"Mutant Message Down Under" is the gripping fictional account of the spiritual odyssey of an American woman in Australia. Summoned by a remote tribe of nomadic Aboriginals to accompany them on a walkabout through the outback, she makes a four month long journey with the 'Real People', as the tribe calls itself. During this time she learns how they live and thrive in natural harmony with the plants and animals that exist in the rugged geography of the desert region. She faces daily tests of her endurance, and these challenges ultimately contribute to a profound personal transformation. "Mutant Message Down Under", an underground bestseller in its self-published edition, recounts a unique, timely and powerful message for all humankind: that it is not too late to save our world from destruction, if we learn to respect all living beings and to live in harmony with the earth. "The story of a courageous woman who walked with the Aboriginals and learned the wonderful secrets and wisdom of an old, old tribe. Things we all need to learn in our modern society: to get back in touch with nature, to trust and have faith in our inner knowledge and guidance." - Elisabeth Ka Bler-Ross "A powerful message for all of us. I was hypnotised by the simple truths and spiritual lessons. Read it and tell everyone you know to do the same." - Wayne Dyer.

About the Author

Marlo Morgan is a retired health-care professional. She lives in Lee Summit, Missouri. Her first novel, 'Mutant Message Down Under', was a 'New York Times' bestseller for thirty-one weeks and was published in twenty-four countries.

Reviews

Morgan's much-hyped first novel, a fictionalized account of a ``walkabout'' she took in the Outback with a group of Aborigines, gains from the use of authentic detail, although the storytelling is hindered by the author's heavy New Age agenda and incessant cultural proselytizing. A 50-ish alternative health practitioner from the American Midwest, Morgan was working with underprivileged Aborigine youths in the inner cities of Australia when a group of Aborigines offered her a chance to learn firsthand about their culture. Morgan's account of the tribe's customs, healing methods, food-finding tactics, etc. is absorbing, and her willingness to forgo Western luxuries and to relish the experience is courageous and touching. Less compellingly, the author claims that she was ``chosen'' by the Aborigines to tell the rest of humanity that the so-called ``real people'' are refusing to reproduce because of the ravages of Western civilization, and that Westerners have a limited time to clean up their act. Morgan's rudimentary writing skills are stretched to the limit, and she lessens the power of her story and its egalitarian lessons by adopting the perspective that Western culture is innately inferior to the naturalistic beliefs of the Aborigines. Still, with its high-powered package of New Age philosophy wrapped in an adventure narrative, this book may be the next Celestine Prophecy. (It is interesting to observe that both books began life by being self-published.) Illustrations by Carri Garrison not seen by PW. 250,000 first printing; Literary Guild Special Release; Doubleday Book Club alternate; author tour. (Sept.)