The Yield: A Novel

Dive into the heart of Wiradjuri heritage with Tara June Winch's multi-award-winning novel, "The Yield," a profoundly moving story of language, land, and the enduring strength of Indigenous identity. This 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award winner and 2021 Kate Challis RAKA Award recipient has garnered critical acclaim for its lyrical prose and powerful exploration of Australia's complex history. Richard Flanagan, Man Booker Prize-winning author of "The Narrow Road to the Deep North," hails it as a "groundbreaking novel for black and white Australia," while Kate Morton praises it as "a beautifully written novel that puts language at the heart of remembering the past and understanding the present." "The Yield" masterfully interweaves three distinct narratives to create a rich and textured tapestry of past and present. At its core lies the story of Albert "Poppy" Gondiwindi, an elder of the Wiradjuri tribe, who knows his time is near. Determined to preserve the language and traditions of his ancestors, he embarks on a mission to pass on his knowledge, hoping to imprint the essence of his culture onto the land and into the hearts of future generations. His wisdom, found on the wind and etched in the very soil of Massacre Plains, becomes a guiding force for his family. Poppy's granddaughter, August, returns to Australia after a decade in Europe to attend his funeral. Haunted by a troubled past marked by poverty, racism, and the unresolved trauma of her sister's disappearance August grapples with grief and the weight of unspoken memories. Her homecoming is further complicated by the impending repossession of Prosperous House, the family's ancestral home, by a mining company eager to exploit the land's resources. Driven by a desire to honor Poppy's legacy and reclaim her own heritage, August embarks on a quest to save their land. Guided by her grandfather's voice and the stories of her people, she delves into the past, unearthing secrets buried within the Murrumby River and the landscape itself. August's journey becomes a powerful act of resistance, a testament to the enduring connection between people and place. Winch's novel also incorporates a unique element: a dictionary of Wiradjuri words compiled by Poppy, offering readers a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of the language. This dictionary acts as a symbol of cultural preservation and a reminder of what is at stake when language is lost. Through Poppy's dictionary, Winch breathes life into the Wiradjuri language, making it accessible and vital to the narrative. "The Yield" is more than just a story; it's an experience. It's a journey into the heart of Indigenous Australia, a celebration of resilience, and a call for understanding and reconciliation. With its lyrical prose, compelling characters, and timely themes, "The Yield" establishes Tara June Winch as a powerful voice in contemporary literature, drawing comparisons to acclaimed authors like Louise Erdrich, Sandra Cisneros, and Amy Harmon. Readers who appreciate stories that explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the power of language will find themselves deeply moved by this extraordinary novel. Prepare to be captivated by the Gondiwindi family's struggle, their unwavering spirit, and the enduring power of their connection to the land.