Part of the Scholastic My Story historical series, Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937 (Scholastic, 2001) by Australian author Anita Heiss shares the story of a young Aboriginal girl separated from her family as part of the Australian government’s policy to assimilate indigenous children into the white population.
Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937
Taken from her family and sent to Bombaderry Aboriginal Children’s Home at the age of five, 10-year-old Mary Talence is now to leave her friends at the home so that she can live with a white family in Sydney’s North Shore. Lonely and confused, Mary doesn’t understand why she has had to change her name and abandon her heritage so that she can ‘fit in’.
On 27th January 1937, the day of her 10th birthday, Mary starts a diary. For the next year, she shares details about everyday home and school life in the late 1930s. Mary’s life changes dramatically during 1937 and readers share with her the excitement and fears of her journey from the children’s home to Sydney and her increasing awareness of what it means to be Aboriginal in 1930s Australia.
Interwoven with the story of Mary’s personal journey are references to Australian society and culture of the time. Readers share Mary’s introduction to information, objects and events as she experiences 1930s Australian suburban life. Modern readers will no doubt be entertained to read about Mary’s amazement at Coca-Cola, the new drink from America, as well as her excitement about listening to the Dad and Dave wireless program.
With references to sport, politics, music, education, fashion and food as well as more detailed references to home and school life, The Diary of Mary Talence is more than a simple account of one girl’s emotional experiences as part of the Stolen Generation. It is a snapshot of 1930s Australia as well an introduction to a significant issue from Australia’s history.
Sharing the Story of the Stolen Generation with Children
The historical context of The Diary of Mary Talence offers an excellent opportunity for readers to consider the issue of Australia’s Indigenous policy, particularly in the first half of the 20th century.
The Diary of Mary Talence deals with many confronting issues in addition to the obvious focus on the Stolen Generation. Occasional references are made to events that highlight gender discrimination as well as religious and ethnic intolerance. Mary also learns about the growing movement amongst Indigenous people to be given equal rights which culminates in Mary’s attendance at the Day of Mourning conference on Australia Day 1938, the sesquicentenary of European settlement in Australia.
Despite the many serious and contentious issues it raises, The Diary of Mary Talence has a positive tone thanks to Mary’s own optimistic personality. While discrimination and bullying are overtly evident in Mary’s life, she retains the positive outlook of a child and can still enjoy special moments with friends and wonder at the world she lives it.
Australian Author Anita Heiss
Dr Anita Heiss is an author, poet, social commentator and satirist. She is a member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales and lives in Sydney. Anita is a passionate supporter of improving awareness of Indigenous culture and issues, and is an ambassador for Indigenous Literacy Day.
Anita is published across a range of genres including her recently released chick-lit title Manhattan Dreaming. A full list of publications, public speaking events and appearances and other details can be found at her website.
Australian Historical Fiction for School-Aged Readers
Filled with details and issues about everyday family and school life that readers will relate to, The Diary of Mary Talence also introduces the subject of Australia’s Stolen Generation in a way that is age-appropriate and relevant, bringing this often overlooked and avoided part of Australian history to light for a modern young audience.
Written with sensitivity, humour and a keen awareness of the intended audience, The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937 is an important book, ideal as a classroom resource or Australian history study book for students in late primary school and early high school.
Review copy details:
My Story: Who Am ? The Dairy of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937 (ISBN: 978-1-86504-361-6, 174 pages)
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