Burnt Face: Scarred for Life

by Annette Swann

Burnt Face is the true story of Author, Annette Swann and how her young life was altered and changed forever in the blink of an eye. Growing up in Melbourne, Australia, Annette tells the struggle of surviving severe 3rd degree burn injuries at the tender age of 9, as the result of one irresponsible adult’s actions at a Christmas BBQ. Annette shares the last days of her ‘normal’ childhood before her life changed; it tells her story in great detail of the day she was scarred for life. Burnt Face is an emotionally moving story about the profound impact the horrific scars made to her childhood and follows her struggle into adolescence. It is a story of friendships, overcoming bullying and growing into a strong and rebellious teen in the notorious suburb of Broadmeadows, known for boisterous youth and gangs during the 70s and 80s. Follow Annette‘s torment of not being like other girls, to how one kiss on New Year’s Eve would change her world. This is the story of growing up with a Burnt Face.

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2017

Reviews

[Julie Haigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A total inspiration to others going through very difficult times, life changing injuries etc.

Annette was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1965. When she was just nine, Annette was looking forward to a fun-filled day at her mother's work's Christmas Barbecue. The irresponsible actions of a stranger meant she was left with life-changing injuries. She suffered horrific burns to her body, neck and face.

'Burnt Face: Scarred for Life' tells Annette's story of her long road to recovery. Annette had to contend with not only the scarring, but also the name-calling and bullying at school. The title of her memoir is actually derived from the words the bullies used to chant at Annette.

Annette needed countless surgeries and she was in a ward with other children also suffering from terrible burns. She tells of their horrific injuries too. Annette's memoir is not just about her accident and surgeries, it also contains many of her childhood memories in general and, despite the main subject matter, makes for an easy read. Annette tells of normal growing up things: going through school, high school, friends, fall outs, trends of the time etc. Normal teen angst-but made so much worse due to her scars. Her book is not just about her injuries and operations; it's a good balanced memoir. Being a musician I liked all the musical references; titles mentioned, I loved the nostalgia! Looking forward very much to a follow-up book!

[Stephanie Hartley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of this book is really interesting, and educational. I don't often read autobiographies, so I'm not very well versed in this genre, but this first half caught my attention. Sadly I felt as though the second half trailed off a bit, and the plot slightly disappeared. I think it's still worth a read to learn about what it's like to be a burns victim first hand!

[Patricia Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and dramatic tale. I really enjoyed it.