About the author

Nardi Simpson


About the book


Judges' report


Nardi Simpson’s Song of the Crocodile is an incredibly important book, both as the herald of an exciting new talent to Australia’s literary industry, as well as a novel that contributes to a deeper understanding of Australia’s history, and tells the stories of First Nations people in a voice and tone that has for so long been missing from our literary canon. 

Exploring the experiences of a First Nations community living on the outskirts of a rural town, Song of the Crocodile focuses on four generations of one family as a vessel to explore the insidious and generational impacts of racism, colonialism and violence. 

Simpson doesn’t shy away from the complexity and nuance of the characters, who are at once survivors, victims and perpetrators of trauma grounded in dispossession and injustice. However, nor does she deny these characters joy and meaning in their lives – bringing their stories to the page with great tenderness and lyricism. This book is necessary reading for all Australians. 

Further reading


Reviews 

‘In Song of the Crocodile, Yuwaalaraay author Nardi Simpson makes a lightning debut.’ Kill Your Darlings

‘A musician’s sensibility to voice and rhythm enhances this engrossing lyrical tale… prosaic and beautiful.’  Jane Sullivan, Australian Book Review

Links 

Listen to Nardi Simpson on ABC’s Conversations with Richard Fidler

Read ‘Show Your Working: Nardi Simpson’, Kill Your Darlings

Listen to Nardi Simpson on the Booktopia podcast

 


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