Bruce Pascoe

"Sometimes a decade arrives when nations have the chance to turn away from bigotry and selfishness and turn to their countrymen and women and embrace them as loved members of the human family."

Bruce Pascoe is a Bunurong, Yuin and Tasmanian man born in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond. He is a member of the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative of southern Victoria and has been the director of the Australian Studies Project for the Commonwealth Schools Commission.

Bruce has had a varied career as a teacher, farmer, fisherman, barman, fencing contractor, lecturer, Aboriginal language researcher, archaeological site worker and editor. His book Fog a Dox won the Young Adult category of the 2013 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. His book is Dark Emu won the NSW Premier’s Book of the Year Award in 2016 and has become a national bestseller. His book, Young Dark Emu won the 2020 Eve Pownall Award for Information Book of the Year at the 2020 CBCA Awards.

What genres does Bruce Pascoe write in?

He writes mainly non-fiction on Indigenous Australian history, land and agriculture, as well as essays, short stories and fiction including young adult work.

Which book is a good place to start with his work?

Dark Emu is a widely read starting point for his work on Aboriginal land management and history; for introductions aimed at younger readers or newcomers try The Little Red Yellow Black Book or Young Dark Emu; for fiction or stories try Fog A Dox or Salt.

Has Bruce Pascoe won major awards for his books?

Yes. Fog A Dox won the Young Adult category of the 2013 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. Dark Emu won the NSW Premier’s Book of the Year Award in 2016. Young Dark Emu won the 2020 Eve Pownall Award at the CBCA Awards.

Do his books need to be read in a particular order or as a series?

There is no single series order; most of his books are stand-alone and can be read independently. Some titles cover related material for different audiences, for example Dark Emu and Young Dark Emu.

What are the recurring themes in his writing?

Recurring themes include Indigenous Australian history and knowledge, land and country, agriculture and food systems, language and cultural knowledge, and essays reflecting on place and society.