The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf

This is a great dystopian young adult novel with red herrings and revelations that kept me reading to the end.

Kwaymullina draws on her Aboriginal heritage to create a world in which people have lost touch with nature and digital technology is forbidden because it led to disconnection of society.

Citizens with special abilities are called Illegals and are assessed and locked up because government officials view them as a threat, with the treatment of Illegals symbolising the mistreatment of Indigenous people by the Australian government.

It reads like a prophecy about our possible future with themes of environmental destruction… show more.

Ashala Wolf is an unforgettable character. Strong-willed, she’s always ready to fight for her people and will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. Even when her Sleepwalker super-power fails her, even when confronted by the worst in others, even when brought to her knees by physical and emotional pain, Ashala battles on to expose evil and protect those she loves. 

Ambelin Kwaymullina creates such a wonderfully realised world in this novel, from the beauty of the magical Firstwood forest to the sterile horror of the detention centre. I love Ashala Wolf’s intelligence, fierceness and loyalty to her friends. And… show more.