Songs are of great importance to the Dinka people of South Sudan. ‘They’re our avatars, and our biographies. They precede us, introduce us, and live on after we die,’ writes the refugee advocate, Archibald muse, and NSW Australian of the Year for 2017, Deng Thiak Adut. His memoir, Songs of a War Boy, serves as a profound if disturbing ballad to his tragedies and triumphs.
Dilan Gunawardana reviews 'Songs of a War Boy' by Deng Thiak Adut and Ben McKelvey
Dilan Gunawardana
Published in December 2016, no. 387
Songs of a War Boy: My story
by Deng Thiak Adut and Ben McKelvey
Hachette, $32.99 pb, 315 pp, 9780733636523
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Dilan Gunawardana
Dilan Gunawardana is an arts journalist and graphic designer. He is a former Deputy Editor of Australian Book Review (2017-18). He holds a Masters Degree in Communications and Media Studies at Monash University, and was the recipient of the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence. He has previously worked in media and communications roles for various organisations.
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