"Bird follows Carson, a youmg, cerebral Aboriginal man who traverses his way in and out of the prison system in Western Australia. The story is told through the multiple white characters Carson encounters along his journey. The novel is similar stylistically and thematically to Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting or some of the early writings of John Dos Passos, painting a picture of a world which is simultaneously bleak, comic and harrowing."--Back cover
The book explores the impact of messianic prophets on American national consciousness since the Revolution, highlighting figures like Cyrus Teed, a Civil War veteran and anticapitalist, civil rights pioneer Father Divine, and the notorious Jim Jones. It examines how these individuals, often seen as dangerous outliers, have shaped societal perceptions and movements, challenging the narratives surrounding their influence and the complexities of their legacies.
Exploring the intricacies of personal narratives, the author emphasizes the importance of embracing and sharing one's unique story without reservation. This approach highlights the complexity of individual experiences and the value of authenticity in storytelling, suggesting that every person's journey is worth telling.