Pemulwuy

by Eric Willmot

This is the story of one of Australia's first true heroes Pemulwuy. A proud and feared Aboriginal warrior Pemulwuy leads an uncompromising twelve-year war against British colonial oppression and makes the supreme sacrifice in order to guide his people to safety.  Most histories of Australia start with the First Fleet and the hard times the colonists had with the climate and unruly convicts. Very few mention what really happened or the blood that was spilled in the wars never spoken of.  Pemulwuy a Bidjigal man unites the neighbouring peoples runaway convicts bushrangers and an escaped African known as Black Caesar in a guerilla war that pushes the invading English to the brink. This novel was conceived out of Pemulwuy's legend and the historical events between 1788 and 1802. It is a story that all Australians should know.

Genres: Historical Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2021

Reviews

[Tania Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an extraordinary read - told from the perspective of our First Nations Peoples the book explores those early years of invasion, the relationships formed and destroyed, the values, morals and motivators of those living in and around 'Sydney' - this is a raw encounter, and explores themes not often spoken little known written. This is truth telling at its best (and worse), it highlights the strengths and weakness of humanity in all its forms, I particularly enjoyed the insight into First Nations culture and the exploration of their complex society. What an enlightening, sometimes brutal, heartening yet confronting read. Astonishing.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing read to think about what the invasion of the First Fleet meant, from the perspective of the First Nations Peoples, and the story of one of their great warriors who took the fight to the British People. Oh how life could have been so much different, if we had sought to co-exist with those who were already here, rather than taking their lands.

[Hannah G]

Audiobook DNF about half way thru. Ch 29 of 58.

[Jennifer Losurdo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is really wonderful to learn of History through the original peoples of the land. Words like no other and relationships
That form even when cultures are so different.
An inspirational book

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting, a bit too much fighting etc for me