"The Burning Island" by Jock Serong is a fascinating follow-up to his earlier novel, "Preservation", which continues the historical narrative, expanding upon familiar characters while introducing new ones, enriching the landscape of Bass Strait’s harsh and unforgiving environment.

At the heart of the novel lies a vivid portrayal of outcasts—sealers and Aboriginal women—caught in a maelstrom of systemic persecution and exploitation. Serong excels at painting these marginalised communities with empathy, drawing attention to the conditions they endured. The world he evokes is one where survival is precarious, and societal cruelty looms large.

Tarenorerer, an indomitable figure from the Tommeginne people, emerges as the story’s fulcrum, providing a compelling focus that re-energises the narrative just when the pacing seems to lull. Her real-life resistance to colonization infuses the novel with gravitas, making her not just a heroine but an embodiment of defiance and resilience. It is through her presence that the book transcends its slower middle section, adding intensity and purpose to the plot.

While a key plot point is telegraphed early, predictability in "The Burning Island" does little to diminish its allure. Serong's meticulous world-building and his compassionate attention to the atrocities faced by Aboriginal communities more than compensate. His exploration of George Augustus Robinson’s role in the systematic dismantling of Tasmanian Aboriginal society is handled with great sensitivity, avoiding didacticism while illuminating a dark chapter of history.

For readers who savour historical fiction that delves into the depths of human experience, The Burning Island offers a richly textured, thought-provoking narrative. Though not without its moments of languor, it remains a compelling read, punctuated by moments of profound beauty and horror—an ineffable balance Serong masterfully strikes.

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