Happy Australia Day!

Today is the day that Australians celebrate their country, much like our Independence Day. January 26 marks the day that the First fleet arrived in Sydney beginning the British colonization of Australia. Why not celebrate by enjoying some fascinating books and a memorable DVD exploring Australia's history.

The Secret River by Kate Grenville
William Thornhill was raised as a waterman in London. He spent his days ferrying wealthy people across the Thames. He falls in love with his employer’s saucy young daughter, Sal, and life is good until her parents die . Creditors come after the family’s belongings, and take the boat William uses to earn a living. When William resorts to thievery to support his wife and child, he is caught and sent to Australia. Sal and her son are allowed to go with him. While Sal constantly yearns after Home, her idealized memory of London, William comes to love the harsh land of Australia. At first life is a daily struggle against an alien environment but soon William finds that it is possible to better yourself quickly in this new country. He earns his pardon through hard work, Sal makes money easily by running a tiny pub. Sydney becomes their happy home until William falls for a lush stretch of river on his shipping runs. He convinces Sal to try homesteading there, they will make their fortune within five years and return to London and live a comfortable life. Sal agrees ; they settle in on the isolated stretch of land. While they assume the land is theirs for the taking, the aborigines that have used the land for eons are dismayed by the clearing of the land that destroys all their native food sources. Hostilities grow between the natives and the ever encroaching settlers. The English army is mustered and tries the same tactics that didn’t work well with American colonials. Sal and William must decide; do they run to safety, or fight for the land they have come to love.

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
Another extremely enjoyable travel adventure from Bryson. This time he ventures off to Australia, covering large areas of the huge island continent. He has a talent for spotting the bizarre, as well as uncovering the true character of a nation. He comments on among other things; A-bombs that go off unnoticed, aggressive seashells, giant earthworms, and of course Australia’s truly wonderful place names. Delightful and humorous, this tape will make you nostalgic if you have ever visited Australia.

The Australian government seized thousands of Aboriginal and mixed race children from their families from the 1880s through the 1960s. These children, known as the “stolen generations,” were forbidden to speak their native language or practice Aboriginal customs in a misguided effort to provide a better life through forced assimilation. The Rabbit Proof Fence is brilliant film depicting this historical event. It tells of three little girls who were forcibly taken from their mothers to be trained as domestic servants. They escape from the “settlement school” and begin the 1,500 mile walk through the Australian Outback with only a fence designed to keep rabbits from overrunning the country to guide them home. It is based on a true story but feels like a novel; a daring escape, a torturous trek through brutal desert pursued by an unwavering enemy. This is one of the best films I have ever seen; it is unforgettable.

Want more? Come in and pick up our "If You Like Books About Australia"bookmark.