Description
Compulsory reading for early teens and young adults. Based on true events, this gripping thriller sheds light on the brutalities of the past whilst championing the heroes who survived.
Robert Runs is a fast-paced thriller based on the author’s great-great grandfather, Robert ‘Goupong’ Anderson, who was once the fastest man in Australia and world-record holder. Goupong, his little sister Dot, and his best friend Jonathan belong to the Ugarapul people, the Green Tree Frog tribe, and live with their families and others within the harsh confines of the Deebing Creek Mission — a place run by the malevolent Boss Man.
Goupong and Jonathan are focused on winning the mission’s biggest running race that year, but when mysterious noises, unexplained occurrences and biblical events begin to plague the local area they are forced to investigate.
Robert Runs is a poignant look into the Deebing Creek Massacre and the tough reality of mission life. Weaving fact with fiction, this compelling story details the events leading up to that fateful day.
Will Goupong and Jonathan be strong enough to defeat the monster in the bush, or are the real monsters closer to home?
Review
Based on the true story of Robert ‘Goupong’ Anderson, a Ugarapul man who once defeated world record holder Arthur Postle in a running race.
Goupong’s early life was spent at the Deebing Creek Mission, where a lot of this story isset. It shows the blatant disregard for First Nations' culture and the challenges faced by those living in the mission, as well as the shocking massacre that occurred there with the murders of the orphaned children and their teacher.
Goupong went on to become an important member of his community, and defeat the world record holder in a running race in 1904.
This book sheds a light on an horrific time in Australia’s history and some of the terrible things that were perpetrated against First Nations' people. It is important to be able to acknowledge these atrocities, and also share the stories of local heroes like Goupong.
An important Australian historical novel, it is best suited to those aged 12 to 16.
Reviewed by Rob
