Back on the Block

"Back on the Block: Bill Simon's Story" is an autobiography co-authored by Bill Simon, Des Montgomerie, and Jo Tuscano. The book recounts the life of Bill Simon, a member of the Stolen Generation, who was forcibly removed from his family and sent to the notorious Kinchela Boys Home in Australia. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. The Stolen Generation: The book delves into the experiences of the Stolen Generation, a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families by the Australian government between the 1900s and 1970s.
2. Trauma and Abuse: It explores the traumatic experiences Simon faced at Kinchela Boys Home, including physical and emotional abuse, forced labor, and the psychological impact of being told he was unwanted and worthless.
3. Redemption and Healing: The narrative also touches on Simon's journey towards healing and redemption. After years of self-abuse and crime, Simon turned his life around and now works to help other members of the Stolen Generation find their voice and place.

Plot Summary

The book begins with a description of Simon's happy family life before he was taken away by authorities. As a young boy, Simon and his three younger brothers were separated from their family. Simon and his older brothers were sent to Kinchela Boys Home, where they were issued uniforms with numbers that became their names during their time there. The authorities at the home discouraged camaraderie among the boys, and the brothers were even forced to punish each other, further exacerbating the trauma.

Simon describes the harsh conditions and cruel treatment he endured at the home, including being told he was "the scum of the earth" and being used as child labor. These experiences had a profound impact on his life, leading to a period of anger and self-abuse that lasted for decades.

However, Simon eventually turned his life around. He now works as a pastor in Redfern, helping other members of the Stolen Generation find their voice and heal from their past traumas. His home in Redfern serves as a drop-in center for those in need, reflecting his commitment to helping others overcome their pain.

Critical Reception

The book has received critical acclaim for its raw and heart-wrenching portrayal of life in one of Australia’s most notorious juvenile institutions. Reviewers have praised Simon's courage in sharing his story, which serves as a powerful indictment of the Australian government's policies towards Indigenous children.

AustLit, a prominent Australian literature database, notes that the book is a "heart-wrenching account of life in one of Australia’s most terrible juvenile institutions" and highlights its significance in shedding light on the experiences of the Stolen Generation.

Publication Details

"Back on the Block: Bill Simon's Story" was published by Aboriginal Studies Press on May 1, 2009. The book is a testament to Simon's resilience and his ongoing efforts to help others heal from similar traumas.

In summary, "Back on the Block" is a powerful and moving autobiography that explores the traumatic experiences of the Stolen Generation and the journey towards healing and redemption. It serves as a critical reflection on Australia's past policies and their ongoing impact on Indigenous communities.