Mutant Message Down Under

Review by Eric Grivel, May 21, 2001.

Information

The Story

In this supposedly true story, the author describes how she is invited on a "walkabout" by a group of Australian aborigines, and crosses the continent with them on foot.

Evaluation

The story is exciting and reads easily, although I had a feeling that, if this story would really be true, some of my own ideas about life would turn out to be wrong.

Fortunately, when I researched the book after I finished it, I found out that the story is in fact not true at all. There is in fact a lot of controversy about the book and about the fact that it is presented as a true story. It turns out that elements from the book (including some which I found strange when I read it) have been taken from different cultures, including for a large part American Indian culture.

Reading the book as a true account adds some excitement and curiousity. On the other hand did it make me feel a bit cheated when I found out the truth. In the end, I would have enjoyed this book more if it woud have been presented as a fictional account.

Disclaimer

This is a personal review, expressing my personal opinion. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me by by Email at [email protected].

Back to review overview.

Copyright ©2001 by Eric Grivel. All Rights Reserved.