This book has been recommended to me by Barbaraexpat, who knows how much I love First Nation artists and their stories.
I am always eager to read books about First Nations people. After all, I have the privilege of living on their land and breathing a culture that has existed for 60,000 years. Archie Roach’s autobiography is a unique memoir.
No one has lived as many lives as Archie Roach, from stolen child, seeker, teenage alcoholic, lover, father, musical and lyrical genius and leader. Still, it took him almost a lifetime to find out who he really was.
Born in Mooroopna, rural Victoria, he was removed from his family at the age of two and raised by foster parents. When he was a teenager, he received a letter about a life he could not recall.
Archie Roach recounts his incredible journey as he tries to find his identity, reconnect with his people and give voice to his Aboriginal culture. The memoir is confronting, shocking and moving. It is a story of trauma, pain, love and hope. Thanks to the healing power of music, Archie Roach became a world-renowned musician, storyteller and advocate for Aboriginal people.
Tell me why won the 2021 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Indigenous Writing.
The book is so intense and powerful that it was impossible to put it down. While reading, I also listened to Archie Roach’s songs. His music and voice are captivating, and his way of telling his story is vivid, sad, and compelling, yet full of love and hope. The experience of reading the book while listening to his music was quite remarkable.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about Australian history and First Nations people, the meaning of the Stolen Generation, and the intergenerational trauma caused by it. I also recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the life of Archie Roach, an incredible, inspiring human being and a beloved and internationally respected Australian First Nation musician.
Sadly, Archie Roach passed away in 2022, but his family gave permission to use his name, image and music so his legacy can continue and be appreciated by all of us.
Alessandra Giacchi
Photo by Helmy Setiabudi from Pexels