BOOKS
Who The Hell Is Phyllis (2024)
Vivienne's diary delves deep into the societal intricacies of the early 1900s, where the newly minted Royal Australian Navy drew its cultural moorings from the upper echelons of the Royal Navy. In 1916, a heart-wrenching tragedy shatters the façade when Vivienne, the Headmaster's elder daughter, is believed to have taken her own life.
Left in the wake of this calamity is twelve-year-old Phyllis, who grapples with grief and abandonment. With her parents emotionally absent and physically distant, she finds solace in Tally, cadet-midshipman and Vivienne's beau. But as war calls him to Scapa Flow in 1917, Phyllis is cast adrift.
In her quest for affection, Phyllis stumbles, her heart often leading her astray, until fate causes her to marry Tally, now a Lieutenant. Yet, what promises a safe harbour turns stormy with a loveless union and Tally's deteriorating health. As Phyllis navigates a life marred by addiction and multiple marriages, her constant remains Ginnie, her ever-faithful Persian cat, who not only provides solace but also offers a unique narrative lens, weaving a tale of love, loss, and resilience.
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NED (2024)
Many thought the police of the day were corrupt; certainly, some were.
In his now out-of-print memoir, “Recollections”, John Sadleir describes his own rise to senior rank within the Victorian Police, while paying homage to those who helped him become the man he was… kind, gentle, caring, humble, and above all, wedded to his duty. His granddaughter, Kitty, said much the same. Although she could be quite sharp, when it came to John, she thought he was the most wonderful man she’d ever met.
Summarising his memoir, this book contains humorous anecdotes and fascinating accounts of life as a Police Officer in the 1870s and 1880s.
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Jewels of New England (2018)
“Jewels of New England” is a roller coaster ride: the CVs of these people in this book could truly scare the pants off you. I have adopted an irreverent tone to get through the really serious works that they had done as it could easily have become an overwhelming read. They have all won awards of great merit, many internationally and, mainly, they live in this University town called Armidale. Their personal stories give us an insight into these giants of culture that would otherwise be relegated to Wikipedia. I find a back story so much more interesting to read, but then, I love the connections between genetics and the Arts, in all its amazing forms. If you, like me, understand a little more about these people, it will broaden your horizons, and thrill you as much as it has thrilled me.