Jack Charles: Born-again Blakfella
Jack Charles

Jack Charles: Born-again Blakfella
Jack Charles
Review
by Chris Gordon
Told with heart-wrenching honesty and humour, Jack Charles’s story is a history of necessary change. Charles is an actor, musician, potter and gifted performer, but in his seventy-three years he has also been homeless, a drunk, a heroin addict, a thief and a regular in Victoria’s prisons.
He is the son of Blanchie Charles. He is Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta. Charles is not only Koorie, but also a Wiradjuri man from his father’s side. This is his account of his undeniably successful acting career,but it is, moreover, a narrative of being part of the Stolen Generations, of being an activist, and of believing that people are good and can change.
There are laugh-out-loud moments in this memoir. I was particularly taken with a story about how Charles shared a cup of tea with the homeowners of a place he had just broken into. I guess that is one of his gifts; he can make friends in any place, in any situation. He can likewise tell a great tale and his book is a terrific read. It traces the trajectory of his life and of a nation in the throes of transformation.
Jack Charles’s story is so much a part of Melbourne that several of his tales of film and theatre work are already known to me. However, I didn’t know about his experiences of what it was like to be in a prison cell, or to steal food, or to be terrorised by police. So much of his life is simply not fair. It’s not how we imagine our country. This is a book we all need to read.
Chris Gordon is the programming and events manager for Readings.
This item is not currently in-stock. It can be ordered online and is expected to ship in 3-6 days
We are currently experiencing delays in processing and delivering online orders. Click here for more information.
Please note, our stock data is updated overnight, and availability may change throughout the day. Prices are subject to change without notice.Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.

Belief
$34.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Yornadaiyn Woolagoodja
$34.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

A Question of Colour
$22.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Two Sisters
$24.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Tell Me Why: The Story of My Life and My Music
$32.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia
$29.99Buy now
Finding stock availability...

Tracker
$39.95Buy now
Finding stock availability...

My Place
$24.95Buy now
Finding stock availability...