Poor Mary has no clue who she is. Her real family is
unknown. We begin when Mary is forcibly removed away from her mother when she
was only five years old and placed into an orphanage called ‘Home.’ There she
stayed until the age of 10 before she was transported to a new family called
'The Burkes.' Miss Burke, Mr Burke, Sophie, Sam and now Mary make up the family.
To Mary, it feels as though each and every day, the people she cares for are
leaving her or she is leaving them, but why? Mary is Aboriginal and a different
colour from all the rest and for this reason alone, everyone tease’s her. She
feels uncomfortable in her own skin. Find out what happened in the past for Aboriginal
people. While reading this heart-wrenching book, I felt as if I was taken on a
journey to a place of unfortunate sadness and despair. To tell you the truth, I
did cry through some parts of the story but I couldn’t put this book down. I
read it all day, every day. Who am I? The
Diary of Mary Talence will also make you ask yourself the same question “Who
am I?” It makes you reflect on your life and realise how lucky we are that
Australia has changed from the days where racism was so prevalent. Personally,
I know that racism is still an issue in many areas around the world but I feel
lucky to be here in Australia. Who am I? is
such a powerful read – it is a game changer! This must have been Anita Heiss’
best book of all time. I recommend this fabulous read for all ages 8 and up
(even adults should pick it up and take time out of their busy schedules to
read it.) I give Heiss’ book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for all the wonderful
language, emotion, love, history and breath-taking experiences. I promise you,
with all my heart and soul, that you will love this spectacular, life changing
and incredible book… Enjoy!
By Aena, Year 5, Room 17
No comments:
Post a Comment