In the first half of the 20th century Australian aboriginal children were routinely taken from their families under the guise of protecting the children. These were called the Stolen Generation because they seldom were returned to their families. This book tells the story of one child, Virginia Craddock, who was taken from her mother as a young child ostensibly to receive medical care. Virginia never saw her mother or her father again. Instead she was sent from the hospital to a large farm where she was worked like a slave. There were two redeeming qualities to this life. The first was a young sheepdog, Simon, who became her constant companion. The second was the music that the mistress played every afternoon, accompanying gramophone records with her violin. Virginia was entranced with the violin. The mistress noticed Virginia watching and offered to teach her how to play. Virginia proved adept and the music released her from her trials.

Two generations later Virginia's grandaughter, Ruby, proves to have inherited Virginia's musical talent and from the age of 4 Virginia teaches Ruby all she knows. By the time she is 8 Ruby really needs further teaching but there is no way that music lessons can be afforded. Virginia and Ruby live with Ruby's uncle and aunt and their three children in government housing on the northern edge of Adelaide. The aunt works long hours as a nurses' aide and the uncle picks up the occasional labouring job but he drinks or gambles most of his earnings away. When he is drunk the uncle is also physically abusive and his son has learned to react the same way when he is angry. This dysfunctional family is not one to nurture a violin prodigy.

Canada also had a policy of taking children away from their aboriginal homes and placing them in residential schools. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission recently released its reports about this shameful chapter in Canadian history. It is well known that physical and sexual abuse took place in the schools and the effects of that trauma cascade from generation to generation just as it did in this novel. I am hopeful that relations between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals in Canada are now on a path to reconciliation. I am not sure that is the case in Australia. This article from The Guardian says that another stolen generation is happening in Australia.

Here is a list of some other books on this subject:
Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington Garimara
Jessica by Bryce Courtenay
My Place by Sally Morgan
Benang by Kim Scott ( )

This is a moving book. And if I am honest, it is not one I would have picked up myself had I been browsing in a book store.

I read to escape and take myself away from the real world. To immerse myself in fantasy. This means that as a general rule I don’t go for heavy historical fiction steeped in strife.

When this came my way as something to possibly review I almost turned it away – but the underlying musical aspect intrigued me. I’m glad I didn’t pass. This was an amazing book. And I was fairly shocked to reach the end, see the author’s picture and realize it was written by a dude.

We drift between the life and realities of 2 different characters. Ruby and Virginia. Virginia’s story starts in the 1950′s in the Australian bush. Not a lovely fun time to be one of the native peoples there. I am ashamed to admit I knew next to nothing about the inequities and hardships faced by aboriginals in Australia. The harrowing journey of a young Virgina and the circumstances surrounding her young life are heartbreaking.

As we watch her growup much to fast it is hard not to yell at those who visit cruelty upon her or stand by and do nothing to stop it.

Young Ruby does not have an easy life either here in our present, but there is one large differing factor. Ruby has a grandmother who loves her and fights for her. And it makes all the difference. The harsh reality that surrounds her is made bearable by the love and support of her grandmother and cousins.

Now I mentioned music earlier, and it plays a very important role in this story. Both of our main characters find joy, meaning and escape in music. Specifically the violin. The way music and a specific musical instrument are used almost as a character in this novel is flabbergasting. There is a palpable thereness to the violin as a sentient object – a receptacle for the hopes and dreams, fears and secrets of those who play it.

As I am sure you have guessed these 2 stories intertwine – the past and the present meet. I will not spoil any of that for you – but it is beautifully done. The ugliness that each has suffered and endured, and for one of the characters inflicted on others, would win in so many real life stories. Seeing how it can be smothered and overcome is an inspiration.

Well done Mr. Mayes.



I was provided a gratis copy for review. ( )