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Rebellious Daughters
Good daughters hold their tongues, obey their elders and let their families determine their destiny. Rebellious daughters are just the opposite. In Rebellious Daughters, some of Australia’s most talented female writers share intimate and touching stories of rebellion and independence as they defy the expectations of parents and society to find their place in the world. Powerful, funny and poignant, these stories explore everything from getting caught in seedy nightclubs to lifelong family conflicts and marrying too young. Beautifully written, profoundly honest and always relatable, every story is a unique retelling that celebrates the rebellious daughter within us all. Not every woman is a mother, grandmother, aunty or sister – but all women are daughters. Rebellious Daughters Jane Caro, Jamila Rizvi, Susan Wyndham, Rebecca Starford, Marion Halligan, Amra Pajalic, Jo Case, Leah Kaminsky, Michelle Law, Caroline Baum, Rochelle Siemienowicz, Nicola Redhouse, Krissy Kneen, Silvia Kwon and Eliza-Jane Henry-Jones.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2016
4 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Maria Katsonis
5 books10 followersMaria Katsonis is the author of The Good Greek Girl, a memoir about her experience of mental illness and rebellion against a traditional Greek upbringing. Described as a ‘stunning book’ and ‘generous, intelligent and loving’, it has been published in the UK at The Mind Thief. Her latest book is Rebellious Daughters, an anthology of true stories from Australian female writers as they find their place in the world.
A vocal mental health advocate, Maria is a beyondblue Ambassador and a consumer representative with Mental Health Australia. You can read more about Maria at www.mariakatsonis.com.au and follow her on Twitter @mariakatsonis.
A vocal mental health advocate, Maria is a beyondblue Ambassador and a consumer representative with Mental Health Australia. You can read more about Maria at www.mariakatsonis.com.au and follow her on Twitter @mariakatsonis.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 22, 2016
In their intro Lee and Maria provide a summary of what's on offer in their ‘true stories from Australia’s finest female writers’ and it's as impressive as it is varied.
The compilation includes an eclectic array of honest, heartwarming and heartbreaking stories. But in common is that sense of family and relationships. Daughters' relationships with their mothers, fathers, grandmothers and siblings are explored along with complexity of family dynamics as our writers have aged and grown themselves over the years. And there's some reflections on life as a mother and a mother of daughters in particular.
I'm loath to single any individual writers out but some hit home more than others. As a lover of logic, I must admit I prefer those stories which ran vaguely chronologically or in a story arc of sorts, as I struggle with what is akin to random thoughts and facts jostled together.
There really is - however - something for everyone here. And the wonderful contributors have bravely laid their souls bare, trusting we readers with their innermost thoughts and personal experiences. And for that I am grateful.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
The compilation includes an eclectic array of honest, heartwarming and heartbreaking stories. But in common is that sense of family and relationships. Daughters' relationships with their mothers, fathers, grandmothers and siblings are explored along with complexity of family dynamics as our writers have aged and grown themselves over the years. And there's some reflections on life as a mother and a mother of daughters in particular.
I'm loath to single any individual writers out but some hit home more than others. As a lover of logic, I must admit I prefer those stories which ran vaguely chronologically or in a story arc of sorts, as I struggle with what is akin to random thoughts and facts jostled together.
There really is - however - something for everyone here. And the wonderful contributors have bravely laid their souls bare, trusting we readers with their innermost thoughts and personal experiences. And for that I am grateful.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
July 26, 2016
My View:
This is an extraordinary collection of memoir – so readable, so interesting…this eclectic mix of women authors that truly reflects the breadth and depth of contemporary Australian women writers.
The women here are so brave – open, honest and willing to share their innermost secrets. Reading this is like having a peak in someone else’s diary or like listening to your best friend share their thoughts and feelings, struggles and joys.
Reading as a feminist there is plenty of material here for discussion - the notion of the “good girl”, the pressure placed on the woman/child to conform. Many stories draw attention to the intersecting expectations of culture/race/age and sexism that weigh heavily on women’s shoulders. But it is not a negative book – it is inclusive, optimistic and realistic! I can imagine the conversations this collection will inspire.
Reading purely for pleasure, this is a brave, inclusive and exhilarating read - for aren't we all, even slightly, a rebellious daughter?
And it is great to know that by buying this book you are contributing to the Women’s Legal Service Victoria.
This is an extraordinary collection of memoir – so readable, so interesting…this eclectic mix of women authors that truly reflects the breadth and depth of contemporary Australian women writers.
The women here are so brave – open, honest and willing to share their innermost secrets. Reading this is like having a peak in someone else’s diary or like listening to your best friend share their thoughts and feelings, struggles and joys.
Reading as a feminist there is plenty of material here for discussion - the notion of the “good girl”, the pressure placed on the woman/child to conform. Many stories draw attention to the intersecting expectations of culture/race/age and sexism that weigh heavily on women’s shoulders. But it is not a negative book – it is inclusive, optimistic and realistic! I can imagine the conversations this collection will inspire.
Reading purely for pleasure, this is a brave, inclusive and exhilarating read - for aren't we all, even slightly, a rebellious daughter?
And it is great to know that by buying this book you are contributing to the Women’s Legal Service Victoria.
April 13, 2018
As with any collection, some essays were better and more enjoyable than others. I enjoyed those by Marion Halligan and Caroline Baum the most.
August 3, 2017
It was one of authors who recommended this to me, so I bought it without even checking the back cover. I had no idea until I got to the end that a percentage of sales of this book support the incredible work of the Women's Legal Service Victoria. A win win buy as far as I'm concerned - it's a great read and buying a copy helps women experiencing disadvantage to access vital legal assistance.
The book
I was delighted to see so many Australian female authors together in one anthology. For those I already follow such as Susan Wyndham, Jane Caro, Michelle Law and Krissy Kneen my expectations were high and they didn't disappoint.
Rebellious Daughters was also a wonderful opportunity to be introduced to authors that I hadn't read before. The 17 stories provide a snapshot of lives lived, lovers lost, illusions shattered and dreams achieved.
I enjoying spending time with each of the authors and Rebellious Daughters is a collection I can easily recommend.
The book
I was delighted to see so many Australian female authors together in one anthology. For those I already follow such as Susan Wyndham, Jane Caro, Michelle Law and Krissy Kneen my expectations were high and they didn't disappoint.
Rebellious Daughters was also a wonderful opportunity to be introduced to authors that I hadn't read before. The 17 stories provide a snapshot of lives lived, lovers lost, illusions shattered and dreams achieved.
I enjoying spending time with each of the authors and Rebellious Daughters is a collection I can easily recommend.
July 6, 2017
A very diverse book of stories of daughters rebelling, from the daughter whose rebellion was later in life to the teenagers making choices to get out of their mothers shadow. I read this quickly that showed I enjoyed it.
July 26, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this! A real highlight of the year.
Read
September 21, 2016In this anthology, Maria Katsonis and Lee Kofman (rebellious daughters themselves) effectively offer us intimate essays by prominent female Australian writers divulging their personal experiences with rebellion.
Often we think of authors as people who haven’t really done the same things as us “normal people” or lived lives like we do – we almost put them on a pedestal, thinking that they’re these perfect beings who’ve had wonderful lives, never stopping for a minute to think that they’re humans, just like us!
Well, this wonderful anthology puts to bed that belief and gives us some food for thought with seventeen memoir-type reminiscences written by various authors who, with wisdom and the benefit of hindsight, offer us personal insight into their rebellious attitudes towards their mothers, fathers and cultures on a variety of themes such as cultural boundaries, divorce, education, fitting in, jealousy, sexuality, individuality and self-discovery, amongst others.
Whilst one story in particular resonated with me the most, I enjoyed all of these nostalgia-induced recollections of womanly defiance because there are anecdotes from every story that made me ponder my own teenage transgressions.
Open, honest, oft times apologetic, sometimes heartbreaking and frequently humorous, these are the stories that helped shape the writers we know today but are also something to remember when the conflicts and paradoxes of motherhood (and fatherhood) smack us in the face!
With stories as diverse as their voices, readers will undoubtedly be inspired (or shocked) because there is a piece of us rebellious daughters in every one of them.
Often we think of authors as people who haven’t really done the same things as us “normal people” or lived lives like we do – we almost put them on a pedestal, thinking that they’re these perfect beings who’ve had wonderful lives, never stopping for a minute to think that they’re humans, just like us!
Well, this wonderful anthology puts to bed that belief and gives us some food for thought with seventeen memoir-type reminiscences written by various authors who, with wisdom and the benefit of hindsight, offer us personal insight into their rebellious attitudes towards their mothers, fathers and cultures on a variety of themes such as cultural boundaries, divorce, education, fitting in, jealousy, sexuality, individuality and self-discovery, amongst others.
Whilst one story in particular resonated with me the most, I enjoyed all of these nostalgia-induced recollections of womanly defiance because there are anecdotes from every story that made me ponder my own teenage transgressions.
Open, honest, oft times apologetic, sometimes heartbreaking and frequently humorous, these are the stories that helped shape the writers we know today but are also something to remember when the conflicts and paradoxes of motherhood (and fatherhood) smack us in the face!
With stories as diverse as their voices, readers will undoubtedly be inspired (or shocked) because there is a piece of us rebellious daughters in every one of them.
February 12, 2017
To rebel or not to rebel, that is the question. At least, it’s the question that interested memoirists Maria Katsonis and Lee Kofman who, having written their own stories about “conservative upbringings and subsequent rebellions”, wanted to discover what other women could reveal about that “universal life experience”, the rebellion against parents. This book is, obviously, the end result – and it makes for fascinating reading. For my full review, please see: https://whisperinggums.com/2017/02/11...
Some "stories" will relate more to different readers than others depending on their own experiences, but being the voyeur I am (and aren't most readers so?) I found something to enjoy in them all.
Some "stories" will relate more to different readers than others depending on their own experiences, but being the voyeur I am (and aren't most readers so?) I found something to enjoy in them all.
September 30, 2016
Read it for bookclub.
Mildly interesting. And only in the way of 'oh, I'm not the only one that feels ambiguity in my role as a daughter'.
Sorry; although I persevered, I wasted precious reading time here.
A couple of the rebellious daughter's stories were engaging enough, but I can't remember which ones and can't be bothered looking through to find them again.
Maybe I should just stick with reading fiction! :)
Mildly interesting. And only in the way of 'oh, I'm not the only one that feels ambiguity in my role as a daughter'.
Sorry; although I persevered, I wasted precious reading time here.
A couple of the rebellious daughter's stories were engaging enough, but I can't remember which ones and can't be bothered looking through to find them again.
Maybe I should just stick with reading fiction! :)
February 5, 2017
This sounded so good. A bunch of strong, Australian female writers examining their rebellious past. There were a handful that really engaged me - Estranged by Caroline Baum, Resisting the Nipple by Rochelle Siemienowicz and Where Mother's Stop and Daughters Start by Jane Caro. Many of them were interesting and a handful were terrible. All of that together makes for a very so so book. A pity, as it should have been fabulous.
August 17, 2020
Only read this to look for creative nonfiction examples. Two and a half ⭐️ really.
May 27, 2021
Rebellious Daughters describes me perfectly! I love the way Lee Kofman has woven the stories of several rebellious daughters into a narrative that is funny, compelling reading and in parts, outrageous. Lee Kofman's writing is a joy to read. Her language is vivid and the narrative vibrant. Highly recommend to anyone trying to carve out their own path in a world that places people into boxes. It is liberating and empowering reading.
December 21, 2020
An interesting book from a variety of authors on a variety of forms of rebellion.
July 26, 2016
An eclectic collection of short stories centring on a broad and far-reaching range of topics from some of Australia's most talented (and rebellious!) women.
Though each story is contrastingly different—from the standpoint of cultural, age, era, and expectations placed on individuals—the theme of being the woman you choose, and work hard to be, is consistent in each woman's story.
I adored that the rebellious nature of each woman was captured and celebrated in such a raw and glorious manner. That the women involved were given a platform for presenting their story, their way. That the level of rebellion was different for each woman: what was daring for one was passé for another and there was no judgement of either woman. These are the differences that make us who we are and work to encourage and give strength to others.
Maria Katsonis and Lee Kofman have done a wonderful job in compiling and presenting Rebellious Daughters.
Though each story is contrastingly different—from the standpoint of cultural, age, era, and expectations placed on individuals—the theme of being the woman you choose, and work hard to be, is consistent in each woman's story.
I adored that the rebellious nature of each woman was captured and celebrated in such a raw and glorious manner. That the women involved were given a platform for presenting their story, their way. That the level of rebellion was different for each woman: what was daring for one was passé for another and there was no judgement of either woman. These are the differences that make us who we are and work to encourage and give strength to others.
Maria Katsonis and Lee Kofman have done a wonderful job in compiling and presenting Rebellious Daughters.
September 30, 2016
I love the premise of this book, and I really wanted to love the stories themselves. But, with the exception of a couple - for instance, Eliza-Jane Henry-Jones' 'Just be Kind' was very moving - the stories themselves were quite wooden, or in one case, somewhat smug. Which was a shame, because I've read other works of many of the authors and I've enjoyed what I read. And the contents were, in the main, interesting ideas and experiences that many of us would relate to, or would want to understand better. However, the way they were executed didn't work, in my view. So this three stars review is probably closer to a 2.5 - a pass, but only just
November 12, 2016
Short story collections are wonderful because of the variety of voices they offer, including, often a lead to discovery of new authors. This is certainly the case with “Rebellious Daughters” which is equal parts funny and poignant in its authors’ reflection of their family relationships. From the amusement of dealing with the new sibling’s different outlook on life to the regretful hindsight of a burdened dutiful daughter, everyone is sure to find a favourite story to be moved or entertained by.
November 9, 2016
Mmmm. Was really looking forward to this but found the writing as varied as the contributors, not just in content but in quality too. Some pieces read like a prescribed piece - not much passion. Others were rich and deep and really captured some of the dangers of true rebellion. Glad I read it, hope some of the authors expand these mini autobiographies.
September 26, 2016
Some of Australia's most eminent women writers exploring the intricacies of familial relationships and coming of age. Diverse insights and much to reflect upon personally. A good book to break up fiction reading.
October 25, 2016
A diverse selection of stories about relationships which I found really engrossing. Enjoyed them all.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews