if this is the end
A fearless and honest exploration of queer First Nations identity, and a vibrant celebration of imperfection and personal growth, if this is the end is a stunning exploration of what it means to work through childhood trauma and love yourself in the present. In a state of post-pandemic recovery, the author travels back to his hometown and grapples with all that comes with it, experiences the thrills of relationship drama and serious queer romance, works through his mental health issues and writes a love letter to Narrm from the perspective of a Kimberley man.
'Tender and alive, Bebe Oliver returns with a second collection full of love, honesty
and strength...Immediately a queer Blak classic.' – Ellen Van Neerven
Bebe Oliver is a descendant of the Bardi Jawi people, an award-winning writer and creative leader who has called Naarm (Melbourne) home for many years. if this is the end is his second book. His first collection of poetry, more than these bones, was published in 2023 by Magabala Books. Beginning his creative practice as a classical pianist and composer, Bebe later made a name for himself as a producer and director of theatre, festivals, and public art projects across Australia, including international dance and theatre projects in Aotearoa, France and Belgium. A writer, poet, illustrator, speaker and facilitator living on the unceded land of the Kulin peoples, Bebe’s works encompass love, loss, identity, Aboriginal and gay existence, place and country.