Mutant Message Down Under

by Marlo Morgan

Book Overview

Mutant Message Down Under is the fictional account of an American woman's spiritual odyssey through outback Australia. An underground bestseller in its original self-published edition, Marlo Morgan's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060926317
• ISBN13: 9780060926311
• Release Date: August 1995
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

So glad I read this one.

This is a wonderful book of growth and learning. I am not sure if the story is true or not, I was not there so cannot speak to that. But I believe it is the writers truth and it is a beautiful book.

enjoyed it as holiday reading

I really enjoyed reading this book, I like the storyline and it doesn't get boring, I haven't finished many books in my life but this one is a real page turner. I have read a few other books from Marlon Morgan, but I think this story is the best. I do not think that this book was written with the intend to be a true story so take it as it is - a real good holiday reading. xxx

I have read everything I could find about this book

I was shocked when I started reading all the reviews and (mostly negative) press about this book, as I have loved this book for years. The "real people" (the small tribe of Aboriginal people) have a powerful understanding of spiritual things, as well as an ability to be practical and flexible. It must be understood that this "tribe" consisted of 62 people maximum, and typically, they traveled in much smaller groups (about 10-12 per group). Obviously, they are NOT the majority of aboriginals in Australia, but a very small minority of people, who have decided to stop "reproducing" mainly because they have indicated that the desert is becoming hotter and there is less food to sustain them. I never sensed that they were "depressed" about their situation; in fact, their view of death is very positive. When one of the "real people" dies, it is because they have come a point in their lives (often at age 120 or so) that they are becoming "excited" about the Spirit World. They have a celebration (a party) and after that, the individual does a certain breathing technique which allows them to shut down their "chakras" and they die. Although we westerners may call this a form of suicide, from the "real people's" perspective, it is simply time to continue in another form, as there is an understanding and an acceptance that we lived before we came to this earth, and we will live after we leave it... we are forever beings. There are many criticisms of the book. I will share them, and I will share my perspective on them:1. Criticism: Men's business and Women's Business: It seems that among Aboriginals, "men's business" and "women's business" are kept separate. Yet, in the book, there seemed to be no separation between the men and the women. My perspective: the "real people" are "flexible and adaptable"; they are in very small numbers now, and perhaps they accept that some customs and traditions no longer "fit" their needs.2. Criticism: Among Aboriginals, no-one enters another person's tribal boundaries without permission, yet in the book it was never mentioned, even though they traveled about 1400 miles. My perspective: I see the "real people" as both "flexible and adaptable"; they were not looking to establish territory, conquer, fight, steal food, or anything bad. However, perhaps there is simply an easy explanation... if the "real people" did not encounter anyone to ask permission to enter, then it simply was not necessary. I mean, seriously, if there was no-one at the "border crossing" (so to speak), then what's the worry?3. Criticism: Desert Aborigines do not collect dung for fuel. It would take forever to collect enough of the small scats of kangaroos and dingoes to cook anything and would be pointless given the availability of dry wood. My perspective: Morgan said they wood was used when it was available... and only when wood was not available, did they use animal dung. 4. Criticism: Burnum Burnum "denounces" Morgan. Read his brief letter:"I Burnum

A very powerful message

I found this book the third most important book I have every read. The first was "Freedom From the Known" by Krishnamurti, the second was "On Having No Head" by Douglas Harding, and now "Mutant Message Down Under". The reason these books have been important to me personally is that each has produced a paradigm shift enabling a clearer, less deluded perception of life on Earth. Each work has brought me a little closer to reality; by this I mean they have helped me to shed pain bearing illusions, life has become easier, more enjoyable.It is interesting to see that the negative reviews of this book have a very emotional, angry quality about them. If a book is so worthless why bother going to the trouble and taking the time to write about it at all? A playwright once said that when the audience burns down the theatre you know you've hit a home truth. Marlo Morgan has definitely hit something of the truth with this work. The style may be simple, but then so was Steinbeck's when he wrote the "Pearl". The simplicity of the writing reflects the simplicity of the life style being portrayed.This is a book for seekers of spirit. The less materialistic you are the more you'll love it. Enjoy.

An enchanting voyage

An enchanting voyage into the dessert and into self. The autor uncovers a refreshing point of view on our culture, our values and the true meaning and vocation in being a human being. It doesn't matter if the author has been there or not - the truth is in the position she takes, and in the love for our world and it's inhabitants - whoever they are.

Please give this book a chance

I'm glad to see that most of the reviews are in favor of this book. Maybe it means that we "mutants" still have some hope in improving our environment and saving our future. I am always depressed with the way this world operates, and dream about a living style portrated in this book. I don't know if this book is fact or fiction, but I do hope that it's a true story, for knowing that there is a group of people on earth who can really lead a life so simple, honest and fulfilling gives me the courage to pursue a similar life of my own. I don't quite understand why some people think this book is an exploitation of aboriginals. I could only wish that I were a member of this tribe. I would be very proud of it! I think being called "mutant" hurts some people's self-esteem, but if we don't face our true selves, things will never get better. I think these people are part of the challenges facing us, and I appreciate them for giving me this opportunity to test myself.No matter if the story is true or fabricated, I think what really matters is if the information delivered helps. And it does! I hope that everyone can have a chance to read this book, and, try to live out the messages for a while before making judgment.