Just So Stories

Hardie Grant

March 2023

ISBN:9781741177886

Publisher:Hardie Grant Explore

RRP: $34.99

I’ve been reading a lot of kids’ books the past few weeks so to have a couple of bios/memoirs has been good. I’ve had this one sitting to one side (i.e. moving box!) for a few months, it was wonderful to finally get to it last night, and read it. And clearly, as I read it in one fell swoop indicates how completely engrossing and eminently readable it is.

Being powerless in a situation of domestic violence is a terrible thing. It renders one to a point of complete helplessness, and it really is such a struggle to free oneself from that. After twenty years with a narcissist bully, I finally broke free but it was hard. I can’t even imagine how much harder for someone without either information (particularly on options/help) or a proper education or a job. So this amazing memoir from OAM, NSW Local Hero Awardee and Australian of the Year – Local Hero 2021, Rosemary is such an inspiration, and a lifeline of hope for those who despair of ever having their own voice and power.

DV and abuse is not confined to just girls and women, but we do know that proportionately, particularly in some cultures, countries and circumstances that is more often than not the case. Rosemary was the victim of abuse repeatedly throughout her life from childhood to that of young woman. Her journey to freedom was compounded by the violence and unrest in her homeland, Kenya, and ultimately she knew she must leave her country to be safe.

Thank goodness for the women of Australia, and in particular the western suburbs of Sydney, that this resilient, determined and indefatigable woman chose to come to our country. As a caution, the reader must be aware of triggers that could be confronting: sexual abuse, rape, domestic and financial abuse (my own special field of knowledge 😦 …) but please believe me when I say, that any reader cannot help but be moved and inspired by Rosemary.

She not only had the grace and strength to rescue herself, but has gone on to do so for many dozens, likely hundreds, of women. Rosemary, I salute you and thank you for all you are doing for women of all cultures and backgrounds. I cannot recommend this more. Please – do yourself a favour and get hold of it, and prepare to be awed.