Ronnie: Tasmanian Songman

by Ronnie Summers, Helen Gee

Raised on a remote Australian island, Ronnie Summers overcame racism, poverty, and illiteracy to become a respected Tasmanian Aboriginal elder. This poignant memoir recalls the various stages of Ronnie’s life: his outcast status as a child; his battle against alcoholism; his struggle for literacy as an adult; and his lifelong commitment to storytelling, craftsmanship, and music that kept his spirit strong in the face of adversity. Told with humor and sincerity, this chronicle is moving and enlightening, and the included CD of Cape Barren music gives further depth to this inspiring story.

164 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2010

Reviews

[Sportyrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoirs of an Aboriginal man growing up on Cape Barren Island, Tasmania. He tells stories of the difficulties growing up. One extract follows:

“Our people who had been on this island 30,000 years or more were shot like kangaroos and poisoned like dogs. They died of European diseases and they were taken from their land and pestered by missionaries.”

Many of his stories are about his struggles and passion in music.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes memoirs or learning about other cultures and experiences.