Borderland (Graham Akhurst, UWA Publishing)

Jono is a young Indigenous man who has little connection to Country and community. While his best friend, Jenny, seems to know exactly who she is, Jono struggles with his sense of self. He starts having visions and can’t quite make sense of them. When an opportunity to work with a film crew publicising a mining venture comes up, Jenny pushes Jono to get involved. But when he joins them, the visions get more intense, and he’s not the only one with them. He’s heard part of the story of Wudun from his mother, but as his world gets more chaotic, Jono must find his sense of connection to learn more about what exactly is going on. Borderland is a blend of multiple elements, including coming-of-age, eco-thriller, discovery of self and more. Graham Akhurst doesn’t shy away from the complexity of Indigenous identity or the generational effects of colonisation. As a reader, you’re on the edge of your seat with Jono as he tries to figure out what he’s seeing and why, as well as trying to figure out what it is about this mining venture that doesn’t feel quite right. Indigenous voices are a necessity in literature for all ages, and Borderland is a great addition for young adult readers and fans of Gary Lonesborough and Jared Thomas.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Anneliese Gates is a writer and works in a primary school library. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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