Cirrus@Austlit

'Koorie Dhoulagarle's story; except for its conclusion, is that of all Aborigines the world over. He accepted white culture as observed in his half-conscious process of acculturisation. Drink occupied a central place, as did the local 'tough-guy' version of machismo. The ability to drink, to fight, to play football proved manliness and worthiness for acceptance.

Koorie's alienation made alcoholism inevitable. Universal wherever ancient cultures face destruction, alcohol is a double edged sword. Hospitals in America, Europe, and Australia are bulging with the disoriented, and bewildered, no more able to cope with an incomprehensible civilisation than Aborigines are. The wheel is nearly full circle.

Koorie plumbed the depths, landed in prison, lost his family, and the d.t.'s nearly killed him. He found the strength, without help, to reverse the process. Today his loving family is with him and his white work mates, who fob him off when he wants to talk about serious matters, laugh and go off to the pub without him.'(Source: back cover)