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Image courtesy of publisher's website.
Issue Details: First known date: 2021... 2021 Dear Son : Letters and Reflections from First Nations Fathers and Sons
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'Dear Son shares heartfelt letters written by First Nations men about life, masculinity, love, culture and racism. Along with his own vivid and poignant prose and poetry, author and editor Thomas Mayor invites 12 contributors to write a letter to their son, father or nephew, bringing together a range of perspectives that offers the greatest celebration of First Nations manhood.

'This beautifully designed anthology comes at a time when First Nations peoples are starting to break free of derogatory stereotypes and find solace in their communities and cultures. Yet, each contributor also has one thing in common: they all have a relative who has been terribly wronged – enslaved, raped and dispossessed – because of their Aboriginality. 

'Featuring letters from Stan Grant, Troy Cassar-Daley, John Liddle, Charlie King, Joe Williams, Yessie Mosby, Joel Bayliss, Daniel James, Jack Latimore, Daniel Morrison, Tim Sculthorpe and Blak Douglas.

'A gentle and loving book for families from anywhere in the world. Artwork by proud Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri/Narrunga/Italian Australian artist Tony Wilson, with illustrations and design by Gamilaraay designer Tristan Schultz of Relative Creative.' (Publication summary)
 

Adaptations

Dear Son Isaac Drandic , John Harvey , 2025 single work drama

'Author, editor and proud Kaurareg, Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man Thomas Mayo invited 12 Indigenous men to write a letter to their son, father or nephew in a gentle and honest compendium of love and reflection.

'The celebration of First Nations manhood featured letters from Stan Grant, Troy Cassar-Daley, Johnny Liddle, Charlie King, Joe Williams, Yessie Mosby, Joel Bayliss, Daniel James, Jack Latimore, Daniel Morrison, Tim Sculthorpe and Blak Douglas.

'In 2025, renowned First Nations theatre makers Isaac Drandic (37, Dear Brother) and John Harvey (Spear, Black Ties) adapt these deeply personal letters into a powerful world premiere, alongside leading First Nations actors Jimi Bani (Othello, My Name Is Jimi) and Trevor Jamieson (The Secret River, Storm Boy).

'Through story and music, Dear Son honours the rich traditions and wisdoms of fathers passed down through generations, interrogating the challenges faced by First Nations men and honouring the importance of family, the power of culture and the enduring strength of the human spirit.'

Source: Production blurb.

Contents

* Contents derived from the Richmond, East Melbourne - Richmond area, Melbourne, Victoria,:Hardie Grant Books , 2021 version. Please note that other versions/publications may contain different contents. See the Publication Details.
Thomas Mayor, Thomas Mayo , single work correspondence
Stan Grant, Stan Grant , single work correspondence
Troy Cassar-Daley, Troy Cassar-Daley , single work correspondence
Yessie Mosby, Yessie Mosby , single work correspondence
Charlie King, Charlie King , single work correspondence
Blak Douglas, Adam Hill , single work correspondence
Daniel Morrison, Daniel Morrison , single work correspondence
Jack Latimore, Jack Latimore , single work correspondence
Joel Bayliss, Joel Bayliss , single work correspondence
Johnny Liddle, Johnny Liddle , single work correspondence
Joe Williams, Joe Williams , single work correspondence
Daniel James, Daniel James , single work correspondence
Tim Sculthorpe, Tim Sculthorpe , single work correspondence
Thomas Mayor, Thomas Mayo , single work correspondence

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

Works about this Work

[Review] Dear Son: Letters and Reflections from First Nations Fathers and Sons Tyree Barnette , 2022 single work review
— Appears in: Kalliope X , Autumn no. 2 2022;

— Review of Dear Son : Letters and Reflections from First Nations Fathers and Sons 2021 anthology correspondence

'Parenting is a deconstructive process. It strips away the non-essential parts of you as you work to build a better human being with your child. In raising my two young sons, I constantly dismember and reassemble my own matter. Through this chaos of inner and outer scrutiny comes the essential elements: the purest building blocks I have to make a better version of me.' (Introduction)

y separately published work icon Book It In : Tara June Winch and Thomas Mayor Paul Daley (interviewer), 2022 23741234 2022 single work podcast interview

'Dear Son is a searing anthology of letters by First Nations fathers and sons. Two of Australia’s best authors discuss the tenderness and strength of Indigenous masculinity, in conversation with author and journalist Paul Daley.' 

[Review] Dear Son: Letters and Reflections from First Nations Fathers and Sons Tyree Barnette , 2022 single work review
— Appears in: Kalliope X , Autumn no. 2 2022;

— Review of Dear Son : Letters and Reflections from First Nations Fathers and Sons 2021 anthology correspondence

'Parenting is a deconstructive process. It strips away the non-essential parts of you as you work to build a better human being with your child. In raising my two young sons, I constantly dismember and reassemble my own matter. Through this chaos of inner and outer scrutiny comes the essential elements: the purest building blocks I have to make a better version of me.' (Introduction)

y separately published work icon Book It In : Tara June Winch and Thomas Mayor Paul Daley (interviewer), 2022 23741234 2022 single work podcast interview

'Dear Son is a searing anthology of letters by First Nations fathers and sons. Two of Australia’s best authors discuss the tenderness and strength of Indigenous masculinity, in conversation with author and journalist Paul Daley.' 

Last amended 14 Mar 2024 10:43:49
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