"Gifts of the Peramangk is an achingly beautiful story about perseverance and hope that I wished would never end. Dean Mayes clearly cares deeply about his characters, and his dedication to them shines through. I highly recommend this tale."—Long and Short Reviews
In 1950s Australia, during the height of the divisive White Australia Policy, Virginia, a young Aboriginal girl is taken from her home and put to work on an isolated and harsh outback station. Her only solace: the violin, taught to her secretly by the kind-hearted wife of the abusive station owner. However, Virginia's prodigious musical gift cannot save her from years of hardship and racism.
Decades later, her eight year old granddaughter Ruby plays the violin with the passion Virginia once possessed. Amidst poverty, domestic violence and societal dysfunction, Ruby escapes her circumstance through her practice with her grandmother's frail, guiding hand. Ruby’s zeal attracts the attention of an enigmatic music professor and with his help, she embarks on an incredible journey of musical discovery that will culminate in a rare opportunity. But with two cultural worlds colliding, her gift and her ambition will be threatened by deeply ingrained distrust, family jealousies and tragic secrets that will define her very identity.
"Dean writes so beautifully, that you can hear the music playing."–Books Complete Me
Be sure to also read Dean Mayes' other novels:
The Hambledown Dream
The Artisan Heart
The Recipient
- ISBN10 1926760808
- ISBN13 9781926760803
- Publish Date 26 October 2012
- Publish Status Inactive
- Out of Print 13 May 2024
- Publish Country CA
- Imprint Central Avenue Publishing
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 344
- Language English