Inspired by the many tales shared by his father, uncle and aunties, William J. Byrne has written his debut novel, The Warrumbar, a fictional story influenced by his family’s struggles and resilience, and the lasting impact of history and circumstance.
On the day man first walks on the moon thirteen-year-old Robbie Brennan meets Moses, an old man camped by the side of the road.
Over the following months, Robbie is drawn to Moses’ stories – tales of hardship, war, and redemption – unearthing a past entwined with his own.
When Robbie learns that Moses grew up at the Mission, the Aboriginal reserve that once existed on the outskirts of town, with his mother Delsie, Robbie’s understanding of his family’s history and identity is forever changed.
At home, Robbie must navigate the unpredictable wrath of his beloved but sometimes violent father, a man whose temper keeps the household in a constant state of anxiety.
But when Robbie witnesses a tragic event at the Warrumbar dam, his world is shaken further. Haunted by his past in the boys’ home and terrified of the consequences, he faces a choice: speak the truth and risk everything or stay silent and carry the burden forever.
But in a small country town where a boy like Robbie – poor, on society’s margins, and with ‘some of that black blood in him’ – is rarely believed, does the truth matter? Set against the backdrop of 1969 Australia, The Warrumbar is a compelling coming-of-age story about love, injustice, and the courage it takes to do what’s right.
William J. Byrne grew up in the regional towns of southern New South Wales, on Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal country. His formative years were shaped by a traditional working-class family on one side and a family with systemic disadvantage on the other.
A lifelong reader, with a passion for storytelling, William has been intrigued by the ways history and circumstance shape people’s lives and opportunities. This interest in the social sciences led William to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Social Inquiry) and a Graduate Diploma in Government Administration.
Over the years, William has worn many hats – government professional, a tour guide in India, manager of a Travel Agency, contact centre supervisor, art consultant, hotel and hospitality worker, supermarket night stacker, milkman, paperboy and more.
In addition to his love of reading and writing, William is also an avid musician who plays guitar and piano, and sings. With the release of The Warrumbar, he can now add ‘novelist’ to his diverse list of roles. He now lives in Northern Sydney on the lands of the Darramurragal people with his wife, daughter, and Border Collie.
The Warrumbar is published by UWA Publishing and is available from all leading book sellers including QBD Books.
Image: The Warrumbar – courtesy of UWA Publishing