Footnote Press scoops Dank's tribute to Australia's Gudanji Country

Footnote Press has scooped Debra Dank’s We Come With This Place, which has won a plethora of literary awards in Australia after being published by Echo Publishing last year.

Editorial director Fritha Saunders acquired UK and Commonwealth rights excluding ANZ from Juliet Rogers, publisher and m.d. at Echo Publishing, and the books will be published in November.

Described as a "profound tribute to family and to the Gudanji Country", the synopsis says: "It is a remarkable book, as rich, varied and surprising as the vast landscape in which it is set. Dank faces head on the ingrained racism that always lies beneath the surface, the racism that makes it possible to beat and rape and disenfranchise.

"But overwhelmingly, this is a book about the resilience and strength of family, of beloved parents and grandparents guiding and teaching their children and grandchildren about relationship with country, through joyful gatherings and the pleasure of spiritual and physical nourishment given by the ancestors."

Saunders said: “I was blown away by Debra’s book – it’s beautifully written, incredibly moving and very evocative. We’re proud to bring it to the Footnote list.”

Dank is a Gudanji/Wakaja woman and educator who has worked in teaching and learning for many years. She said: “I am very happy that We Come With This Place will travel beyond the shores of Australia. The wonderful support from Echo Publishing and subsequently Footnote, ensures this intensely Australian story reaches audiences who can learn about the lived experiences of Aboriginal Australians.”