Yield

The Yield is a 2020 Miles Franklin Award-winning novel that explores culture, language, tradition, suffering, and empowerment. It is about a member of the Wiradjuri tribe, Albert "Poppy" Gondiwindi, who has spent his life in Prosperous House and the town of Massacre Plains. Before he dies, he is determined to pass on the language of his people, the traditions of his ancestors, and everything that was ever remembered by those who came before him. His granddaughter, August, returns home from Europe to attend his burial and confronts the pain, anger, and sadness of memory. She vows to save their land, guided by the voice of her grandfather, which leads into the past, the stories of her people, and the secrets of the river. The Yield is a celebration of language and an exploration of what makes a place home, offering hope for the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Winner of the Miles Franklin Award 2020, this novel is an exquisite exploration of culture, language, tradition, suffering, and empowerment. Set in Prosperous House and the town of Massacre Plains, on the banks of the Murrumby River, it follows the life of Albert "Poppy" Gondiwindi, a member of the indigenous Wiradjuri tribe. As he faces the imminent end of his life, Poppy embarks on a mission to pass on the language of his people, the traditions of his ancestors, and everything that has been remembered by those who came before him.

The land itself aids him in this endeavor, as he finds the words on the wind. After his passing, Poppy's granddaughter, August, returns home from Europe, where she has lived for the past ten years. Her homecoming is bittersweet, as she confronts the pain, anger, and sadness of her past, including growing up in poverty, experiencing racism, and the mysterious disappearance of her sister when they were children.

Determined to make amends and honor Poppy and her family, August vows to save their land. Guided by the voice of her grandfather, she embarks on a quest that leads her into the past, the stories of her people, and the secrets of the river. The Yield is a celebration of language and an exploration of what makes a place home. It is a story of a people and a culture dispossessed, but it is also a joyful reminder of their resilience and determination.

Through three masterfully woven narratives, the novel delves into the complexities of culture, identity, and the power of storytelling. It sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of the Wiradjuri people, and their ongoing fight for recognition and respect. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are filled with emotion and depth.

The Yield is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine literature and is interested in understanding the complexities of Australian history and culture.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008437114