The primary message in Swallow the Air is a condemnation of the oppression and injustice toward Indigenous Australians. To what extent do you agree?

The kindness of strangers has a more lasting effect on May than the hostility of her family. Discuss.

‘I didn’t see the colour that everyone else saw, some saw different shades – black, and brown, white.’ (May)
May’s perception of herself is very different to how those around her see her. Discuss.

In the novel, relationships are seen to be more damaging to individuals than any other factor in their lives. To what extent do you agree?

Discuss the effect that May’s memories have on her identity and her sense of belonging.

‘And now, I could let him [Dad] go. Because only when I remembered, could I finally forget.’ (May)
Discuss how facing her past helps May move into the future.

Whilst commenting on the plague of substance abuse amongst Indigenous communities, Winch still manages to evoke sympathy for those stricken with addiction. Discuss.