Kimberley Stories

by Sandy Toussaint (Editor)

A journey of discovery into one of Australia’s most intriguing and exotic regions, the Kimberley, this anthology features both artwork and writing. It includes contributions from talents such as Kate Auty, Peter Bibby, Lesley Corbett, Steve Hawke, Donna Bing-Ying Mak, Stephen Scourfield, Pat Mmanjun Bananga Torres, and Jacqueline Wright, and will appeal to a wide range of readers—travelers, fans of indigenous works, and those interested in desert culture and landscape.

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Caitlin Arnoldi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some stories were written beautifully but others I found a bit difficult to get through!

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection is ok. I finished it a week ago and the only story that has really stayed with me is a very short story about a seagull. I found it rather poignant. The last third of the book is poetry & a play.

[Kim Tee Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a new arrival to the Kimberleys I loved reading these stories of people's experiences across this land. I am well aware of the special place this is and these snippets in time capture the heart of the place so well. Are great orientation to life in the Kimberleys.

[Kellie Boorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it at the beginning of my travels in the Kimberley region. A good collection of stories to increase my understanding of this brilliant and diverse region.

[Asiuol K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I have lived in Perth for my whole life, I have never been to the Kimberley. Instead, I have only heard vague stories about it. Sandy Toussaint just happened to combine these vague stories into one anthology. It was nice, but I don’t feel like I have a stronger understanding of the Kimberley when I finished; the only thing I really learned is that there’s a place called Fitzroy Crossing and it is quite popular.

There is a romantic view of the Kimberley throughout it. Even though a lot isn’t explained to me, I would still like to go and check it out. There hardly seems to be a negative word about it. Donna Bing-Ying Mak’s contribution highlights these values to me.

I did like the inclusion of the Indigenous population. They’re not presented as primitive and instead truly appreciate the beautiful country. It is annoyingly rare to see these people represented and actually having Indigenous writers gives the reader multiple perspectives.

Not only did it include many non-white inhabitants of the Kimberley, but Toussaint also published the work of thirteen year old Luis Mitchell. It may not have been the best piece, but it was great for someone who is barely a teenager. The fact that Toussaint gave this girl a platform makes the book more accessible to the readers.

The flow between the sections is nice. Usually there is a theme or statement that connects one story from the piece before it, which stops it from being jarring. The best example would be her ‘Leaf’ which is then followed by ‘leaf that carries its place with it’. You could probably read it in one sitting.

Despite the multiple perspectives, there was still an element of sameness with the story. I think I would have loved it if there was actually a section about Jandamarra instead of just briefly mentioning him while romanticising the Kimberley or if there were some negative parts about the isolation. Whenever something is strictly pro-topic, I feel a little betrayed (which may be why I never got into advertising).

It was a nice book, but I don’t love nice books. It just needs a bit more depth to it. 6.4/10.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little book for anyone interested in the stunning Kimberley area of Western Australia. It contains vignettes by people, both indigenous and non-indigenous, intimate with the region,. The book really helps give an understanding of life in the Kimberley (not always as romantic and idealistic as outsiders may think) and the rich indigenous culture. Having briefly lived in the Kimberley I savoured this book and marvelled at the way, non-indigenous contributors particularly, sought to explain their attachment to the region.