The Sound of Boomerangs

A very short (82 page) book with numerous black and white photographs. The text is very simple and gives overview information of Aboriginal culture but cleverly personalises the detail by following a strong of inter-related Aboriginal people - starting with two tribal elders who are introduced to the author by a missionary.

They welcome the author into their camp, where she can describe their way of life, relationship with fire, lack of possessions, their dogs. She watches them create some artwork, tell a traditional story then prepare for an initiation ceremony (which she is not permitted to witness).

Next the men go hunting, so she can describe this activity, and when they return, one of the children is missing. She tells the story from his perspective - he follows a swarm of bees in the hope of bringing back some honey, but loses track of where he is and goes a long way. He remembers some taught bushcraft, gets a drink, climbs a tree to look for smoke, then makes a shelter to sleep the night. The following morning his father follows his tracks and finds the boy, taking him home to camp.

The next night there is a corroboree (Aboriginal ceremonial gathering of tribes), and therefore body decoration, music and dancing to write about. The following day we are introduced to the boys uncle, and he is off on a fishing expedition by canoe, so canoe making fishing and the use of the woomera (to throw spears). On return to camp it is time for the nomadic people to move on, to allow this area to regenerate in game, edible roots etc.

The camp is cleaned up and cleared out, and all the people move off along a traditional path to a new camp and a new season. We get a glimpse of their setting up the camp, and all too soon it is time for the author to move on too.

It is an engaging way to roll out a thorough, but simple description of the Aboriginal way of life. Written with respect and a personal experience of the American author. Carol Morse Perkins is the wife of the Director of the St Louis Zoo, and both have travelled extensively to witness animals and cultures around the world.

A basic, but well rounded overview of Aboriginal culture, aimed most likely at an older child / young adult audience.

3 stars.