Murder. A distant concept to most of us, but a distressing experience for anyone in close proximity. Here are some books from the past year that I highly recommend.
We don’t often have a first-hand insight into how crime impacts the families of victims, and what it means for them to seek justice in the aftermath—replete with its trauma and messiness. Here are two books, told with great courage, that bridge this gap.
The Mother Wound by Amani Haydar (June 2021)
What happens when your father kills your mother? The Mother Wound is a heart-wrenching story about domestic violence, what it means for a daughter to live with loss, and going through the wringer of the justice system.
As a trained lawyer, Haydar provides a powerful and confronting account. She pays tribute to her mother’s legacy and what it means to seek justice through our current systems, and where it dismally fails. I can’t emphasise how important this book is for lawyers and non-lawyers to read.
Thanks to a good friend (AT) for the recommendation.
The Winter Road by Kate Holden (May 2021)
Also known by its long name, The Winter Road: A Story of Legacy, Land and a Killing at Croppa Creek, Holden establishes herself as a master storyteller. Her narrative style kept me hooked until the last page.
If you enjoy listening to true crime podcasts or documentaries, this is a book for you. With an expert touch, Holden sifts through the nuances of how a land clearing operation in New South Wales (near the Queensland border) leads to the murder of Glen Turner, a New South Wales environmental officer in 2014.
She delves into the complexities of New South Wales environmental laws against the backdrop of politics and government policy, colonial history, property law, and the destruction of native habitat in Australia.
Note: If you or anyone you know are experiencing domestic violence, support is available. Call the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service, 1800 RESPECT, on 1800 737 732. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.