Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: cultural

  • Wifed In India

    Wifed In India

    From Shadows to Light: A Wife’s Quest 

    Wifed in India is an amazingly powerful book. As the story is often told in the third person, the author can convey the essence of her understated messages. Factually, she describes ordinary everyday circumstances as they are practiced and accepted. This is Indian culture and tradition as experienced by women. For Mrs Dolly Mittal, giving birth to her beautiful son was catastrophic. Her husband had promised his boss he would give him the son to raise.

    The story begins with Pari, a baby born to loving parents. Her relatives are quick to point out that it is a shame that she is such a dark colour. With wisdom and foresight, her parents raise Pari to believe that education and seeking knowledge is the way to fulfilment. But along the way, Pari must learn to overcome many obstacles.

    Her father blocks her desire to study fashion and instead she is made to study computer science. It is at the university that she meets Ayushman, and they develop a relationship. They are so alike in their thoughts and feelings that it seems nothing can separate them. However, Pari’s father is absolutely against their marriage as Ayushman’s family are in business.

    Overcoming objections, the pair marry and although their love is strong, there are so many changes and compromises to be made that Pari must struggle to keep her identity. The following chapters describe the couple as they have children. Pari’s expectations and Ayushman’s duty constantly clash and the expectations they both have are diminished.

    Wifed in India is a story of a constant struggle against perceived norms and traditions. That Pari can still fight for her self-esteem and way of life shows a tenacity and courage that will give heart to many women. She must take control of her life and the life of her children to empower their future. This is an inspirational story.

  • Aboriginal Victorians

    Aboriginal Victorians

    A history since 1800

    “This book is about how Aboriginal people have been challenged by change since 1800, forging a place in Victoria, to live as Aboriginal people in an altered world.”

    This is how the author, Richard Broome begins Aboriginal Victorians A history since 1800, his research confounding people who believed there were no longer many Aboriginal people in Victoria, misunderstanding the fairer skins they were seeing as evidence of a race dying out.

    Technology used to date the origins of these people over many years has shown an adaptation to rising sea levels and climate change by use of tools which shifted from stone to wood, nets which were made for trapping and baskets woven for fish trapping. This is indeed evidence of environmental adaptation.

    Richard continues to describe the historic events which took place after European settlement. Even though the Aboriginal people had their land taken, their place names changed, and their people described in the most demeaning way, they survived. Many of their traditions, stories and culture although dismissed, continue today.

    The author moves on to discuss the years between 1850-1886, where the traditional people were learning to negotiate two worlds. New Aboriginal Communities were set up after the 1850’s. These were formed from the remains of decimated groups whose numbers had dwindled and whose land had been taken. New alliances were formed and marriages which once would have been banned were now possible.

    Part three of the book deals with assimilation,1886- 1970, the Acts, and the many challenges that face the groups seeking recognition and rights. “A new dawn through Treaty making, truth telling, and voice is slowly breaking through the dark of injustice.” Victorian people have opportunity to embrace the move towards a vibrant community of First Nations People, who will enrich their society.

    “Aboriginal Victorians,” has won many awards and is acclaimed as leading research on this topic. This is the second edition and has been updated where the author felt necessary. A comprehensive Index and End Note section completes this wonderful research.

  • Van Diemen’s Land An Aboriginal History

    Van Diemen’s Land An Aboriginal History

    This book will become a major source of information for students and lecturers at Universities.  It is an up-to-date history that has been carefully researched, using extensive archaeological and first hand evidence to ensure a precise work of study.  The authors are both lecturers in Australian history and Indigenous studies.

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