Black Hours

by Wayne King

"It wasn't only Dinmore, suburb of Ipswich in Queensland. Aboriginal and gay, Wayne King felt himself to be an outsider wherever he went in Australia. In Black Hours, he tells the powerful and inspirational story of his quest to escape his past and his own sense of isolation. Salvation comes in learning of his mother's life and forcible removal at a young age from her parents. Black Hours is a deeply personal story about belonging, and about the destructive practice of removing Aboriginal children from their families. It is a tale of discovery, survival, anger and hope, told with warmth and insight by a new Australian talent." – from back cover

Genres: Biography Memoir

239 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book for the frank insights into growing up as an Aboriginal in a racist society. Good for teaching Indigenous rights and freedoms (Year 10 Australian Curriculum - History) and insights to the stolen generation experiences (His mother's recollections of life on the Purga Mission - SE Queensland). This reminded me of the resilience of individuals and that we still have a long way to go to address Racism in our country. - especially the unintentional,and/or deniable kind.

[Mark Frangia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this gem when it first came out (pun intended) as a window into the life of a complex and deeply shy individual. Once I became more familiar with the author's troubled and violent background, it was easy to understand his sense of protective privacy as an adult. The story is engrossing for readers new to the Aboriginal Experience...essentially everyone not living in Australia. But even white Australians can gain a lot of wisdom from Wayne's stories and life experiences.