Average writing, but fascinating story and very brave, respectful and honest account of a life thwarted by family secrets. ( )

Elizabeth Jolley won awards and is a celebrated writer, here in Australia. Leonard Jolley was head Librarian at the University of Western Australia's Reid Library at the time I was a student there. They have since passed away but have always been looked upon with high esteem. This book was a gift and I wasn't in a great hurry to read it but I scanned the first page and before I knew it, there I was reading more and more. Susan Swingler writes sincerely and gracefully; ... I found myself being drawn in.

This is a beautiful and well written memoir. I am shocked and saddened at how the Jolleys behaved. I will never be able to look at Elizabeth Jolley's work in the same way again. ( )