Gawngan and the Marriage Tree: Australia's Black History, #2

By Steve Trotter

Gawngan had almost got what she wanted. She just had one last obstacle in her way... the Marriage Tree challenge!

Set on the Far North Coast of NSW on the coastal lands around present day Ballina and Evan's Head, 'Gawngan and the Marriage Tree' tells the story of Gawngan, a young woman, who desperately wants to be free from an arranged marriage to a bully. ­ e story revolves around the Bundjalung custom that dubay-mir (young women) could have marriages annulled if they successfully climbed a special tree and removed a set number of branches from it.

Can Gawngan climb the enormous tree and remove the‑ branches so she can be rid of Dangan forever and be free to marry her childhood sweetheart, Balagaan?

­ The story follows on from events in '­ The Magpie and the Snake' a story set in the 1820s that weaves local history and Bundjalung myths together to celebrate the rich culture, practices and lore of the Nyangbal people of Bullinaa. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steve Trotter
• Release date: Jun 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9780645178432

Steve Trotter

Steve lives on the East coast of Australia, near Byron Bay. He writes novels and poetry, and has written and produced a short film. He has three historical fiction novels published, and three young adult mystery novels due for release in 2025 along with audio versions of his historical fiction novels. He is currently working on a graphic novel in the fantasy/horror genre. His poem, 'The Paper Boy', received 3rd place in the Karinyup Writers Competition and he read it on Southern Cross University's radio station. He enjoys travelling, surfing and reading anything that isn't pinned down.

Book preview

Gawngan's Trial

Gawngan was already awake when she saw a shadow fall upon the grass door flap. She had been daydreaming about Balagaan. She had not seen him since the spear ordeal two days ago. A pair of dark feet appeared in the narrow gap at the bottom of the flap.

‘Gawngan.’

It was Bolim.

Gawngan crawled to the door, lifted the flap and looked at his stern face. ‘It has been decided,’ he said, levelling his gaze at her.

She bit her lip as she looked at Bolim. His news was not going to be good.

‘You are to climb the Marriage Tree.’

Gawngan swallowed nervously. ‘How many branches?’ Bolim sighed. ‘Six.’

Six! Thought Gawngan. How could she cut down six branches? It was an impossible feat, even for a good climber like her!

‘I tried for four, but Dangan...’ Bolim shook his head. ‘I thought it was too many. Some branches must be left on the tree, the jaalii...’ he glanced over his shoulder, in the direction of where he had left Dangan. ‘For other unhappy wives.’

Gawngan drew a deep breath, crawled out of the hut. She faced Bolim. ‘When do we leave?’

***

The journey along the white beach, south, took most of the morning. She liked