'A Voice for the Silenced' | Author talk with Harry Walker

'A Voice for the Silenced' by Harry Walker is a poignant and commanding collection of Cultural Reports, narratives based on Section 27 of the 2002 Sentencing Act that amplify the voices of individuals marginalized and oppressed by societal and systemic injustices in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The book explores the lived experiences of men and women who have faced colonial heritage, racism, oppression, and the harsh experiences of a carceral state.

Through these essays, stories, and vignettes, Walker brings to light the struggles, resilience, and ongoing effects of trauma, disconnection and alienation. The narratives are socio-political, historical, and educational, discussing the impacts of colonization, economic disadvantage, dispossession, prejudice, racism, state violence, and poverty. They explore a wide range of human emotions, from helplessness and optimism to anger and forgiveness. The book also addresses the intergenerational transfer of trauma and the loss of identity, culture, language, and memory.

Walker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices of individuals and their families, who have served their communities and country despite facing immense challenges. The book is a call to action for justice and equality, urging readers to listen to the silenced voices and understand the deep-rooted issues that continue to affect marginalised communities.

You may also like the following events from Schrödinger's Books:

• Next Friday, 22nd August, 08:00 am, Poetry Evening & Open-mic! 🎤 w/ special guests Simon Sweetman & Michael Fitzimons! in Lower Hutt
• This month, 28th August, 08:00 am, NZ Botanical Art: A conversation between Catherine Field-Dodgson and Rebecca Rice 🪻 in Lower Hutt
• This November, 6th November, 08:00 am, A Tale of Two Genres... An Evening with Historical Fantasy author H.G. Parry! in Lower Hutt

Also check out other Arts events in Lower Hutt, Literary Art events in Lower Hutt.