Diane Bell Knihy

In Ngarrindjeri Wurruwarrin, Diane Bell invites her readers into the complex and contested world of the cultural beliefs and practices of the Ngarrindjeri of South Australia; teases out the meanings and misreadings of the written sources; traces changes and continuities in oral accounts; challenges assumptions about what Ngarrindjeri women know, how they know it, and how outsiders may know what is to be known. Wurruwarrin: knowing and believing.

Diane Bell highlights the crucial roles women play in Australian Aboriginal desert culture, emphasizing their responsibilities as custodians of land, ritual, and cultural heritage. Through her exploration, the book sheds light on the significance of women's contributions to the preservation and continuity of their communities, offering a deeper understanding of their impact within this unique cultural context.

Dee P. Scrutari, a new anthropology professor, investigates the mysterious disappearance of her predecessor at St. Jude's, a prestigious Jesuit college. Joined by an eclectic group of marginalized colleagues—a liberation theology nun, a gay priest, and a Jewish scholar—she uncovers troubling truths within the religious studies department. This feminist spoof blends humor and seriousness, offering a provocative exploration of academia while showcasing Scrutari's courageous spirit and affection for her field.