The Truth About Peacock Blue
Reviewed By Grasshopper2 September 16, 2015
Author Rosanne Hawke
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ISBN: 9781743319949
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
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Website: http://www.allenandunwin.com
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“Changing the world one girl at a time” was a phrase coined by those at Walford Anglican School for Girls in Adelaide, and really is one of the underlying themes in this book about a Pakistani schoolgirl called Aster who finds herelf in jail simply because of her Christian faith.
Although this story is a work of fiction the facts behind it are correct. Roseanne shows her intimate knowledge of the country as she lived there as an aid worker for ten years.
The story is about a girl called Aster. She lived a traditional village life, with her Mother, father and brother. She was raised in a Christian family, although many of the other families nearby were Muslim. Her life was comfortable and secure until the night her beloved brother died.
Following his death Aster’s teacher came to see the family to persuade them to allow Aster to go to the local Government school. They could only afford for one child to go and the boy would have had the privilege, but as he was dead, the teacher wanted his sister to take his place. She was a very good student and would be able to go on to university.
Aster had no friends at the new school and the teacher of the Muslim faith was outraged that she had a non-believer in her class. After desperately trying to keep her head down and study as hard as she could exam time came for the girl.
As soon as Aster had finished her exam the Muslim teacher called the police and they arrested Aster after the accusation of blasphemy from the teacher, who instantly burnt the exam paper, so there was no evidence. The school Principal was helpless and by this time a mob had gathered outside the gates calling for death for blasphemers. The police quickly got the fourteen year old into their car and into jail.
For the next few years of her life Aster is imprisoned in filthy conditions, with people who despise her, and guards who fondle her. She only has her school uniform for quite some time, as her parents have been whisked away to save their village from being burnt. Eventually a lawyer hears of her plight and comes to defend her. Several times the case comes to court but is deferred for another year.
The interesting twist in the story is created when Aster’s cousin in Australia sets up a web page to let people all over the world know of her cousin’s position. The Australian cousin manages to get two hundred thousand signatures to say that school girls should not be in prison.
This forum allows many opinions to be expressed. Extreme Muslims say that of course blasphemers should die, while others say that Australia should not take refugees as they also may be corrupt and extreme.
Unfortunately there is no happy ending as Aster remains in jail, awaiting a hearing from the High Court, while it seems that no one’s views have changed at all. There are marches and parades around the world for the young girl’s release, but this has no effect.
What a topical story this is as it shows the complexity of culture and religion and those involved in the current struggle for a just society.