From a victim of the Stolen Generations comes a remarkable memoir of abuse, survival – and ultimately hope.
Born in country NSW in the 1940s, baby Dianne is immediately taken from her Aboriginal mother. Raised in the era of the White Australia policy, Dianne grows up believing her adoptive Irish mother, Val, is her birth mother. Val promises Dianne that one day they will take a trip and she will ‘tell her a secret’. But before they get the chance, Val tragically dies.
Abandoned by her adoptive father, Dianne is raped at the age of 15, sentenced to Parramatta Girls Home and later forced to marry her rapist in order to keep her baby. She goes on to endure horrific domestic violence at the hands of different partners, alcohol addiction and cruel betrayal by those closest to her. But amazingly her fighting spirit is not extinguished.
At the age of 36, while raising six kids on her own, Dianne learns she is Aboriginal and that her great-grandfather was William Cooper, a famous Aboriginal activist. Miraculously she finds a way to forgive her traumatic past and becomes a leader in her own right, vowing to help other stolen people just like her.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Dianne’s memoir is a powerful, and at times deeply disturbing, read. It’s also an important story about the impact of the Stolen Generation, forced adoption, racism and the cycle of family violence (trigger warning). Essential reading for anyone who cares about our nation’s history. Forced to marry at 16 to prevent her child being removed, Diane emerges as a fierce protector of her six children. She faces many challenges but it is not until she is 36 that she learns she is a Yorta Yorta woman. Her experience with police and the courts leads her to a job in legal services which is the springboard to her becoming a leader in the Aboriginal community. There were many times when Dianne could have given up, but she is a fighter. I loved the dedication to her long-dead mother Val ‘who if she had lived long enough …. would have been so proud.’ It’s a fitting tribute to Val; her love and values shaped Dianne’s resilience and capacity for hope. Terese, TAS, 5 Stars
Wow!! Daughter of the River Country is an amazing story on how the Australian Stolen Generations can effect a persons life. Dianne O’Brien’s story is one you should definitely read. Heather, NSW, 5 Stars
What a powerful story! I was expecting some tearful moments and an ending with uplifting messages of hope. I was not expecting the absolutely heart-wrenching brutality of Dianne’s story after the untimely death of her beloved adoptive mother. I am often shocked to see the depths of man’s inhumanity to our fellow man, but in this case I was horrified at the seemingly unending chasms of cruelty, injustice, and almost hopelessness to which Dianne was subjected. But through it all, a spirit of grace, determination, and hope shines in Dianne’s words. Despite her many misadventures and heartaches, a strong woman has emerged and shines brightly in all the communities in which she has lived, bringing hope and compassion to others who have similarly been dealt cruel hands in life. This is a story that needs to be heard. Only when those of us with unconscious privilege listen to the stories of those totally without privilege, and truly hear what their life experiences have been, will we be ready for all that reconciliation means. Our indigenous brothers and sisters have endured so much, and we must listen to their stories in all the brutality and rawness in which those stories were lived. And then we must listen to them as they tell us how we can move forward together. Just as Dianne and others like her have done, they are the ones best placed to show us how to help indigenous Australians in all the areas where there has been injustice, inequality and inequity. Read Dianne’s story. Let it change your thinking. Then go and find more stories by indigenous Australians, or simply sit and listen to them as they share their stories. And then humbly ask “how can I help bring the change that’s needed?” Stephanie, NSW, 5 Stars
I don’t have the words to describe how hauntingly beautiful this book is. Dianne O’Brien is the most inspiring woman I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. I have no idea how one woman can put up with so much pain and misery in one lifetime, yet still have such a positive outlook and be able to help so many other people. This is one book that will stay with me forever. Thanks Better Reading and Echo Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Meg, SA, 5 Stars
This is the story of Dianne’s life from growing up with her adoptive parents, confused about who she was, through to discovering and embracing her Indigenous heritage. Dianne’s life is like the lives of so many of the “stolen generations”, she spent many years searching for her identity, and she was betrayed many times by the people who should have cared for and respected her. I learnt a lot about the treatment of Aboriginal people in the recent past that I was surprised and shocked by. I was afraid that this book would be depressing because of the confronting issues it deals with, but it was not. The tone is very personable, and it feels just like having a cuppa and a chat. She deals with all the terrible things that have happened with honesty and overwhelming positivity and never comes across as self-pitying or bitter. The overall message of the book is one of hope for a better future. I am glad that Dianne had the courage to tell her story. It is a book every Australian should read. Debbie, NSW, 5 Stars
Now I have insight into how the Stolen Generation affected 5 generations. An important story that every Australian should read. Kirralee, SA, 5 Stars
Daughter of the River Country is a book I will never forget reading. I learnt so much from this book and feel I have learnt some Australian history through the eyes of a victim. It is an amazing and incredible story from one of Australia’s Stolen Generation then becoming an Aboriginal Elder in the 1940’s in rural Australia. Dianne as a baby is taken immediately when she is born from her parents and given to a white family. Dianne grows up believing her adoptive Irish mother is in fact her birth mother. Unfortunately her adoptive mother dies and then she is also abandoned by her father. Dianne is raped and sent to Parramatta Girls Home and forced to marry her rapist so that she can keep her baby. She also suffers years of domestic abuse. Finally Dianne finds out she is a Yorta Yorta woman and meets her birth mother. She learns that her great-grandfather was a famous Aboriginal activist. She then continues to become a powerful leader helping others however she can. This book is heartbreaking and redemptive and I loved it and would highly recommend it to everyone. Freda, QLD, 5 Stars
Equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. Dianne O’Brien takes us on journey of learning through the eyes of an innocent victim of the Stolen Generation. Dianne does not sugar coat her experience, rather tells her story in a way that anyone who reads it is instantly transported to 1950s Australia living the reality of an Aboriginal young woman under a government policy that tried to break her spirit but failed due to the sheer determination of an amazing leader. Dianne, SA, 5 Stars
An amazing memoir of Dianne O’Brien who was one of the Stolen Generation. Dianne had no idea she had been adopted by an Irish couple, she thought they were her birth parents. Her school friends start to make comment about her dark skin and tight curly hair, so she begins to ask questions but before she gets the answers her adoptive mother dies. She is raped and is sent to Parramatta Girls’ Home. Dianne is pregnant and goes to extreme lengths to be able to keep the baby. This leads her into a spiral of domestic violence, moving from town to town, trying to find somewhere to settle and raise her family. She needs to find out where she fits in this society and to find her birth parents. She is an incredible woman who against all odds eventually turns her life around and vows to help other ‘stolen people’. I am so pleased to have been given the opportunity to preview this memoir as it has enlightened me to the truths of the Stolen Generation and the strength that is needed to grow up in Australia and keep their indigenous heritage. Karen, VIC, 5 Stars
Daughter of the River Country by Dianne O’Brien is the remarkable story of Dianne’s life as a child of the Stolen Generation. It tells of her work with the Indigenous community and finding out about her heritage. Dianne lived through some terrible traumas, yet managed to remain an empathic, tireless and amazing woman, who has been recognised for her work. Easy to read, despite the harshness of her life. Highly recommended. Thank you to Better Reading for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. Tracy, VIC, 5 Stars
Daughter of the River Country is an amazing story that is beautifully written. It is a biography for the author, Dianne O’Brien, and her descriptive way of writing had me enthralled the whole way through the book. Although much of Diane’s childhood and young adulthood was filled with extremely unhappy, tragic and often violent circumstances she has a way of sharing the experiences in a way that the reader is able to take in and feel the positivity that Dianne shares that her life will improve. The chapters are the perfect length although I read the book quickly, over a few days, because I just wanted to find out what happened next. Dianne has the ability to turn her experiences into adventures, very real and very emotional. Her love for her children is expressed throughout, and she shares so nicely how she constantly strives to give her children the best possible life. Her style is that she doesn’t ever blame any one or anything for what occurs, and at all times she shares a positive outlook on her future. The reader is energised reading of the work Dianne never stops doing. A truly special woman and a very enjoyable read, thank you Dianne for sharing so intimately. Toni, QLD, 5 Stars
What an eye opener. I loved this book but I don’t feel right saying that because the content was so upsetting. It was raw and open and matter of fact. And I couldn’t put it down. I am so glad that she came out the other side. Kay, QLD, 5 Stars
A shocking but dignified telling of Dianne O’Brien’s life. What an awful and sorrowful early life Dianne experienced. She overcomes adversity to raise children and help others. I admire her resilience and compassion and her love always for her children. I am impressed and sad. This is a story of finding your place, your people and culture. Dianne uses her adverse experiences to make a better world. Daughter of the River Country shines a light on the shameful treatment of our First Nations people and single mothers. It also covers domestic violence. It is compelling reading. I could not put it down and highly recommend it. Sandra, ACT, 5 Stars
Daughter of the River Country was a harrowing tale of abuse, neglect and survival, highlighting many failures of the social systems towards our First Nations people. It tells of an incredible story of one woman’s fight, courage and resilience and proves that through adversity, one can still rise up and become an inspirational leader within one’s community. A well-written story of true achievement, selflessness and a journey of triumph. A great read that I would highly recommend to others. Jody, QLD, 5 Stars
This is a fascinating and frequently sad account of a life blighted by domestic violence, bureaucratic cruelty, and discrimination. The discrimination will make you flinch; the appalling treatment is shameful. It personalises history; it brings home the dreadful things that have been done within the lifetime of living people. O’Brien tends almost to understate things. Her achievements in adult life are something to boast about – but O’Brien doesn’t elaborate on them any more than she does her negative experiences. This is written in a simple, easy reading style that makes the challenges O’Brien faced easy for the reader to digest. This is no heavy tome, although there’s a great deal of depth to the issues raised. This is a personal story that shines a strong light on domestic violence, and on government policies that disadvantaged and damaged both Indigenous people and young women. It’s moving and capable of inspiring shame and anger. It also leaves you in awe of O’Brien – she has achieved things anyone could be proud of, and it’s breath-taking that she could achieve them in the face of the obstacles in her path. This is the story of an Indigenous woman who deserves to be celebrated. Lorraine, ACT, 5 Stars
I found this book the story of a very brave strong woman who went through so much trauma to come out victorious. Dianne O’Brien is inspirational and has written a book that is honest in how poorly she and so many other woman were treated. Her ability to rise above it all and achieve what she did shows us, never underestimate someone because of their ethnicity. This is a book that should be read far and wide for us all to understand how we need to love one another and care. Lyndsay, QLD, 5 Stars
I was surprised by this book to be honest, it’s not my normal go to book. The journey that you’re taken on with Dianne’s life is one of heartbreaking pain and suffering which made me think how my teenage daughter would cope if this was to happen to her. I loved Dianne’s dedication to keep going and to be always there for others and to give a helping hand no matter what she was facing in her own life. I fell in love with this book and cannot rate it highly enough. It is eye opening into just exactly what happened with the Stolen Generation and what they had to endure. To be honest it actually made me sick to read sections about how she was treated. Such an inspirational read that shows you with courage and grit you can get through anything life throws at you and still have empathy and compassion for your fellow man. Will be recommending this to all the readers I know. Jodi, QLD, 5 Stars
Wow what can I say, what a wonderful book. While this book was hard to read at times it was also an uplifting book full of hope and dreams. Dianne’s story of how she has risen from being a victim of the Stolen Generation, a life of abuse and hardship to rich and fulfilling life as a proud Yorta Yorta woman is a story of love and determination. A beautiful story that intertwined how a young woman overcame hardship, her love for her family and later her love for her culture. A beautiful story I feel honoured to have had the privilege to have read and it is a story that will stay with me for a long time. I feel proud and honoured to have learnt about this wonderful woman, her story and heritage both past and present. Christine, QLD, 5 Stars
Once I picked up Daughter of the River Country by Dianne O’Brien, I just couldn’t put it down. There were a number of ways the book and indeed Dianne’s life could have ended up, but despite all the horrors and injustices, there is still an overwhelming sense of thankfulness and positivity within the Daughter of the River Country and I definitely recommend this book. Joanne, QLD, 5 Stars
This was literally a book I couldn’t put down, a powerful biography which spans over 70 years. I managed to read the first 200 pages in a single sitting. The book follows Dianne a baby stolen from her Aboriginal mother at birth in 1940 and growing up with an Irish family in the suburbs of Sydney unaware of her adoption and Aboriginal heritage. After the death of her adoptive mother, Dianne is told of her adoption. Dianne becomes lost and withdrawn without her adoptive mother and is raped at the age of 15 by a friend of her adoptive, abusive father. Pregnant, young and alone she is rejected by her father and sent to Parramatta Girls Home, in order to keep her baby she is forced to marry the man who raped her and moved to the isolated town of Cobar. This move cements her life of violence, rejection and unknowing of who she really is and a life long quest to find her family. This engaging story is raw and real, Dianne shares the good and bad of her life always being hit with the next challenge, while trying to always maintain strength for her family. Highly recommend this title. Crystal, TAS, 5 Stars
Imagine being not quite sixteen, alone in the world and pregnant. Now imagine being faced with two intolerable alternatives: give up your baby for adoption or choose a life of violence, terror and misery. This is what happened to the author of this memoir, who had unwavering love from her mother, but abuse at the hands of her father. Dianne did not know she was adopted until later. She experienced multiple rapes and violent relationships, incarceration in both a girls’ home and gaol; alcohol addiction and indifference or outright abuse from some who should have helped her. Discovering her birth family and her Aboriginal heritage, brought about an incredible turn of events and her life took an upward turn, though not without its tragedies. It is her true measure that she was able to rise above the awfulness of her earlier life and work towards a better future for herself and her own children and grandchildren, and her community. I have nothing but admiration for Dianne, whose memoir sheds further light on hidden parts of Australia’s past. It is one of a growing number of books that allow Australians to learn, reflect and understand more about the experiences of First Nations communities. Denise, NSW, 5 Stars
This is a memoir story from Dianne’s remarkable life as a child of the Stolen Generation in the era of White Australian Policy, went through all the hardships up to her journey of becoming an Aboriginal leader. Dianne was loved immensely by, Val, her Irish adoptive mother, however things got very bad after Val passed away and Dianne was sent to Parramatta Girls’ Home. When she realised that she’s adopted, she started to track her birth mother, and finally learned that her great-grandfather was a famous Aboriginal activist, William Cooper. This book is a real page turner, but in the middle of it, I feel that I really have to take a break as it’s too painful and aching for me. How much suffering she could cope? Lucky that I have Lola as my companion reading this book. This book covers domestic violence, sexual abuse and low socio-economic condition. One big lesson to grab from this memoir : “🄰🄽🅈🄾🄽🄴 🄲🄰🄽 🄰🄲🄷🄸🄴🅅🄴 🄰🄽🅈🅃🄷🄸🄽🄶 🅃🄷🄴🅈 🅂🄴🅃 🅃🄷🄴🄸🅁 🄼🄸🄽🄳 🅃🄾”. Vivi, NSW, 5 Stars
What a heart-warmer of a book! Dianne endured so much trauma throughout her life, but what she has overcome and achieved in life is a true indicator of what a wonderful strong person she is. Overcoming such traumas and putting them behind her is the highlight of this book. What a strong woman she is. Understanding her background and where she came from is also relevant to her story. When she found her Aboriginal roots and family is highly relevant to her story, and again she has to overcome difficulties in regard to her Aboriginal roots. It is such an uplifting true story, showing how people can overcome the traumas of an earlier life. What Dianne has overcome is a true testament to her resilience and strengths. Glenice, VIC, 5 Stars
It was very appropriate receiving this book on Reconciliation Week. I was very drawn in by the book cover and it was refreshing that I was going to be reading about someone’s real life. I instantly warmed to Dianne as a woman who really did experience some horrible abuse and loss but still managed to raise her children the best she could and showed them love. She told her story well just like I was hearing her speak and I smiled with each of her achievements. I really enjoyed the factual information through the book regarding the Stolen gGeneration and changes in the law regarding Aboriginal rights. It would have been great to have the opportunity to see the photos that are in the final copy. I will definitely be telling others about this great read! Kelly, QLD, 5 Stars
Absolutely incredible book that leaves you in awe of this woman’s life experiences. Highly recommend! Stacey, WA, 5 Stars
Australian author Dianne O’Brien was a child of the Stolen Generations. In her memoir she recounts her horrific teenage years after the death of her (foster) Mother, and the subsequent abuse she received at the hands of the many men in her life. Parts of her life story are very confronting and yet Dianne has managed to overcome her past and is now a role model for disadvantaged First Nations people. This is a book that I think all Australians should try to get their hands on! Thanks to Better Reading for my ARC of Daughter of the River Country. Sharah, QLD, 4 Stars
An extraordinary tale of one woman’s determination to survive and use all the terrible things in her past to help others. I found this book both harrowing and hopeful as it showed the worst of humanity and the best. Leesy, NSW, 4 Stars
I can’t think of words that describe how I felt as I read Dianne’s words. From the first page to the last, you are confronted with a most harrowing recollection of the author’s life. From childhood, teenage years, and through different stages of adulthood, I could not fathom even a little of what Dianne has been through, much less finding out she was adopted, taken from her rightful family and people. This is a book to read and learn from, to treasure and to teach. I thank Dianne for allowing me to learn about her life journey and of the Yorta Yorta, and only a glimpse of what life was like for those of The Stolen Generation. Amanda, VIC, 4 Stars
Daughter of the River Country is a compelling story from Dianne O’Brien and Sue Williams. It is an eye opening book which portrays the devastation caused to Australia’s Aboriginal Stolen Generation. A great story on the journey that Dianne has been on and how she helps others and has become a leader. Thank you for the insight that you have provided to by writing this story. Christine, WA, 4 Stars
To grow stronger and more confident after a lifetime of violence and abuse, is testament to the strength of the human spirit fighting to survive. I couldn’t put the book down. Madelaine, NSW, 4 Stars
Australian federal and state government policies and legislation in the 1960’s and 70’s were dismal for under-age, Aboriginal, disadvantaged and vulnerable girls – perhaps even mortally dangerous! It’s miraculous that young Diane Westman survived the times. As a pre-teen living in Granville, NSW she is instructed by local thugs in the art of self-defence to channel her anger against the improper advances of her father, combative school pupils and even cane wielding nuns. When her kind and loving mother dies her callous father insists she date his Irish mate Colin, an abusive degenerate who bashes and rapes her. Left alone in the house the police are summoned by neighbours to check on her and she is detained as an abandoned child. Determined to keep her baby, with no means of support, Dianne agrees instead to marry Colin. Already Dianne has been betrayed or assaulted by most men in her life, and sadly this pattern persists. Over the years there are more abusive partners, but more children to love. In the hunt to discover her birth parents Dianne is thwarted by officialdom but a remark by her children’s school Aboriginal Liaison Officer puts her on the correct path. Finally by 38 years of age she finds that having a past, she can now have a future. She is a daughter of the river country, a Yorta Yorta woman of Cummeragunja. Her magpie totem and resilience are the foundations of a life of community work and acclaim, overcoming the odds and inspiring all her cross her path. Anita, QLD, 4 Stars
When you think about someone’s life you do not always think about the why is, how’s and if’s; but in this book Daughter of the River Country, I thought about it all. Dianne was no ordinary lady; her life was made up by many layers. A victim of the Stolen Generation she like many were taken away and moved into surrounds, families, some probably very loving but in Dianne’s case it was only partly so. Her adoptive mother clearly loved her, gave her what she could, giving her a sense of hard work and at times purpose. Sadly, this came to a premature end when she died leaving Dianne quite vulnerable. She had to grow up fast, she was not always surrounded by people who cared about her, she became a target from awful men who came in and out of her life. Throughout the years she had several children, no matter how hard her life was she adored each one of them and lovingly looked after each one of them. She had to discover the truth, where she belonged. She was drawn to the river and finally learnt about a whole new life and family she had longed yearned for. Cheryl, VIC, 4 Stars
I truly admire Dianne O’Brien for her honest words throughout this memoir. At times it was very hard to read as her early life was horrific and for me I really felt for her and the choices she had to make. She showed strength all her life and spent so much time working for and helping anyone that needed her help. Her family was very important to her and to discover her heritage gave her a feeling of belonging she never had. I wish everyone could read this book as it is a real eye opener as to what happened to the Stolen Generation. Renee, QLD, 4 Stars
A harrowing true story about survival, trauma, love, family and one woman’s quest for truth. Thank you Dianne for sharing your story and shining the spotlight on some of Australia’s shameful history. Phoebe, VIC, 4 Stars
Daughter of the River Country was neither an easy nor enjoyable read but it was definitely a worthwhile read. This is a memoir of Dianne who was raised by a loving mother and abusive father, only to find out after her mother’s death that she had been adopted. Dianne sets out to learn who she really is and is overjoyed to learn she has an Aboriginal family. A member of the Stolen Generation, this book shows the impact of trauma on Dianne’s life but also shows how resilient she is and how helping others can help to heal yourself. It is full of heartache and trauma but also full of love, kindness and giving. It is an important contribution to the history of Aboriginal Australia and the failures of government policies over many decades. Elizabeth, WA, 4 Stars
Dianne is a remarkable woman who overcomes unspeakable cruelty and misfortune to become a true leader. Often times her story is difficult to read because the physical abuse she is subjected to is unimaginable. Her undying sense of family helps her overcome the relentless challenges put in her path. It is inspirational to read of many ways she helps others, regardless of their cultural background, but particularly the Aboriginal people of Australia. As Dianne says in the book, we need more Aboriginal people to tell their stories so we can all learn more about Australia’s past, the good, the bad and sometimes the very ugly. The consequences of past Australian government decisions have had a long-lasting effect on Aboriginal people. I congratulate and thank Dianne for all of the amazing work she has done and for sharing her story. Jodi, QLD, 4 Stars
Daughter of the River Country manages to straddle the complex task of being a harrowing memoir of abuse and addiction with an uplifting and hopeful legacy. It is a thoughtful and considered telling of Dianne O’Brien’s life, with evocative imagery of land. Told in a calm and dispassionate tone, the author unveils a story of abuse and neglect which is underpinned by a steely strength of character. A calm commentary on the indigenous experience of the Stolen Generations of mid- twentieth century Australia, the book also reveals the abuse of power and institutions which was also prevalent and has been exposed more recently. Through the author’s eyes we also see how societal sexism and the acceptance of domestic violence has had terrible impacts on women. Daughter of the River Country is a powerful and compelling book. It will challenge and appall the reader in many ways. Ultimately, though this book is a story of resilience, strength and the power of family and love. Kathryn, NSW, 4 Stars
Dianne O’Brien’s Daughter of the River Country is a confronting personal story. The themes of uncovering your own identity and the realities of Australia for an Aboriginal woman who felt ‘other’ in the not-too-distant past are intriguing. I read this book in a few short hours as it felt like I was sitting down with Dianne, having a cup of tea, and listening to her story. Even in the violent or the heartbreaking moments, Dianne never loses her sense of optimism that is interwoven throughout. Her strength and her love for her children shine through. I felt personally connected to the story as many of the places and times where the events took place align with my own mother’s childhood. I have heard many stories from her about what her own upbringing was like, and it was interesting to see similarities and yet vast differences in their life experiences because of circumstances of birth and heritage in those times. This is a wonderful read if you are interested in exploring different perspectives of Australian history in a personal way and for those who need a reminder that even in the most tragic of times love and courage can still prevail. Sam ACT, 4 Stars
Daughter of the River Country by Dianne O’Brien is the true story of Dianne’s life, a story that will make you count your blessings. The resilience and courage of this woman is extraordinary – what a pity it can’t be bottled and sold as a tonic for the alienated and world-weary! Now a grandmother and great grandmother, Dianne is able to claim her proud heritage as a Yorta Yorta woman. She is acknowledged and applauded for her work in the Aboriginal community. But the cruelty and trauma she faced as a child and young adult – mostly by the men in her life including her adoptive father, violent husband and unsuitable partners – make you wonder how she survived. The saga of how Dianne discovered that she was adopted and eventually learned of her Aboriginal heritage is told in plain speaking, powerful language. It makes you despair about the prevalence of male violence and institutional cruelty. We have to do better than this as a society. This book provides a hopeful message that things can change. It’s a must-read. Susan, VIC, 4 Stars
What an absolutely heartbreaking read! If it was fiction, I wouldn’t believe it. It’s hard to believe Dianne has suffered so much trauma in her life and has come out the end of it in such a positive way! I read this in one sitting, even though I did have to put it down a few times due to the shock of events! I would highly recommend this book to anyone!! Emily, VIC, 4 Stars
This book does not hold back on the big themes: the White Australia Policy, family violence, sexual assault, rape, institutional abuse, adoption, identity, forced adoption, drug and alcohol addiction, low socio-economic living, large families, raising children as a single parent, suicide, rejection by parents and caregivers, the prison system, the welfare system, systemic racism, casual racism…..and they are just some of the things that come to mind when reviewing this memoir. I think the conversational style of the writing is what makes it even more shocking, and to some extent unpalatable. It is written as though you have sat down for a chat and the author launches into her story of abuse and trauma and hardships. However, this is also what kept me turning the pages. Through all this turmoil Dianne has become a leader, a mentor, a person who champions her people. She shows that you get knocked down time and again, but you get up and persist and learn. She gave me pause to consider what shapes our identity? What makes someone persevere, to want better time and again? This is a life story which is difficult to read: which is why it is necessary, and everyone should. Aotea, QLD, 3 Stars
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