Snake Cradle
St Leonards
:
Allen and Unwin
,
1997
Z328748
1997
single work
autobiography
(taught in 1 units)
'Snake Cradle is the first volume of Roberta Sykes's three volume autobiography, Snake Dreaming. Snake Cradle chronicles the early years of one of Australia's best known activists for Aboriginal rights, from the time of her birth in Townsville in the 1940s through to the birth of her son when she was 17, and the trial of the men who raped her.
Roberta's voice is strong and true as she describes far north Queensland of the time, her battles with a series of childhood illnesses, and her growing awareness that hers was not an ordinary Australian childhood. Born to a white mother and a father whose identity she did not know, her passion and commitment to the struggles of the Aboriginal people was shaped by the racism her dark skin invoked. A powerful and moving autobiography about a history that must never be forgotten.' (Allen and Unwin)
Snake Dancing
St Leonards
:
Allen and Unwin
,
1998
Z38672
1998
single work
autobiography
(taught in 1 units)
"Snake Dancing chronicles [Sykes's] increasing politicisation and involvement in the Black movement to the time of her invitation from Harvard to take up postgraduate study in the United States. She details the dangerous, demanding and sometimes lonely life of an itinerant activist, and brings human perspective to events that were often headline news around the world."
Snake Circle
St Leonards
:
Allen and Unwin
,
2000
Z453754
2000
single work
autobiography
'This is a vivid recounting of Sykes' experience as the first Australian Black to graduate with a doctorate, and of her growing confidence as she thrives in the new environment of Harvard. It also passionately tells of her relationships with those she loves, such as MumShirl and her children, and the ongoing run-ins she has with the bureaucracy and politicians along the way.' Source: Libraries austral (Sighted 08/04/2008).
