The Swan Book is a post-apocalyptical novel based on the suffering of Indigenous Australians throughout history. The author, Alexis Wright – an indigenous Australian herself – based the story on her own experiences and mistreatments.
The story revolves around the life of a young Aboriginal girl, Oblivia, and follows her into adulthood. Mentally stunted due to a gang rape when she was younger, she has become a shell of herself. She is discovered by Bella Donna, an older white woman, who cares for her and explores the destruction of Earth through her story telling. However, adversity comes in the form of the indigenous president, Warren Finch, who takes an interest in Oblivia and keeps her locked away. The story follows on with the struggles and adversity Oblivia faces in her quest to free herself.
The novel was a critically acclaimed and was short-listed for multiple awards in Australia, including the prestigious Miles Franklin Award and the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards — Prize for Indigenous Writing in 2014.
