Missionary Women, Leprosy and Indigenous Australians, 1936–1986

“This well-written and carefully researched account makes a very valuable contribution to the history of settler health ‘care’ of Aboriginal people … . Robson identifies these structural dynamics, but the great strength of the book is that she always remains attentive to the human experience of those who came to live on leprosarium islands, either voluntarily or forcibly. The voices of Aboriginal survivors are rightly honoured here.” (Joanna Cruickshank, History Australia, May 10, 2024)

“This important, sensitively written and deeply researched study should be read by all Australians. … This book is based on a PhD dissertation from the University of New South Wales. … I strongly recommend this to all students of Australian history, Australian medical history, the history of Indigenous people in northern Australia, and anyone fascinated by the stories of some remarkable, brave and resilient people.” (Hilary Carey, Journal of the Australian Catholic Historical Society, Vol. 44, 2023)

“Robson … confidently addresses the harm, anger, and intergenerational trauma as well as honest accounts of the beneficial treatment given, the positive relationships formed, and the art created during this period. Robson offers an encyclopaedic investigation into life in 20th century leprosaria, tactfully giving voice to both staff and patients. … The book could be seen as a celebration of the work of Catholic missionaries … .” (Jonathan Blott, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, January 5, 2023)