Not Quite Ripe

by Debra Byrne

Her life has been roller-coaster ride of successes and adulation alongside scandal, drugs and depression. From her first showbiz triumphs on 'Young Talent Time', Debra's existence had a darker side. From childhood abuse to underage sex, from the destructive evil of drug addiction and depression, Debra still managed her performances.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Australia

Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Michael Burge · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the 1980s and 1990s, many singing talents with a decent set of pipes and right-enough looks played Fantine in the stage musical 'Les Misérables'.

This book is the story of arguably the only performer who deserved to play the part through bitter life experience mixed with raw talent.

Byrne's breakout into 1980s musical theatre is one of the great comeback stories in Australian show-business history, and even though it's sometimes difficult to observe how she pulled it off, 'Not Quite Ripe' delivers on its promise of exploring how life experience underpinned her knockout performances in 'Cats', 'Les Mis' and 'Sunset Boulevard'.

But it often makes for tough reading, since the former child star dishes plenty of dirt on herself and others on the journey, encouraging us to read between the lines as we do. The realities of addiction and rehab run seamlessly into revelations about life for performers on the pub-and-club scene, but its Byrne's experience of primary life relationships, that with parents, siblings, loving partners and children that provides the main context for her memories.

In this realm, Byrne never presents herself as any kind of success story. Extreme childhood sexual abuse set a course on which she always struggled with trusting anyone close to her. It's heartrending to read, and elucidating from the perspective of what it was able to add to her performances, the pinnacle of which was surely when her interpretation of Fantine was chosen for the Grammy-winning international cast album. By the time she was performing 'Sunset Boulevard' a decade later, Byrne's demons were overtaking her and seem to have rendered her incapable of inhabiting such roles ever since.

But the memories remain divine, and Byrne's account of them is a necessary addition to the record.

[Philip Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's taken me nine years to read this. A few weeks ago in a Port Fairy second-hand bookshop, I picked up a copy for $8 and figured it was time.
Wow. What a battle Debra has endured. On stage and screen she finds some security and joy away from a life that is blighted from early childhood by a pedophile grandfather. It starts with this abuse and sets her on a path of guilt, blame and crushing self-worthlessness. This with all the common accretions of self-hate: alcohol, drugs, promiscuity, self-harm and bad choices. Here's a lady looking for love in all the wrong places and finding it only in the appreciation of audiences. That she has carved out a remarkably successful show business career despite all that has been to her, rather than for her, is what turns this story into some kind of satisfying victory. I am so glad I read it.

[Mandy J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spotted this in an Op Shop. Quite a harrowing read. She suffered greatly at the hands of those who should have been looking after her. Her description of her descent into drugs was raw and honest and she takes ownership of mistakes she made. Although her writing was quite detailed, for me some events got a little too bogged down with tiny details that didn’t move the story along. She is no doubt an Australian treasure.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up with Young Talent Time and Debra was my favourite performer. A sad story about a talented person, who has survived and is still performing today. I loved this book!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debra Byrnes story was an interesting read. In the 1980s I only ever knew her as a former Young talent timer, making the odd guest appearance on the show as an adult, - I was too young to have watched her when she was regular member of the team in the 70s. Debra comes off as not particularly likeable, and that’s probably because she really didn’t like herself her very much, as a teen she was tough and hard, probably due to the abuse she suffered at the hands of her grandfather. As an adult she looked for love and acceptance in all the wrong places: the wrong men, the wrong jobs. It led to her living a life where she was taken advantage of by others, and made her own fair share of terrible choices. She talks with honesty about her drug addiction, poor relationships, low self esteem, and how she chased love through her audiences. It was a wonder she was around at all to tell the story.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

It would have taken great courage for Deb to write this Memoir. Have to give credit to her for sharing her life, 'warts and all'. I found it very thought-provoking into the effects of abuse, physical and mental, the torment and anguish of dealing with mental illness. How so 'alone' she felt.

It also makes me understand and appreciate the hard work, the ups and downs, the uncertainties, the stars face in striving for careers in the entertainment industry.

Very much enjoyed this book. It has given me much to think about.

[Julie Chettle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gruelling read. Shows that abuse has life long consequences especially when it is your family you cannot trust. I found some parts very hard to read. It shows not everyone is your friend and there will always be people willing to exploit for their own gain. The world of showbusiness is not all lights and glamour. Debra, I admire your talent and spirit and I hope you have found some peace and happiness.

[Louise Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrible life she had while in the spotlight. A very brave woman. It’s terrible to hear how vulnerable children are in the spotlight at an early age. Good read

[Sharon Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all I have to say that Debbie Byrne has some guts to write about her life with the honesty and candour that she has, because it certainly doesn't always paint her in a very good light. But saying that, the majority of negatives in her life all stem from both sexual and emotional abuse from family members and then a male she met through working on Young Talent Time, all which understandably clouded and impacted on any of her future relationships. And through all this came addictions to what seemed like anything that was available, alcohol, heroin, painkillers.

The unfortunate thing about this book is that is reads rather haphazardly which was quite irritating, in fact at one point I wanted to just pack it in because it was "all over the place" but I persisted and I'm glad I did finish it, I just wish it had been edited more.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story - sad, mixed feelings!