When the World Was Soft is a unique and powerful introduction to Yindjibarndi storytelling and culture.
Feature image credit: Allen & Unwin
The songs sung by the Yindjibarndi grandmothers and grandfathers pass down stories of creation – stories “written in the landscape,” imbued with deep significance. When the World Was Soft brings these stories to a wider audience, sharing the songs of Minkala, the Creator, and telling of the evolution of life and Ngurra (Country) in colourful, graphic-novel style. To the Yindjibarndi of Western Australia’s Pilbara region, storytelling enables the transmission of life lessons and maintains a connection to voices from the past.
We begin with the tale of the Creator, Minkala, pulling the earth from the sea and bringing the Marrga (creation spirits) into being. In Ngurra Nyujunggamu – at the dawn of time, when the world was soft – all that we could see, touch, and hear is the work of the Marrga. Although the soft world became hard and Minkala and the Marrga retreated, their spiritual energy remains in all living things. The stories bring understanding of laws and teachings. We meet the wedge-tailed eagle, crow, and black kite, and hear of Nyinkara the stoneman’s fearsome dominance and eventual downfall. At times there is violence, bloodshed, and retribution, strongly reinforcing important life lessons, including resisting greed, respecting relationships and environment, and taking responsibility for our actions.
The book’s design is rich in visual detail. Photographs show the beauty of WA’s dramatic northern landscapes. It’s a land of extremes: red, rocky outcrops, deep gorges, and lush waterholes. Alex Mankiewicz’s illustrations (pen and ink with digital colour) give the stories life in highly detailed panels interspersed with artwork by members of the Juluwarlu Art Group. These evoke the themes in more abstract ways, and this layered approach is very successful and engaging.
There are several handy features that help readers connect more deeply with the content. At the back of the book, there are explanations of key concepts along with introductions to the Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation and the creative contributors. A glossary and index defines the Yindjibarndi words, and these are also highlighted at first mention in the text.
When the World Was Soft is an absorbing presentation of Yindjibarndi culture. Recommended for readers ages 10 to 14, the book will also capture the interest of older teens and adult readers due to its mature themes.
Reviewed by Jo Vabolis
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Allen & Unwin
Released: April 2024
RRP: $34.99
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