Melissa Lucashenko, an acclaimed Goorie author, recently made headlines for her award-winning novel, Edenglassie. However, what sets this novel apart is not just its accolades but also the unique approach Lucashenko took in crafting the story. She didn’t want to write a typical First Contact narrative, as she felt she lacked the specific Yagara knowledge required to do so. Instead, she chose to set the novel one generation later, at a time when the numbers of Aboriginal peoples and colonists were nearly equal, on the brink of a significant shift in power dynamics.
The title, Edenglassie, is derived from an early name for Brisbane, combining Edinburgh and Glasgow. The novel intricately weaves together the stories of Aboriginal peoples living in Brisbane in both the past and the present. It begins in 2024, with Aunty Eddie’s fall in a Brisbane street, and follows her and her granddaughter Winona as they navigate through the challenges of modern society. The narrative then shifts back to the 1840s and 50s, focusing on the love story between Mulanyin, a Yugambeh man, and Nita, a Ngugi woman.
Lucashenko describes Edenglassie as a „First Nations love story about how to try to live a good Aboriginal life as society is being transformed around you.“ This unique perspective and storytelling style have earned her the prestigious ARA Historical Novel Prize, making Edenglassie one of the most celebrated works in Australian literature.
The novel delves unflinchingly into the violent realities of colonization and dispossession, including the botched hanging of resistance leader Dundalli. Despite the grim subject matter, the book also highlights the resilience and strength of Aboriginal peoples, offering a nuanced portrayal of their experiences.
In a week marked by the royal visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla to Australia, Edenglassie’s themes of colonialism and its consequences resonate deeply. Lucashenko’s intention with the novel is to shed light on the untold stories of Australia’s past and present, challenging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of history.
The success of Edenglassie, with its multiple literary awards and accolades, reflects a growing appetite for diverse and authentic storytelling in Australia. Lucashenko’s commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices and experiences through her work has not gone unnoticed, and she continues to be a trailblazer in the literary landscape.
As Lucashenko looks to the future, she plans to use the prize money from her recent wins to support her family and fund her next project—a crime comedy. Her dedication to her craft and her community shines through in every word of Edenglassie, leaving a lasting impact on readers and critics alike.