Everything and Nothing

by Heather Mitchell

A powerful, immersive and intimately candid memoir exploring the light and shade that co-exist in love, family and the arts, from celebrated stage and screen actor Heather Mitchell

'A gentle collection of musings on an extraordinary life; unpretentious and honest, full of stoic wisdom.' Tim Minchin

'An extraordinary life told in tender detail, capturing triumph, love and tragedy with a beautiful humanity.' Annabel Crabb

Heather Mitchell is an esteemed Australian stage and screen actor, and yet behind the scenes her real life has taken many remarkable twists and turns.

Training an unflinching spotlight on her most formative memories, Heather illuminates the heartbreaking secrets, sexual encounters, family dramas and creative pursuits that have shaped her life as a woman, an actor and a mother.

Told with raw candour and spellbinding lyricism, Everything and Nothing draws back the curtain on a unique and fascinating life.

'Heather's perspective on life and love speaks straight to the soul. Is there anything she can't do?' Toni Collette

'This book is a joy. Everything and Nothing makes you feel life more keenly.' Anna Funder

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Australia

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite Audible listens of 2023, Heather had me laughing out loud one moment and gasping in shock the next. Highly recommend.

[Adèle Courge · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Live everyday like it's your first day" ❤️
What a life !! What a kind, thoughtful, funny woman who narrated her story for ten hours, shared her heart and thoughts, her ups and downs, always with such empathy. I feel richer for having listened to this book. Thank you Heather !

[Jane Leacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book. I absolutely adore and admire Heather. A wonderful story of her career and life. She is an incredibly positive woman!

[SJP · Rating 5 out of 5]

my spiritual mother

favs:
• maybe death was as simple as being aware and unaware at once
• success is about generosity, compassion and a willingness to try things and take risks
• breaking family cycles and creating new ones for yourself
• chance encounters and unexpected outcomes are so often the experiences I cherish

[Lee McKerracher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully raw and honest memoir. Heather Mitchell takes us through her life exploring the events that have shaped her.

This is the type of writing that reaches out from the page to grab you and pull you inside to be immersed in her world. The tragedy of her mother's death, the sexual encounters, her family, friends, lovers, supporters and critics; all have had a part to play in shaping the wonderful individual Heather is today.

The struggles actors have in surviving between jobs is something I am sure many not in that field think about. We see prominent actors on-stage or in film but don't really understand how transient the work is and how it comes in fits and starts. So how do you manage a home, family and the expenses of living day-to-day? Heather, Marty and their boys have had many struggles, just like any other family, but have had to deal with them while navigating the uncertainty of what work may or may not be on the horizon.

A book that will touch your heart.

[Nick Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every page of this book. The stories are beautifully told and there's the sense that the author is simply telling things as they were, letting the truth speak for itself, and yet it awakens something deep in the reader. Simple yet profound and highly recommended.

[Myrophora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful collection of stories which made me feel like I was having a long conversation with Heather Mitchell. I didn't want the book to finish.

Thank you Heather for sharing your experiences with us so authentically.

[Barbara Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Thank you Heather Mitchell, for sharing so freely of your fascinating life, your extreme resilience and your Grab-Life-With-Both-Hands approach! Your mindset to always find the curiosity, love and FUN in every event (including cancer treatment) is an inspiration to me!

[Anthea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Everything and Nothing by Heather Mitchell, it’s such a glorious, generous book. She tells each story so beautifully and observes character wonderfully. It really is a pleasure to see the world through her eyes.

[Marg Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Heather's memoir so engaging as she warmly and beautifully delivered all the ups and downs and roundabouts of her incredible life through various and many vinyettes over the years. What an amazing woman she is. I feel privileged to have this glimpse into her remarkable life. 4.5 ⭐️

[Neil Melville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest & Compelling!

A heartfelt, revealing and joyous journey into the mystery of life told with the wisdom of love, loss & understanding.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ordinary life, told with insight and an openness. The focus is family, love and the power of creativity. I liked getting a different take on spirituality and the passion of creative types.

[Adriarn Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read and honest and tender read of tragedy and love and humility. After seeing Heather in RBG and now reading this I am in awe.

[Tim Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unflinching and raw account of growing up. Wonderful actress.

[Rowena Eddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a life lived despite many difficulties, mainly health related. It is quite interesting, but doesn’t have a through line.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely heart-warming memoir. I'm a big fan of Heather Mitchell and what she has done in her acting career. Had no idea about her personal struggles. Great book.

[tei hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love memoir, and i bloody love heather mitchell. i love her even more now.

[Steven Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, engaging memoir from a remarkable performer. Recommended.