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Paris Savages

Katherine Johnson

$19.99

Paperback

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English
Ventura Distribution
28 July 2021
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK -----  Inspired by real events, this novel tells how three Badtjala people from K’gari (Fraser Island) were taken overseas in 1882 to show off their skills and lifestyle. Unbeknownst to them, they were to be exhibits in human zoos. Mostly narrated by the daughter of the scientist who enticed them to Europe, and who grew up with the Badtjala, whose growing unease increases to horror and sadness as she sees the behaviour of so-called civilised folk. A fine recreation of a tragic part of the past. Lindy Jones

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`This story has its genesis in fact, when three Fraser Island people were taken to Germany in 1882-83. The sole survivor was Bonangera (Boni/Bonny) whose life-size plaster cast remains at the Musee des Confluences, Lyon, France. The silencing that Badtjala people continue to endure in the localised historiography of place is ongoing.' Dr Fiona Foley, Badtjala artist and academic

Fraser Island, 1882. The population of the Badtjala people is in sharp decline following a run of brutal massacres. When German scientist Louis Muller offers to sail three Badtjala people - Bonny, Jurano and Dorondera - to Europe to perform to huge crowds, the proud and headstrong Bonny agrees, hoping to bring his people's plight to the Queen of England.

Accompanied by Mullers bright, grieving daughter, Hilda, the group begins their journey to belle-epoque Europe to perfom in Hamburg, Berlin, Paris and eventually London. While crowds in Europe are enthusiastic to see the unique dances, singing, fights and pole climbing from the oldest culture in the world, the attention is relentless, and the fascination of scientists intrusive. When disaster strikes, Bonny must find a way to return home.

A story of love, bravery, culture, and the fight against injustice, Paris Savages brings a little-known part of history to blazing life, from award-winning novelist Katherine Johnson.


By:  
Imprint:   Ventura Distribution
Country of Publication:   Australia
Dimensions:   Height: 198mm,  Width: 130mm, 
ISBN:   9781920727529
ISBN 10:   1920727523
Pages:   352
Publication Date:  
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Katherine Johnson is the author of three previous novels: Pescador's Wake (Fourth Estate, 2009), The Better Son (Ventura Press, 2016) and Matryoshka (Ventura Press, 2018). Her manuscripts have won Varuna Awards and Tasmanian Premier's Literary Prizes. The Better Son was longlisted for both the Indie Book Awards and the Tasmania Book Prize. Katherine holds both arts and science degrees, has worked as a science journalist, and published feature articles for magazines including Good Weekend. Katherine lives in Tasmania with her husband and two children. She recently completed a PhD, which forms the basis of her latest novel, Paris Savages.

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