Review of I Jandamarra

[Gladis Ratish Kumar]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I Jandamarra" by E T Thomas.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

"I, Jandamarra" by E. T. Thomas is a captivating historical fiction narrative that unfolds in the 1890s, showcasing the life of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal warrior from the Kimberley region of Australia and a member of the Bunuba tribe. Thomas intricately weaves together the story, delving into Jandamarra's childhood and the unique qualities that set him apart. The deep love he harbors for his tribe and the Kimberley area (Windjana) is evident from the outset.

The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Jandamarra encounters a fellow tribesman, Muddenbudden, who is dressed in Western attire. Fascinated by the prospect of employment at the Lennar River Station under Missa Lukin, Muddenbudden's employer, Jandamarra, along with his mother Jinnie and a small group, embarks on a journey to explore this unfamiliar way of life.

Missa Lukin extends job offers to the group, and Jandamarra, known as Pigeon to his boss, eagerly takes on the responsibilities of caring for horses. A quick learner, he immerses himself in tasks such as shearing sheep and handling rifles. However, the demands of his tribe call him back to undergo the initiation rites of manhood. Despite his initial reluctance, Jandamarra returns, unaware of the significant events that will shape his destiny and that of his people. Caught between two worlds – the whitefellas and blackfellas – Jandamarra faces a critical decision: to heed his tribal calling or assimilate with the settlers. The unfolding events form the core of the narrative, leaving readers in suspense about Jandamarra's ultimate choice.

The author masterfully portrays the challenges faced by the Bunuba people, evoking a heart-wrenching response from readers. Jandamarra's character is depicted as a hardworking individual, showcasing dedication both to the whites and his clan. The romantic dynamics between Jandamarra and Yuwa add a tender touch, while the relationship with Mayannie introduces an intriguing element to the storyline.

"I, Jandamarra" is meticulously edited, leaving no room for errors. The language employed aligns seamlessly with the plot, creating a coherent and immersive reading experience. Notably, the book contains adult content, making it suitable for mature readers.

I found no shortcomings in the book, prompting me to award it a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The narrative's ability to maintain engagement, coupled with the rich portrayal of characters and historical context, contributes to its overall excellence.

******
I Jandamarra
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Aaron Joseph Maupin]

This review is highly helpful as it provides an insightful overview of the book "I, Jandamarra" by E. T. Thomas. It captures the captivating narrative, character development, and historical context effectively. The review is sufficient, motivating potential readers to buy the book with its praises of engaging storytelling and rich portrayal of characters. From the reviewer's perspective, "I, Jandamarra" appears to be a valuable addition to anyone's library.

[Donaking]

This review provides a compelling account of "I, Jandamarra" by E. T. Thomas, a captivating historical fiction narrative set in 1890s Australia. The reviewer describes how the author skillfully weaves together the story of Jandamarra, an Aboriginal warrior, and his struggle between his tribal roots and assimilation with settlers. The well-developed characters, immersive writing, and historical context make this book a worthwhile read, earning it a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars.