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The Inconvenient Child: The True Life Story of an Abandoned Australian Childs Struggle to Survive an Abusive Childhood and Journey to Find Her African American Father
An abandoned Australian child struggles to survive and find her American father. An unacceptable liaison, a secret birth, a mother's silence, and her black child's journey to discover the truth... It is 1948, Sydney, Australia. Pretty, blonde Grace discovers she is pregnant to a black merchant marine who has sailed back to America. The White Australia Policy is in place and society's judgment matters; so what will Grace do with this baby? This is the true story of the inconvenient child. Rescued from neglectful foster care by an American champion boxer, the baby is taken to live in a party house in Sydney's red light district of Kings Cross. Her absent, elegant mother then abandons Sharyn in a convent-orphanage, at age five. By fifteen, discrimination within her family, resentment and clashes over her father's undisclosed identity see the troubled teenager running away to the streets of Kings Cross where she's arrested and sentenced to notorious juvenile detention centers. Sharyn's solace is her love of music but can she realize her dream to become a singer if, by twenty-four, she is trapped in the Kings Cross lifestyle? Determined to find her father, Sharyn sets out in search of her roots, a quest taking her across the world and eventually to America's Deep South. But will she find the loving family and belonging she has yearned for all her life?
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 25, 2010
I have just finished 'The Inconvenient Child'. It's the true, inspirational story of Australian, Sharyn Killens, abandoned as a young child, and forced to struggle for survival, plus her quest to find her American father, and family. It is heartrending, sad and happy at the same time, and an extreme eye opener to the terrible conditions young girls, and boys, had to endure in the 1950's and onward, in and around Sydney. It is written by Sharyn herself, and her good friend, Lindsay Lewis. The website www.TheInconvenientChild.com is worth a look.
It is a brilliant read, very hard to put down...
It is a brilliant read, very hard to put down...
Want to Read
March 14, 2014This will be confronting as it crosses into the current news story I have been listening to during the last couple of weeks or so, on the horrific abuse women and girls were subject to in institutions in Sydney. ANOTHER example of abuse in Australian institutions against the most vulnerable. It's a topic that has been greatly troubling me of late, so it might sit on the shelf for a while longer.
November 18, 2013
I also feel that this is a memoir that should be read by all. It is a book that captures a past that we often do not learn about in Australian history. Had it not been for this book, I would have remained ignorant of the horrific experiences of girls institutionalised at the Parramatta Girls Home or Hay. I was truly appalled that things like this happened in this country's not so distant past. Sharyn Killens is an incredibly brave and strong woman, and I hope that her very readable and very compelling account reaches a far greater readership, because it is a story about life, hope and survival.
March 9, 2012
The Inconvenient Child tells the real life story of a long girl lost.
In 1948 blonde, blue eyed Grace meets an American sailor in Sydney and after a brief encounter, falls pregnant to him.
Pregnant, abandoned and left to raise her child alone, Grace turns to foster care and orphanages to cope with her secret.
In a time when unmarried women were shamed into giving their children up, Grace had to face another shaming secret too - her baby's father was African-American.
Living in a white society and at a time when the White Australian policy was in force, Grace had to hide the fact that Sharyn was her daughter.
After a awful childhood in which she was discriminated against, abused and felt unloved by her own family, Sharyn must learn to overcome the pain and strive to pull her life together for the future.
This is her story, the story of finding her father's family and gaining acception once and for all.
It is a painful journey into the history of racism and the years of The
Forgotten Australians.
It is a great book to read but also a very moving book that will have you crying in pain for Sharyn as well as cry in joy.
In 1948 blonde, blue eyed Grace meets an American sailor in Sydney and after a brief encounter, falls pregnant to him.
Pregnant, abandoned and left to raise her child alone, Grace turns to foster care and orphanages to cope with her secret.
In a time when unmarried women were shamed into giving their children up, Grace had to face another shaming secret too - her baby's father was African-American.
Living in a white society and at a time when the White Australian policy was in force, Grace had to hide the fact that Sharyn was her daughter.
After a awful childhood in which she was discriminated against, abused and felt unloved by her own family, Sharyn must learn to overcome the pain and strive to pull her life together for the future.
This is her story, the story of finding her father's family and gaining acception once and for all.
It is a painful journey into the history of racism and the years of The
Forgotten Australians.
It is a great book to read but also a very moving book that will have you crying in pain for Sharyn as well as cry in joy.
November 25, 2025
Great Book
I enjoyed the book from start to finish. The details of Sharyn's life were very detailed, it made you feel like you were right there with her. I am not sure why Grace did not give her up for adoption or why she would not give her ,her fathers info has they would have loved her. I was disappointed that even on her death bed Grace did not show that she very loved her daughter.
I enjoyed the book from start to finish. The details of Sharyn's life were very detailed, it made you feel like you were right there with her. I am not sure why Grace did not give her up for adoption or why she would not give her ,her fathers info has they would have loved her. I was disappointed that even on her death bed Grace did not show that she very loved her daughter.
November 26, 2025
Heartbreaking
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The parts that spoke of her childhood and all the abuse she suffered was truly heartbreaking but resilience make your triumphs that much better.
The arrogance of white privilege is a very hard pill to swallow and the unnecessary neglect and abuse of innocent children is shameful.
I am so proud of Sharyn Killens and all she achieved and finally recognized as her PROUD accomplishments.
Excellent book and worth the read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The parts that spoke of her childhood and all the abuse she suffered was truly heartbreaking but resilience make your triumphs that much better.
The arrogance of white privilege is a very hard pill to swallow and the unnecessary neglect and abuse of innocent children is shameful.
I am so proud of Sharyn Killens and all she achieved and finally recognized as her PROUD accomplishments.
Excellent book and worth the read.
August 28, 2009
Great book. I couldn't put it down although it was difficult to read at times because of what happened to her in her early life but I found it compelling. But it's not all heartbreak. It's an inspirational true story.
December 9, 2025
Great story, thoroughly enjoyed the first half. Does get a bit repetitive towards the second half.
April 12, 2026
this is a book that deserves to be more widely known. the beginning parts were so hard to read, but the strength and resilience of this amazing woman are so inspiring!
September 29, 2025
Astonishing
At times, I feel that disconnect from my mom also. I don't understand it, but I felt that because she had me soo young that I took away her childhood. I believe that she feels indifferent to me.I now know that sometimes parents are who they are. It has nothing to do with you, but sometimes they see you as stain in their life. In order to keep her peace, I believe that the author did the right thing when it came to her princess mom. I'm doing the same thing with my family. I refuse to keep being mistreated and made to feel bad or treat like I'm at fault. I really love this story. I'm sure this will help others as it has helped me. Thank you for being brave enough to tell your story.
At times, I feel that disconnect from my mom also. I don't understand it, but I felt that because she had me soo young that I took away her childhood. I believe that she feels indifferent to me.I now know that sometimes parents are who they are. It has nothing to do with you, but sometimes they see you as stain in their life. In order to keep her peace, I believe that the author did the right thing when it came to her princess mom. I'm doing the same thing with my family. I refuse to keep being mistreated and made to feel bad or treat like I'm at fault. I really love this story. I'm sure this will help others as it has helped me. Thank you for being brave enough to tell your story.
September 9, 2021
A Life Triumphant Against the Odds
This is a story of Australia post-WWII - narrow bigotry, twisted nuns, an abusive juvenile “justice”/child “protection system - a damaged mother and maternal grand-mother - a few good folk, a talent for singing - and the key at last - grudgingly offered up by the mother - the name of our story-teller’s US Merchant Marine father. A tale of redemptive proportions…the reader cannot but be moved! Highly recommended!
This is a story of Australia post-WWII - narrow bigotry, twisted nuns, an abusive juvenile “justice”/child “protection system - a damaged mother and maternal grand-mother - a few good folk, a talent for singing - and the key at last - grudgingly offered up by the mother - the name of our story-teller’s US Merchant Marine father. A tale of redemptive proportions…the reader cannot but be moved! Highly recommended!
September 25, 2025
WOW......
..........what a beautiful and sad book...I think I cried all the way through but I also smiled. A book that I just couldn't put down. It's 0300 hours and I've finished and need to sleep but this book will remain in my head for a long time to come. A simply must read.
..........what a beautiful and sad book...I think I cried all the way through but I also smiled. A book that I just couldn't put down. It's 0300 hours and I've finished and need to sleep but this book will remain in my head for a long time to come. A simply must read.
November 8, 2025
Such strength and determination
The true story of a black child raised in white Australia. The child was not wanted and considered an inconvenience. She was smart, talented, and focused but her mother could not recognize her strengths until she died. What a hard story but worth every minute!
The true story of a black child raised in white Australia. The child was not wanted and considered an inconvenience. She was smart, talented, and focused but her mother could not recognize her strengths until she died. What a hard story but worth every minute!
January 23, 2025
Interesting story but poorly written. The author drools on a lot especially towards the last 150 pages, providing unnecessary detail without adding to the story.
October 3, 2025
I beautiful story however in several parts it was so repetitive. I was able to skip pages throughout and never felt like I missed anything.
April 29, 2026
Sad true story of this woman. Fathered by an American soldier on leave in Australia. Most likely never knew about the baby, In the 1950's a white mother with a black child- grandmother told the mom to kill the baby or abandon her. Mom did and the child had a very hard life but always wanting her mother's love. Sent to convent school/got in trouble-sent to rehab and prison like school
She does find hr dad's family when she is close to 50 yrs old.
interesting story, I'm glad this woman has a happy ending after all the hardship she endured in her childhood
She does find hr dad's family when she is close to 50 yrs old.
interesting story, I'm glad this woman has a happy ending after all the hardship she endured in her childhood
January 28, 2026
Great story of survival and determination
The book has a wonderful story and I enjoyed reading it, for the most part. I believe certain parts were drawn out and could have been told in less detail, such as the parts about her being locked away in the various institutions. Although they are important pieces of the story, the intricate details of everyday life could have been omitted.
The book has a wonderful story and I enjoyed reading it, for the most part. I believe certain parts were drawn out and could have been told in less detail, such as the parts about her being locked away in the various institutions. Although they are important pieces of the story, the intricate details of everyday life could have been omitted.
March 30, 2026
If a book stirs up lots of emotion it seems worth 5 stars. I appreciate a good memoir, and this was quite the story of the authors life's journey, to say the least. I did have to skim a bit here and there when it just got too painful. I'm glad I stuck with it as the last part of the book was so fascinating. After finishing the book I watched the associated YouTube videos and looked up an update on her life.
December 30, 2025
the inconvenient child
A great but painful read. What should be fiction is the life of someone for real. When you read this knowing it is real and factual it affects all of the emotions. But to God be the glory she overcame what might have left others devastated unable to carry on even if they continue to live
A great but painful read. What should be fiction is the life of someone for real. When you read this knowing it is real and factual it affects all of the emotions. But to God be the glory she overcame what might have left others devastated unable to carry on even if they continue to live
February 22, 2026
An Incredible Book
What can amazing book this is! It's three stories that converge as Sharon Killens navigates a horrifying childhood and, eventually, finds her true worth on her journey to find out who she is. Anyone who can survive what this woman endured is amazing. She is one hell of a strong woman!
What can amazing book this is! It's three stories that converge as Sharon Killens navigates a horrifying childhood and, eventually, finds her true worth on her journey to find out who she is. Anyone who can survive what this woman endured is amazing. She is one hell of a strong woman!
April 9, 2026
Emotional, hard to put down book
Sharyn is a courageous woman for all she endured! To have gone through what she did & come out on top! This book was beautifully written & is testament you can find healing and move forward. Sharyn, you are not only amazing, bit also my hero. Thank you for sharing your story!
Sharyn is a courageous woman for all she endured! To have gone through what she did & come out on top! This book was beautifully written & is testament you can find healing and move forward. Sharyn, you are not only amazing, bit also my hero. Thank you for sharing your story!
April 9, 2026
long but very good story
I love the books detailed description of the events, kept my Interest. The middle passage of her time in the Institutions was bad but really drug on too much repetitive details. The end was so up lifting and the same time sad for the time lost searching for a father and a mother’s love.
I love the books detailed description of the events, kept my Interest. The middle passage of her time in the Institutions was bad but really drug on too much repetitive details. The end was so up lifting and the same time sad for the time lost searching for a father and a mother’s love.
April 22, 2026
Raw and Emotional
This story brought many feelings to my heart My mother was also a victim of Parramatta Girls Home not sure of the year she received her file and gave it to her social worker when I tried to find it to understand what made her the women she was I was advised not to read it Mum has since passed and I still think about how hard her life must have been
This story brought many feelings to my heart My mother was also a victim of Parramatta Girls Home not sure of the year she received her file and gave it to her social worker when I tried to find it to understand what made her the women she was I was advised not to read it Mum has since passed and I still think about how hard her life must have been
June 14, 2026
just incredible
I could not put this book down. I read it over two days devoured every word. The strength love and sheer determination of Sharyn is inspiring and motivating and will challenge you to be a better version of yourself.
Thank you Sharyn for being brave enough to share this amazing story.
I could not put this book down. I read it over two days devoured every word. The strength love and sheer determination of Sharyn is inspiring and motivating and will challenge you to be a better version of yourself.
Thank you Sharyn for being brave enough to share this amazing story.
April 12, 2021
Emotion overload. Wow. The struggle poor Sharyn went through was heartbreaking.
I'm pleased she eventually was reunited with her black family and found true love and felt wanted like she always should have. Shame on her Princess mummy...
I'm pleased she eventually was reunited with her black family and found true love and felt wanted like she always should have. Shame on her Princess mummy...
October 29, 2025
A beautiful human
I have never read such a heartbreaking story with such a beautiful and wonderful ending,, I can’t imagine the pain and loneliness this lady has gone through and survived..God bless her and her family and my heart bleeds for her..
I have never read such a heartbreaking story with such a beautiful and wonderful ending,, I can’t imagine the pain and loneliness this lady has gone through and survived..God bless her and her family and my heart bleeds for her..
January 5, 2026
Redeemed! Great Story!
What she went through was horrible and traumatic. I am glad that beauty came out of her ashes. What a great story of determination, miracle-working power and redemption. What was meant for evil, God turned around for good.
What she went through was horrible and traumatic. I am glad that beauty came out of her ashes. What a great story of determination, miracle-working power and redemption. What was meant for evil, God turned around for good.
April 12, 2026
Excellent Book
This book was excellent. The writer is a good author. This book touched many emotions. All she wanted was someone to love her. I would recommend this book to everyone.
This book was excellent. The writer is a good author. This book touched many emotions. All she wanted was someone to love her. I would recommend this book to everyone.
April 14, 2026
Hard to put it down
This story has so many turns and twist some unexpected but all interesting it made you cry, angry , sad all kind of emotions when you read all what she had to being through
This story has so many turns and twist some unexpected but all interesting it made you cry, angry , sad all kind of emotions when you read all what she had to being through
May 2, 2026
Horrific what she went through and survived to tell about it. A little repetitive, but I still enjoyed the book. I sure wouldn’t have kept in touch so long with a mother like hers!!! Sharyn was definitely a very strong woman, and deservedly very proud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews