Reviews

Wild Cat Falling by Colin Johnson, Mudrooroo Nyoongah, Mudrooroo

jehsface's review against another edition

reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

zoe243's review

1.0

One of the worst books iv ever read. had to read it for english and i think my english teacher was shocked at the outcome of my essay. this book was supposed to expose the harsh reality and injustice of being aboriginal but all it did for me was feel zero sympathy for a cry baby "im black so there is no hope for me anyway" character. not once did he ever have any get up and go about his life. he just trudged along being a stereotype. I could not connect with this character making it a very difficult read.

kali's review

4.0

4.5* 'Wild Cat Falling' is a remarkable and vital literary work -- especially to listen to the author read it on audio, with his humorous intonation and traces of the cheeky youth he once might have been. The depiction of a pre-referendum Nyoongah 'bodgie''s inner world, and interactions with both non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal society, is sympathetically portrayed with nuance, that it feels like the story and its characters must have been be drawn from the author Mudrooroo's (Colin Johnson) life. And it is because this experience is published that makes it critical reading. As an historical artefact, it yields insights in the 'caught-between two worlds' identity of those who were exempt from the Act, as well as bodgie and student bohemian life in Perth, which I enjoyed very much. This meant, also, that 1960s' gender attitudes are presented authentically, which can be uncomfortable reading, but necessary to remember.

georgiarybanks's review

challenging dark reflective sad fast-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0