'David Malouf 's
An Imaginary Life
has been praised for its anti-colonial and ethical treat
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ment of alterity. However, this paper argues that Ovid appropriates the Child's mysticism
as a tool to soothe his pain of unbelonging. In this sense, the novel brings to mind the
current debates about the Australian project of reconciliation and the white settlers' opportunist
engagement with Aboriginal mysticism and spirituality.' (Author's abstract)