The Mind of a Thief

Author: Patti Miller

AUD $ 29.95

A superior memoir by an accomplished writer at the height of her powers

For 40,000 years the Central NSW area of Wellington was Aboriginal – Wiradjuri – land. Following the arrival of white men, it became a penal settlement, mission station, gold-mining town and farming centre with a history of white comfort and black marginalisation. In the late 20th century, it was also the subject of the first post-Mabo Native Title claim, bringing new hope – and new controversy – to the area and its people.

Wiradjuri land is also where author Patti Miller was born and, mid-life, it begins to exert a compelling emotional pull, demanding her return. Post-children, having lived a dream life in Paris, it is hard for her to understand, or ignore, and so she is drawn into the story at the heart of Australian identity – who are we in relation to our beloved but stolen country?

Wellington and the Wiradjuri people are the main characters – and in revealing their complex narratives, Patti uncovers her own. Are her connections to this place through her convict forefathers, or through another, secret history? She sets out on a journey of exploration and takes us with her. Black and white politics, the processes of colonisation, family mythologies, generational conflict and the power of place are evoked as Patti weaves a story that is very personal and, at the same time, a universal story of country and belonging.

The Mind of a Thief is about identity, history, place and belonging and, perhaps most of all, about how we create ourselves through our stories.

AwardsReviews

‘Miller produces compelling prose … beautifully rendered and perceptively evoked’. Australian Book Review

‘Her bowerbird collection of memories, stray comments and fragments of episodes are woven into a work that strays into witty observation and deep reflection.’ Canberra Times

‘Native title is a complex and vexing issue. This thoughtful, well-researched and beautifully written personal story helps us to understand why it is so important to indigenous people.’ Herald Sun ‘Great Reads’

‘The Mind of a Thief deals with the big issues. Given patience, the book unfolds into one of the best descriptions I've seen of the native title mediation process. This is complex stuff but Miller sets it all out calmly and clearly, using the craft of storytelling.’ Weekend Australian

‘A striking memoir of a woman and her place, the story emerges through actual and spiritual connections affecting the heart, soul and mind.’ Weekend Gold Coast Bulletin

‘A seamless narrative. [Miller’s] powers of observation give her stories a colourful cohesion. She has produced a remarkably fluid, virtuoso piece of writing.’ Saturday Age

‘Thoughtfully and perceptively relayed, this is a story all about identity, connection to place and how we gain a sense of self through stories of the generations.’ Courier-Mail

‘Black and white politics, family mythologies and the power of place are interwoven in this story.’ Western Times Bathurst

‘This is a timely book and Miller finds an insight into the concept of native title.’ Bonzer

‘If this book does not resolve all the contradictions of its material that is a tribute to Miller's integrity. It is an appropriately complex and illuminating response to the Mabo judgment.’ Sydney Morning Herald

‘A must read.’ Wellington Times

‘This exploration of identity and belonging is brilliantly crafted, brave and full of love.’ Hobart Mercury

‘I found this exploration of where both white and black people belong in Australian country today unexpectedly moving.’ Northern Rivers Echo

‘This is a challenging but rewarding book.’ Weekly Times (Melbourne)

‘A beautifully-written memoir from an exceptional writer.’ Blue Mountains Gazette

‘Part reflection, part local history and part analysis of the bitter ironies that abound in contemporary Aboriginal politics … a muted, thoughtful journey of identity.’ The Newtown Review of Books

‘A beautiful book – moving, insightful, and provocative.’ Open Field magazine