Every year for over a decade Goldenberg, a white middle-aged doctor, has spent numerous periods working as a relieving doctor for Aboriginal communities in remote places. On these visits he has observed and recorded Aboriginal Australians’ lives without resorting to simplification or glib solutions. Among his true stories we meet psychotic Elijah who believes he is Satan’s boss and cannot die; a dehydrated baby whose mother gambles away money for food; an old lady who receives a gashed head while fending off a thief stealing her money – her husband. In the midst of tragedies, suffering and moral ambiguity, these stories also tell of cultural richness and common humanity.
220 p. : map ; 24 cm. #140122 Bibliography: p. 223-225.
Goldenberg, Howard. | Aboriginal Australians — Social conditions — 21st century. | Aboriginal Australians — Social life and customs. | Aboriginal Australians — Health and hygiene. | Health status – Child health. | Sex relations – Child sexual abuse. | Health services. | Substance use – Alcohol. | Health services – Health workers. | Nepabunna (NE SA Flinders Ranges SH54-09) | Elcho Island (East Arnhem Land NT SC53-15, SD53-03) | Halls Creek (WA East Kimberley SE52-10) | Bidyadanga / Lagrange (WA West Kimberley SE51-10) | Galiwinku (Elcho Island East Arnhem Land NT SD53-03) | Balgo / Wirrimanu (Central WA Tanami Desert SF52-02) | Flinders Ranges (NE SA SH54-09, SH54-13)