Meanwhile, her grandfather has related the full story of her convict ancestor and the ramifications that his life and dealings have played in her life.
This sounds like it might have been based on the author's personal experience!
The title is a great pun!
Meanwhile, her grandfather has related the full story of her convict ancestor and the ramifications that his life and dealings have played in her life.
This sounds like it might have been based on the author's personal experience!
The title is a great pun!
June 20, 2025
Robots debt thieves
Allison was a typical person who received a debt notice from her government in Australia. Everyone she spoke in authority said she should pay it even though she had documents that said it was a mistake. She decided to protest outside the government office, which led to many more people joining in. The fact that she had an ancestor who came as a convict and became a outstanding citizen helped her resolve. The fake that she was on the spectrum added to the story because she overcame that issue. I can relate to her situation because my state told me I owed for unemployment payments I received during the pandemic. Highly recommended story.
Allison was a typical person who received a debt notice from her government in Australia. Everyone she spoke in authority said she should pay it even though she had documents that said it was a mistake. She decided to protest outside the government office, which led to many more people joining in. The fact that she had an ancestor who came as a convict and became a outstanding citizen helped her resolve. The fake that she was on the spectrum added to the story because she overcame that issue. I can relate to her situation because my state told me I owed for unemployment payments I received during the pandemic. Highly recommended story.
August 31, 2022
I enjoyed this short story with an uplifting message.
"He was so pleased with his granddaughter and he had developed a theory on the special gifts of people on the so-called spectrum. 'Does she have a disability?' he would ask excitedly. 'Or is it a gift'.
The proposition that guided her and made it possible for her to speak to them was that a person, if they wanted a result, had to do things themselves.
"She speaks the truth in what seem ordinary terms but with an intensity that arrests people more than politicians know how."
"He was so pleased with his granddaughter and he had developed a theory on the special gifts of people on the so-called spectrum. 'Does she have a disability?' he would ask excitedly. 'Or is it a gift'.
The proposition that guided her and made it possible for her to speak to them was that a person, if they wanted a result, had to do things themselves.
"She speaks the truth in what seem ordinary terms but with an intensity that arrests people more than politicians know how."
September 14, 2022
Read this as part of the Point in Time Series available on Amazon Prime Reading
Alison is on the spectrum. She gets a letter from the govt saying she owes back taxes. Everyone she speaks to tells her she "stole the money from her neighbors" and must give it back. Even once they find out that it was an error, they still tell her to pay it back although how someone who is on govt support is supposed to pay back 15k I'm not sure. Alison states she doesn't owe anything and basically takes a stand and many other take a stand with her.
Alison is on the spectrum. She gets a letter from the govt saying she owes back taxes. Everyone she speaks to tells her she "stole the money from her neighbors" and must give it back. Even once they find out that it was an error, they still tell her to pay it back although how someone who is on govt support is supposed to pay back 15k I'm not sure. Alison states she doesn't owe anything and basically takes a stand and many other take a stand with her.
December 29, 2022
Empowerment at it's Finest!
Absolutely inspiring! A story of a woman, who will not let the government take advantage of her or anyone else in her community. While she navigates life on the autism spectrum, she doesn't let that stop her, instead she uses it as a catalyst to keep pushing forward and not giving up when she keeps getting the run around. So, with the support of her grandfather, she embarks on a journey of protesting another avenue for the government to take advantage of it's citizens.
Absolutely inspiring! A story of a woman, who will not let the government take advantage of her or anyone else in her community. While she navigates life on the autism spectrum, she doesn't let that stop her, instead she uses it as a catalyst to keep pushing forward and not giving up when she keeps getting the run around. So, with the support of her grandfather, she embarks on a journey of protesting another avenue for the government to take advantage of it's citizens.
January 15, 2023
Power to the People!
Allison Strange, a young woman who is on the Autism spectrum, is working on building her confidence and coping skills with the help of a supportive grandfather. She is sent a notice from the government that claims she has not reported her earnings accurately and owes the government a great deal of money. She tries through the usual channels to dispute their analysis, but to no avail. Thus, she starts a protest. As did one of her ancestors, she is trying to stand for the rights of the common (wo)man. Sweet story.
Allison Strange, a young woman who is on the Autism spectrum, is working on building her confidence and coping skills with the help of a supportive grandfather. She is sent a notice from the government that claims she has not reported her earnings accurately and owes the government a great deal of money. She tries through the usual channels to dispute their analysis, but to no avail. Thus, she starts a protest. As did one of her ancestors, she is trying to stand for the rights of the common (wo)man. Sweet story.
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