Her Kind of Luck

by Michelle Balogh

A violin prodigy. A Guinness-World-Record Holder. A suspected spy. A grandmother ...

In her mid-twenties, rudderless and unsure, Michelle Balogh moved into her great-grandmother Shan-Yi’s Sydney apartment just after her passing. Shan-Yi had been part of Michelle’s family since long before she was born and staying at the glamorous art deco apartment was meant to help Michelle back on her feet.

Moving in meant far more than building a new life. In the apartment, Michelle found an extraordinary trove of letters, diaries and papers that told of her great-grandmother’s unique life – one of adventure and heartache, transatlantic travel and suspected espionage.

Born in China, Shan-Yi moved to America with her family aged four but ran away to Hong Kong at sixteen. So began her extraordinary globe-trotting twenties before she settled in Sydney with her German husband Karl at the start of World War II. The glamorous couple was immediately under suspicion from local Sydney-siders, but it wasn’t until Karl was interned that Shan-Yi found out who he really was.

Meticulously researched and told with great heart, this is the story of Shan-Yi’s unparalleled life and the inspiration it afforded Michelle – exactly when she needed it the most.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2019

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read, very interesting subject matter, ideal holiday book. It was let down, for me, by a slightly confused or meandering interaction between the two storyline’s, which I think was a missed opportunity. The ending was also a smidge rushed I thought. Not a bad book at all, but could have been better.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle writes with such passion for her great grandmother and tells a story that is both entertaining and informative. I love how she has entwined the two very different lives and times, making every page a delight to read. Thank you Michelle for sharing your life and that of your great grandmother with us.

[Andy Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that really passes the mic to the walls of Michelle Balogh’s life and lineage and let’s them talk. A breathing tapestry of history heartbreak, history repeating itself falling back or rocketing forward with heart and humanity. A history that fills in the gaps and builds as the author rebuilds a new life out of her old one.

[Ros Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do enjoy a biography or autobiography. Especially when the subject has a life which is not normal as in the case of Shan Yi Balogh. An easy read.

[Lizz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed. I love reading books about amazing people who are not famous but lived incredible interesting lives.

[Stacey Schofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a biography/memoir and Her Kind Of luck didnt, disappoint. I thoughly enjoyed Michelle's take on telling her grandmothers story. Was easy to read and I thought it was written well.

[Cate Carrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman with an eye on her dreams takes her chances and navigates a fascinating path with audacity and courage. In Her Kind of Luck, Michelle Balogh's journey into the life of her step great grandmother reveals a woman who takes her chances as a 16 year old, jumping without a net and making the most of opportunities no matter the twists and turns of her path. Drawing inspiration from her ancestor, Michelle intertwines her own struggle with mental health issues - and how learning about Shan-yi helps her overcome her own battles. Beautifully written, this book combines adventure and intrigue, with personal revelation in a perfect read.

[Bernadette Carrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Not only was Shan-Yi’s story fascinating, especially the recount in her experience during wartime Sydney, but I also could relate to young Michelles battles with anxiety. I think the author managed to merge the two stories beautifully at the end. It was a real page turner for me

[Yannina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Really interesting :)