From Sauerkraut to Vegemite: A Migrant Memoir

by Ilonka Guse, Tash Brennfleck Janijievic (Illustrator)

When Ilonka landed in Melbourne in July 1985, she was excited and eager to settle into her new country, far away from Germany. This memoir describes her migrant experiences, including the confusion caused by 'Austrain' slang expressions as Ilonka discovers the world of abbreviations from 'darl, arvo to hun'. Hilarious anecdotes describing misinterpretations expressions are intertwined with conversations about the 'Lucky Country' riding on the sheep's back. Ilonka lived in West Brunswick and her description of the emerging celebration of multiculturalism culminates in her attending the first Greek Festival held in Melbourne in 1987. Fond memories of comedy shows like 'Con the Fruiterer' and his 'coupla days', 'Wogs out of Work' and the hair dresser Effi's 'how embarrassment' highlight the tone of multiculturalism of the 80s and 90s. Travel tales from rural Victoria and adventure camping trips to the 'Outback' showcase the discovery of non-urban Australia in detail and Ilonka makes it no secret that she has fallen in love with the red dust and cerulean sky. A review of the Australian 'cuisine' leads to the discovery of two staples: 'vegemite' and 'Pavlova', not to mention the typical Aussie BBQs. But there is also politics, tumultuous economic times with 17,5% interest rates and 'a recession Australia had to have'. The Hawke-Keating government introduces the 'Accord' to turn around the economy. As a TAFE teacher working on factory floors, Ilonka comes across hardship and despair when manufacturers are retrenching staff as the reduction of tariffs and cheaper imports impacts on all industries. But the 'Lucky Country' survived and thrived - ultimately presenting its national identity in the Sydney Olympics in 2000, with Cathy Freeman's legendary lap holding the Australian and Aboriginal Australian flags side by side. A fascinating read, reminiscing about the years 1985 to 2000

153 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Tania Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of parallels between the author and my mother who migrated from Croatia in the 1950’s - especially when trying to grasp the English language and Aussie slang terms.
I wouldn’t say this is a well written book, but still an easy read and enjoyable at times.

[Jodi Sinclair · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entertaining but obviously a first book attempt.