Storymen
‘This book delivers a passionate and vivid insiders account of experience which from an Indigenous perspective is rarely delivered from – the non- Indigenous vantage point. In this instance it has been achieved with compassion and understanding that comes from someone connected through thirty years in the company of David Mowaljarlai and the Ngarinyin people of the Kimberley….
… (In Storymen) the works of Mowaljarlai and Winton explode together in a rich canvas of experience. The two men never met but their lives and travels are nevertheless woven together across landscape, time and place. The book has high potential particularly in an environment supported by the Prime Ministers apology and Reconciliation. ‘
Professor John Maynard, Chair Indigenous Studies, University of Newcastle
‘Magnificent, extraordinary book.’
Professor David Tacey, La Trobe University
‘Storymen is a quite extraordinary book. It explicates Mowaljarlai’s cosmology vividly. It has Winton ruminating publically on his own creative processes and how they might intersect, quite unconsciously, a Ngarinyin mindset where his deeper preoccupations as a spinner of yarns is concerned. The development of the landscape and story motifs is richly suggestive. And Bell’s Ngarinyin reading of Cloudstreet is unprecedented and astonishing. In sum, Storymen is a remarkable journey through two mindscapes profoundly defined by the land and the stories it leads them to conjure.’
Rod Moran, writer and literary editor of The West Australian
‘I have a feeling that (this) book is going to be a very important part of the literary tapestry of who we are as Australians; a pivotal work (that) brings those two figures, and all they stand for, together.
Bishop David Murray, Director, Centre for Spirituality, St George’s Cathedral, Perth, WA
‘STORYMEN wow; what an impressive and inspiring read. Accurate report yet the integrity remains there in all that I have read. That is in despite of all the negative states, of white/black politics, alarming rates deteriorating health both physically and spiritually, you have brought our friend Bungal Mowaljarlai to the place he deserve. Yes a man of vision dealt directly with two worlds, for this alone STORYMEN ought to be mandatory reading in high schools.’
Michael Edols, film director and producer
‘Got deeper and further in and around ther STORYMEN – it is beautiful!!! Great. Mowaljarlai back among us, wise, continuing on the track of his Big Message. So glad for you to have all those hard year’s work writing behind you and between covers. No better story-telling match to compare with him than that literary great Tim Winton. You must be so proud, Hannah’
Jutta Malnic coauthor of Yorro Yorro
‘I am writing to congratulate you on the successful completion and publication of Storymen. It is really beautiful and a great read. …. I think it is a wonderful publication and … I am not finding it a hard read at all.’
Archbishop Peter Carnley former Archbishop of Perth WA
‘You said that ‘Storymen’ would be read in different ways. Some would read it from cover to cover, others would read bits and pieces – I’m one of the latter. Looked at the photos and art first and then started to read some of the letters. Was rather struck by one I read which was in Law & Nature. This led me to read more and found it inspiring…it was beautiful. Am also struck by it’s just you… teaching….telling stories…. letters/thoughts being shared by 2 intelligent, like/minded, or is it thinkers. Can see how you consider the book could be used in schools.’
Helen Sykes, photographer, former volunteer worker with the Ngarinyin