The inspiration for Umarrah & George

Returning to Tasmania after several years away, Angela began to question what she had been taught as a child about the island’s history. Genealogical research also uncovered the skeletons she had been warned about. And an opportunity arose in her working life to learn about Tasmanian Aboriginal history.

Umarrah was a charismatic and feared warrior from the early post-colonisation period. He both interacted with, and resisted, the invaders of his homeland. He and George, the other principal character in Umarrah & George (and Angela’s three-times great grandfather) were contemporaries from the same area, although there is no direct evidence that they met. After completing extensive research into their lives and the events surrounding them, and imagining conversations the two men might have had, a story began to emerge.

Angela is grateful for the support and encouragement that came from a variety of sources over a long period. She is particularly indebted to Dr Aunty Patsy Cameron for her guidance and inspiration.