The Savage Crows

The Savage Crows alternates between two narratives set in Tasmania - one following journalist Stephen Crisp in the 1970s and the other tracking George Augustus Robinson's mission to the Indigenous people in the 1830s. Crisp researches Robinson's journals while pursuing his own story about Tasmania's dark colonial past. The novel traces Robinson's role as the Chief Protector of Aborigines and his interactions with the remaining Indigenous Tasmanians after decades of conflict with white settlers. Through parallel storylines, Crisp's modern investigation provides context and perspective on these historical events. The present-day narrative shows Crisp grappling with personal challenges while uncovering uncomfortable truths about Australia's treatment of Indigenous people. His research leads him to confront questions about cultural identity and responsibility. Through its dual timelines, The Savage Crows explores themes of historical truth, cultural erasure, and the complex relationship between past and present in Australian society. The novel examines how historical events continue to shape contemporary Australian identity and consciousness.

Readers praise Drewe's unflinching examination of Tasmania's colonial history and Aboriginal genocide through parallel narratives. Many note the emotional impact of the historical storyline featuring George Augustus Robinson. Positive reviews highlight: - Raw, detailed historical research - Complex character portrayals - Powerful depiction of cultural conflict Common criticisms: - Contemporary storyline feels less developed - Some find the dual timeline structure disjointed - Pacing issues in the modern sections Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.0/5 (11 reviews) From reader reviews: "The historical sections hit hard but the modern story lacks the same punch" - Goodreads reviewer "Required reading for understanding Tasmania's dark past" - Amazon review "Robinson's journey is meticulously researched but Stephen's story feels like a different book" - LibraryThing user Several readers note this was Drewe's first novel and shows promise despite structural flaws.

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🦅 Though a work of fiction, the novel weaves together true historical events about the brutal treatment of Tasmanian Aboriginals in the 1800s with a modern-day journalist's story set in 1970s Australia. 📚 Robert Drewe wrote this debut novel in 1976 while working as a journalist for The Age newspaper, drawing from his own experiences in the media industry to create the protagonist's character. 🏝️ The book's historical narrative focuses on George Augustus Robinson, a real historical figure who served as Chief Protector of Aborigines in Tasmania, and whose journals provided much of the source material. 🗓️ The parallel storylines, set 140 years apart, both explore themes of cultural genocide and personal guilt, highlighting how Australia's colonial past continues to impact contemporary society. 🏆 The novel won the Riverina Prize and helped establish Drewe as one of Australia's most important literary voices, leading to his later works being studied in Australian schools and universities.