‘Just like his early songs, Tell Me Why was written with empathy as its impetus and that intent shines through on every page. This book should be in every school.' Paul Kelly Archie has come through snares, pits and suffering to bring us an inspiring tale of survival, grace and generosity. ' Tell Me Why is an extraordinary odyssey and offering. Shortlisted for the Booksellers' Choice 2020 Book of the Year Awards, Non-FictionĪrchie Roach was the 2020 VIC Australian of the Year Shortlisted for the 2020 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, Non-Fiction Shortlisted for the 2020 ABIA Biography Book of the Year Winner of the 2021 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Indigenous Writing Winner of the 2020 Indie Book of the Year Non-Fiction Tell Me Why is a stunning account of resilience and the strength of spirit – and of a great love story. Overcoming enormous odds to find his story and his people, Archie voices the joy, pain and hope he found on his path through song to become the legendary singer-songwriter and storyteller that he is today – beloved by fans worldwide.

In this intimate, moving and often shocking memoir, Archie’s story is an extraordinary odyssey through love and heartbreak, family and community, survival and renewal – and the healing power of music. Brought up by a series of foster parents until his early teens, his world imploded when he received a letter that spoke of a life he had no memory of. Roach was only two years old when he was forcibly removed from his family.

Not many have lived as many lives as Archie Roach – stolen child, seeker, teenage alcoholic, lover, father, musical and lyrical genius, and leader – but it took him almost a lifetime to find out who he really was. A powerful memoir of a true Australian legend: stolen child, musical and lyrical genius, and leader.

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