The racist spectacle of human zoos flourished in Europe through to the twentieth century

Human zoos operated in Europe through to the twentieth century with over 35 000 performers from all over the world forced on stage. They were a racist spectacle that drew huge crowds. A new novel, Paris Savages, by Tasmanian writer Katherine Johnson follows the story of three Badtjala people from Fraser Island, Bonny, Jurano and Dorondera who were taken from their homes to perform in Paris. She spoke to Ryk Goddard about this, and about her deliberate and considered decision not to use an aboriginal voice in the novel.