4.0 out of 5 stars Really makes you think July 26, 2012
By Linda Parkinson-Hardman
Format: Kindle Edition

I read Terra Nullius in a little over two nights and it made compelling reading; I was both enthralled and enraged by the story. The title Terra Nullius explains the whole - it is a term used for centuries to condone the expansion into what was a little known world and it means `No One's Land'. What TD has done is to take a small number of known historical facts about the systematic genocide of an ancient race by the colonialists of the 19thC and weave them into a fantastic piece of fiction that looks at that time from the perspective of the indigenous population. There were times when I found the story hard to bear because it was so graphic in its description of what it could have been like; my heart broke for the people who had been used and abused so cruelly. And yet, at the end of the telling, I feel enriched because of having my world view challenged and my emotions expanded.

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4.0 out of 5 stars The True Story July 11, 2012
By David Laing Author
Format: Kindle Edition

`Terra Nullius' by T.D. McKinnon, an adult fiction novel.
Told from the Aboriginals' point of view, this is a fictional story based on a true account of early Tasmanian history. Accurate in all respects, no stone is left unturned as McKinnon expertly describes the harshness and the cruelty of the times.
The author's creativity is particularly evident when he describes the conflict endured by the `Caretakers' (Aboriginals) when confronted with the aliens (settlers, convicts, sealers, bureaucrats). This is particularly so when he describes the innermost thought and feelings of Trucannini when, time after time, she is confronted with obstacles (both physical and mental) to her happiness as she moves towards her prophesied destination.
The stark differences of the two cultures are vividly portrayed by the author. In doing this, McKinnon uses his prowess as a writer to weave believable scenes throughout the story to give us a clear understanding of the everyday lives, beliefs and values of the white and the black man. At times, I occasionally found it a little hard to logically follow the progress of some of the Aboriginals in the scenes but this was probably due to the use of the unfamiliar Aboriginal names.
Beautifully written, this is a gripping tale that would suit both the serious student of Aboriginal history and the adult reader.
Highly recommended.
Review by David W Laing, author of:
* `Forest Spirit'
* `Forest Shadows'
* `Fish Guide - Port Lincoln Area'
Contributing author to `A Tumble in Time', a children's story book.