‘Terra Nullius’ by Claire Coleman: Comprehensive Summary and Analysis

Introduction

Claire Coleman, an Indigenous Australian writer from Western Australia, burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel “Terra Nullius” in 2017. This powerful work blends elements of dystopian fiction with a searing critique of Australia’s colonial history. Coleman, a Noongar woman, uses the familiar tropes of science fiction to create a narrative that challenges readers’ perceptions and forces a confrontation with the brutal realities of colonization.

“Terra Nullius” explores themes of invasion, dispossession, and cultural erasure while also touching on issues of identity, resistance, and the enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples. Through its innovative structure and thought-provoking content, the novel serves as both a warning about potential futures and a reflection on the ongoing impact of historical injustices.

Brief Summary

“Terra Nullius” is set in a dystopian version of Australia where an alien species has invaded and colonized the land, subjugating the human population. The story follows several characters, including Jacky, a young “Native” who has escaped from a brutal re-education facility, and Johnny Star, a “Settler” trooper tasked with capturing escaped Natives.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the seemingly futuristic setting is actually a clever allegorical retelling of Australia’s colonial past, with the alien invaders representing European colonizers and the oppressed humans standing in for Indigenous Australians. This revelation forces readers to confront the historical realities of colonization from a new perspective, challenging long-held assumptions and narratives about Australia’s past and present.

Subverting Genre Expectations

Coleman masterfully subverts the expectations of the dystopian genre to deliver a powerful message about colonization. Initially, the novel presents itself as a typical post-apocalyptic story, with familiar elements such as an oppressive regime, escaped prisoners, and a ravaged landscape. However, as the narrative progresses, Coleman gradually reveals that the “Settlers” are not futuristic aliens but historical European colonizers, and the “Natives” are Indigenous Australians.

This clever bait-and-switch serves multiple purposes. It allows readers to approach the subject of colonization from a fresh perspective, free from preconceived notions or defensive reactions. By presenting the story initially as science fiction, Coleman creates a sense of distance that allows readers to empathize with the “Natives” before realizing they are reading about historical events. This technique highlights the alien and incomprehensible nature of colonization from the perspective of Indigenous peoples.

The Power of Perspective

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its shifting perspectives. Coleman alternates between various characters, both “Native” and “Settler,” providing a multifaceted view of the colonization process. This approach allows readers to understand the motivations and justifications of the colonizers while also bearing witness to the devastating impact of their actions on Indigenous peoples.

For example, through the character of Johnny Star, we see how colonizers can rationalize their actions:

“He was doing the right thing, the trooper told himself. These people needed his help, even if they didn’t know it yet.”

This quote encapsulates the paternalistic attitude often used to justify colonial practices. By presenting such viewpoints alongside the experiences of characters like Jacky, Coleman forces readers to confront the cognitive dissonance inherent in colonial thinking.

Language as a Tool of Colonization

Coleman pays careful attention to language throughout the novel, using it as a powerful tool to illustrate the process of cultural erasure. The “Settlers” impose their language on the “Natives,” forbidding the use of Indigenous languages and forcing the adoption of English. This linguistic colonization is reflected in the novel’s narrative style, which becomes increasingly fragmented and disjointed when focusing on Indigenous characters, mirroring their struggle to maintain their identity in the face of cultural suppression.

The author also employs terms like “Settler” and “Native” throughout the text, initially seeming to reference the alien invasion but later revealed to be the historical terms used during colonization. This clever use of language highlights how terminology can be used to dehumanize and create artificial divisions between peoples.

The Concept of Terra Nullius

The novel’s title, “Terra Nullius,” refers to the legal doctrine used by European colonizers to justify the seizure of Indigenous lands. This concept, meaning “nobody’s land” in Latin, was used to claim that Australia was uninhabited before European arrival, despite the presence of Indigenous peoples for tens of thousands of years.

Coleman explores the devastating consequences of this doctrine throughout the novel. The “Settlers” view the land as empty and ripe for exploitation, ignoring the deep connections between Indigenous peoples and their country. This willful blindness is exemplified in passages describing the “Settlers'” approach to land management:

“The land was wild, untamed. It needed to be broken, cultivated, made useful.”

By contrasting this view with the Indigenous characters’ profound understanding of and relationship with the land, Coleman highlights the fundamental clash of worldviews at the heart of colonization.

Literary Techniques in “Terra Nullius”

Coleman employs several key literary techniques to enhance the impact of her narrative:

1. Allegory: The entire novel serves as an extended allegory for Australia’s colonial history, using the framework of a science fiction invasion to explore historical realities.
2. Nonlinear narrative: The story jumps between different time periods and perspectives, mirroring the disorientation experienced by colonized peoples and challenging readers to piece together the full picture.
3. Irony: Coleman uses situational irony throughout the novel, particularly in the contrast between the “Settlers'” perception of themselves as saviors and the reality of their destructive impact.
4. Symbolism: Various elements in the novel, such as the re-education facilities and the imposed language, symbolize real-world colonial practices and their lasting effects.

These techniques work together to create a multi-layered narrative that rewards close reading and analysis, encouraging readers to look beyond the surface and consider deeper implications.

Critical Reception and Impact

“Terra Nullius” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers praising Coleman’s innovative approach to discussing Australia’s colonial history. The novel won the Norma K. Hemming Award and was shortlisted for the Stella Prize, cementing its place as a significant work of contemporary Australian literature.

The book’s impact extends beyond literary circles, contributing to ongoing discussions about reconciliation and historical truth-telling in Australia. By presenting familiar historical events through the lens of science fiction, Coleman has created a work that appeals to a broad audience and encourages readers to reconsider their understanding of Australian history.

Some critics have noted that the novel’s revelation of its true historical setting midway through the book can be jarring for readers. However, many argue that this discomfort is intentional and serves to mirror the shocking realities of colonization.

Conclusion

Claire Coleman’s “Terra Nullius” stands as a powerful and innovative exploration of Australia’s colonial past and its ongoing repercussions. By blending dystopian fiction with historical allegory, Coleman has created a work that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the foundation of modern Australia. The novel’s shifting perspectives, clever use of language, and subversion of genre expectations combine to create a reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally impactful.

“Terra Nullius” serves as a reminder of the power of speculative fiction to address real-world issues and challenge societal norms. It invites readers to consider the legacy of colonization from new angles and to reflect on how historical injustices continue to shape the present. As Australia and other nations grapple with questions of reconciliation and decolonization, Coleman’s novel stands as a vital contribution to these ongoing conversations, urging us to learn from the past as we work towards a more just and equitable future.