Dreamkeepers: A Spirit-Journey into Aboriginal Australia

If you're expecting "a spirit journey into Aboriginal Australia" - as the book's subtitle implies - then you'll be disappointed by "Dreamkeepers".The book begins with the quote: "You'll never discover the blackfella's secret", and we never do, because almost all of the interviewees steadfastly refuse to discuss the mysterious "dreamtime". Arden himself must have been disappointed because the more I read the more I felt he had simply given up on his objective and was merely going through the motions of documenting his travels and putting random "blackfellas'" words on paper. The suggestion on page 171 to an elder that maybe he could "just daub some paint on" - for no particular reason - gives one an idea of how demoralized he must have been by his inability (through no fault of his own) to do what he set out to do."Dreamkeepers" is certainly no spirit-journey, unless it's Arden's, it merely confirms that there is one and leaves us wanting to know more. It does, however, do exactly what the review by the Library Jornal (in miniscule letters at the top of the front cover) says: it allows the Aboriginal people to speak for themselves, sharing concerns, thoughts and ideas, giving a sensitive account of their struggle for identity and dignity - namely their struggles for land rights and against marginalization and alcoholism. To his credit, Arden does explain the reasons for his failure, but instead of not writing the book (or changing its title) he wrote this one. Even after reading it I'm not exactly sure what "dreamtime" is, except that, as the last interviewee puts it: "It's beyond understanding".Summing up, "Dreamkeepers" is both an agreable read, full of pleasant anecdotes, stories and characters, and an excellent marketing platform for his previous book, Wisdomkeepers, from which he extracts numerous quotations, including them as and when mentioned by his Aboriginal intervewees.

Dreamkeepers is subtitled, "A Spirit-Journey into Aboriginal Australia." That's important to emphasize because the spirit-journey is the author's, more so than the Aboriginals.Harvey Arden is a former editor-writer for National Geographic and co-author of Wisdomkeepers, a book on Native Americans in the United States. In the prologue, he writes,"I had hoped to garner a few stories from the Dreamtime on this `spirit-journey' of mine into Aboriginal Australia.'" (2)With that quest clearly stated, he and his guide travel across The Kimberley to seek out and interview a dozen or so Aboriginals to glean from them an understanding of Aboriginal faith and practice, as well as current issues affecting the plight of Aboriginals in Australia today.Arden is a seasoned journalist and, to his credit, he gives voice to individuals who would not otherwise be heard. This is the strength of the book: The people he interviews are real people with real thoughts and feelings and stories to tell. They deserve to be heard in their own words, and Arden is there to provide the opportunity.The reader is apt to enjoy Arden's adventures in the bush; his impromptu conversations with Mike, his guide; and, throughout, his humility. He writes,"I was no anthropologist or scholar or historian ... I wanted to relate to them as human being to human being, ... but no less." (3)Having said this, the book lacks breadth and depth: The Kimberley is one of many vast areas of Australia, and the spokespersons singled out are but a dozen of hundreds Arden could have just as easily chosen to interview. What's more, the anecdotal nature of the book leaves one hanging. Where is the historical perspective and theological reflection?The book is what it is - one man's spirit-journey into Aboriginal Australia. If you're willing to accept that, you'll find it worthwhile; if you're expecting more, you might be disappointed.

There is so much mystery surrounding the Australian Aborigines and white Australians seem to want to keep it that way, to sweep these people under the rug. This book doesn't reveal all but provides a window into the rich and ancient Aborigine culture. Best of all, the window is opened by the people themselves. They are not beautiful by western standards, but they radiate goodness and truth and it makes them beautiful. I offer much gratitude to Arden for searching them out and respectfully writing down their stories and showing their pictures. This book is side-by-side on my shelf with "Wisdomkeepers," Arden's beautiful book about our own North American Aborigines. The theme is the same: To honor and respect these ancient people.

Harvey Arden, acclaimed National Geographic writer, takes us into the heart of Aboriginal Australia and shows us a glimpse into the world of the "Dreamtime Ancestors". The stories of his journey are a great read...giving a remarkable view of one man, crossing cultures, and sharing his own spiritual quest, with some amazing photographs as well! My suggestion: read this book, and all of Harvey's other books as well...you won't be disappointed!

Dreamkeepers: A Spirit-Journey into Aboriginal Australia This author says at the beginning that he has been accused of trying to steal Dreamtime stories, and warned to get his own Dreamtime, a concept he has no understanding of, not a clue. Most of the book is about him trying to find the Dreamtime and sad stories of the Aborigine problems. Even the title of the book is pathetically self-promoting and presumes or insinuates that he has some of significance to say about the Dreamtime. Don't be fooled by his blathering and dishonest marketing.The obligatory one star is way too much for this book: I am going to throw the book out in order to assure other people wont read my copy.

An excellent and quick read. Exactly what I wanted from the book. Not a comprehensive or systematic of aboriginal culture or history, but rather a series of thought provoking and beautiful conversations brimming with wisdom and spirit.

thanks

Consiglio questo prodotto a tutti gli appassionati di culture aborigene, la spedizione è stata puntuale il libro è in ottimo stato. Le storie all'interno forniscono uno spaccato della vita aborigena in australia al giorno d'oggi. Libro in lingua inglese.