From the moment you open CryBaby, Mabel Gibson’s words strike like lightning. ‘I was born a human storm,’ she begins, setting the tone for a collection that is as fierce and unflinching as it is deeply introspective. These micro-memoirs, spanning from childhood to early adulthood, invite readers into the raw and tender moments that have shaped her life as a young Yamatji woman.
Gibson’s reflections on growing up as a First Nations child weave throughout the collection with a quiet yet undeniable force. She acknowledges early on that ‘I now realise that no matter what subject I wrote about, it does not take away the fact it is First Nations writing.’ This statement encapsulates the powerful truth of her work; her identity is inseparable from her storytelling, and every piece is grounded in the experience of being First Nations in Australia.
At its heart, CryBaby is a deeply personal reckoning with family, grief, and the inherited pain of the Stolen Generations. The weight of history lingers in her stories, showing how trauma shapes lives in ways both visible and unseen. Yet, alongside this deep-seated sorrow, Gibson offers moments of joy and light with tender reflections on girlhood, outfit coordination, and the universal teenage battle against unruly curls. These moments of levity provide balance, making the heavier themes even more powerful.
Mental health plays a critical role in the collection, with Gibson writing candidly about her struggles with depression at key stages of her development. The honesty in her storytelling creates a sense of intimacy, allowing readers to step inside her world, to feel the weight of her emotions, and to witness her resilience.
Gibson’s prose is lyrical, fragmented, and deeply evocative. The landscapes of Western Australia form a rich backdrop, grounding her experiences in place and history, further reinforcing the depth of her storytelling.
Gibson’s voice is bold, honest, and necessary and her words are a gift to readers seeking truth, connection, and an unfiltered look into the complexities of identity and growing up.