The Visitors (Jane Harrison, HarperCollins)

It’s 1788 in Gadigal country. Seven Aboriginal Elders gather from different clans to discuss the large ships in the harbour. Who are these visitors? Why are they here? How did they build ships of that size, and how many people can they hold? According to custom, the Elders can’t leave the meeting until a unanimous decision has been made: do they welcome the visitors to land, or do they attack? The Visitors is a new novel from award-winning author and playwright Jane Harrison, a descendant of the Muruwari people, and is based on her critically acclaimed play of the same name. The book has a play-like feel; it’s intimate, tense but inviting, and readers feel included in the dialogue. One of the particular strengths of this novel, which is set over one day of discussion and debate, is the insight given into each man’s inner life. We’re privy to their food preferences, family dynamics, initiation rituals, and even a tender queer memory. Another powerful aspect of this book is the language used to describe the natural beauty of Gadigal country, where animals, trees and water are all spoken about with sacred reverence. The end of this book is, obviously, devastating, and even though we know what’s coming, we’re hopeful for a different ending anyway. The Visitors offers a deep emotional journey. Harrison has written a thoughtful and powerful reimagining of a significant moment in Australian history, from a First Nations perspective.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Danielle Bagnato is a book reviewer and marketing and communications professional. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Reviews