When the Pelican Laughed

There are many unsung heroines in Black Australia, and Alice is one of them.

At the time of its publication, When the Pelican Laughed was a landmark work that exposed what white Australians are reluctant to face – that is, the extent to which Aboriginal workers were effectively, and actually, slaves.

A natural-born storyteller, Alice was born in the Pilbara in the early 20th century. Stolen from her home at a young age, she was first taken to Moore River Settlement before being forced into service as an indentured domestic.

By the end of her long, rich life, Alice had emerged triumphant, was secure in her culture and in her extensive network of family and friends.

Now available as a new edition with a stunning cover by award-winning artist Jenna Lee (Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman, and KarraJarri Saltwater woman artist of Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Anglo-Australian ancestry).

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘There are many unsung heroines in Black Australia and Alice is one of them.’ Sally Morgan

‘As we walk and travel through life with Alice Nannup we read of her acceptance of her life as a servant, as a mother, and ultimately, as a grandmother … This is a wonderful book.’ Jack Davis