Babylon
An ancient city located in modern day Iraq. It is also a city that appears in the Bible; according to Christian teachings, Babylon is symbolic of an oppressor against which believers must struggle.
International Dublin Literary Award
A literary award handed out every year for a novel written in or translated into English. Malouf was the inaugural winner of the prize in 1996. Other past winners include Orhan Pamuk and Herta Muller.
Colonialism
The process by which one country assumes control of another for its own benefit. In the 19th century, European countries including France, Britain, Spain and the Netherlands colonized parts of Africa, Asia, South America and Australasia.
Multiracial society
A society in which people of different races and ethnicities live together peacefully.
Aboriginal Australians
The ethnic group indigenous to Australia and Tasmania before the arrival of European colonists.
