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A Most Peculiar Act

Also available as Ebook

A Most Peculiar Act casts a sardonic eye at the protectionist policies of the early 20th century from the perspective of an Aboriginal fringe-camp dweller by the name of Sugar. Against the background of the Aboriginal Ordinances Act and the "White Australia" policy, Sugar's resistance to assimilation turns into a protracted battle with the authorities and the chief protector Horatio Humphris (or Horrid Hump). Interspersed with illicit affairs, stolen children and unwelcome foreigners, A Most Peculiar Act sees Sugar and her oppressors finally meet on a level playing field with an outcome neither side could have foreseen.

$24.99

Praise for A Most Peculiar Act

"The narrative voice is yarning, chatty and sardonic, but under all the jokes and stories there’s a sharp critique of bureaucrats and institutions, and an appreciation of the heroic nature of resistance."

Kerryn Goldsworthy
The Saturday Age

Marie Munkara

Marie Munkara was born on the banks of the Mainoru River in Arnhem Land. She is the author of two novels, Every Secret Thing (UQP 2009, Magabala Books 2021), A Most Peculiar Act (Magabala Books 2014); a memoir, Of Ashes...

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Listen to Marie Munkara's discussion with Daniel Browning on Radio National

 

 

Other titles by Marie Munkara

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Every Secret Thing

Marie Munkara