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Top End Girl
Growing up, Miranda Tapsell often looked for faces like hers on our screens. There weren’t many. And too often there was a negative narrative around Indigenous lives, and Aboriginal women especially. Now an award-winning actor, she decided to change things herself. Combining her love of romantic comedies with her love of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands and the Top End, Miranda wrote, produced and starred in the box office hit Top End Wedding.
In this engaging and thought-provoking memoir, Miranda shares the path she took to create a moving film about reconnection to family and culture. And, like all good storytellers, she holds a mirror up to the society we live in to show the prejudice that too often surfaces.
MIRANDA TAPSELL was born in Darwin and her people are the Larrakia. She grew up in Kakadu National Park and began performing at the age of seven. At 16, she won the Bell Shakespeare Company regional performance scholarship. She has her own podcast on BuzzFeed, Pretty for an Aboriginal, with Nakkiah Lui, which rocks the traditional perceptions of Indigenous Australia and challenges rigid mindsets of what women of colour can and cannot do. Top End Girl is her literary debut.
In this engaging and thought-provoking memoir, Miranda shares the path she took to create a moving film about reconnection to family and culture. And, like all good storytellers, she holds a mirror up to the society we live in to show the prejudice that too often surfaces.
MIRANDA TAPSELL was born in Darwin and her people are the Larrakia. She grew up in Kakadu National Park and began performing at the age of seven. At 16, she won the Bell Shakespeare Company regional performance scholarship. She has her own podcast on BuzzFeed, Pretty for an Aboriginal, with Nakkiah Lui, which rocks the traditional perceptions of Indigenous Australia and challenges rigid mindsets of what women of colour can and cannot do. Top End Girl is her literary debut.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
28 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Tapsell
9 books11 followersMiranda Tapsell is an actor best known for her roles in the multi-award-winning feature film The Sapphires and for the phenomenally successful TV series Love Child. Her recent work includes Newton’s Law, Secret City, Redfern Now, Wolf Creek, Cleverman, Get Krack!n and Play School. Miranda has appeared in the Sydney Theatre Company’s Secret River and Gallipoli, Griffin Theatre’s The Literati, Sydney Festival’s I Am Eora, Riverside Theatre’s Rainbow’s End, Yirra Yakin’s Mother’s Tongue, and played the lead in Belvoir Street’s Yibiyung.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 3, 2024
I watched Miranda Tapsell's film Top End Wedding earlier this year and loved it, so when I saw this book I was instantly interested. I'm pleased I went with the audio version because it was such fun to listen to. The details of her life and career were interesting, especially the making of Top End Wedding and The Sapphires.
She also mentions the film Merata: How Mum Decolonised The Screen about filmmaker Merata Mita. I hadn't heard of it, but watched in Netlix the next day and it was brilliant. I'm so glad she brought it to my attention.
She also mentions the film Merata: How Mum Decolonised The Screen about filmmaker Merata Mita. I hadn't heard of it, but watched in Netlix the next day and it was brilliant. I'm so glad she brought it to my attention.
August 18, 2020
‘I love what I do and the life I am living.’
In this energetic and engaging memoir, Miranda Tapsell writes of her childhood, her family, her time at NIDA and her work on the stage, on television and on film. Miranda Tapsell is an Indigenous woman from the Northern Territory who has worked hard to succeed as a creative. She writes about the challenges she faced as an Indigenous woman from a remote part of Australia looking for Indigenous role models in acting. She writes about challenges; about her family’s support and the friends she has made.
I found this a heart-warming read because Ms Tapsell’s enthusiasm is infectious. But there are serious issues addressed here as well as Ms Tapsell writes about making ‘Top End Wedding’, about reconnecting to family and culture. There is a reminder too, about what is being lost, especially in terms of Indigenous languages.
Miranda Tapsell was born in Darwin in 1987, and her people are the Larrakia. She grew up in Kakadu. I’d recommend her book to anyone who wants, simply, to be inspired.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In this energetic and engaging memoir, Miranda Tapsell writes of her childhood, her family, her time at NIDA and her work on the stage, on television and on film. Miranda Tapsell is an Indigenous woman from the Northern Territory who has worked hard to succeed as a creative. She writes about the challenges she faced as an Indigenous woman from a remote part of Australia looking for Indigenous role models in acting. She writes about challenges; about her family’s support and the friends she has made.
I found this a heart-warming read because Ms Tapsell’s enthusiasm is infectious. But there are serious issues addressed here as well as Ms Tapsell writes about making ‘Top End Wedding’, about reconnecting to family and culture. There is a reminder too, about what is being lost, especially in terms of Indigenous languages.
Miranda Tapsell was born in Darwin in 1987, and her people are the Larrakia. She grew up in Kakadu. I’d recommend her book to anyone who wants, simply, to be inspired.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
August 10, 2020
So I stayed up finishing this memoir, it was beautiful I feel so proud of her! She’s so funny, had great taste in music and is wise beyond her years. Thank you for giving us a beautiful movie like Top End Wedding to represent aboriginal Australian’s and show our country off like it is; the most beautiful place on the planet! Your triumphs are inspiring to myself and surely many, many young Australian women.
5 stars ✨
5 stars ✨
May 17, 2020
4 stars
She is as cute as a button and smart as a whip; a triple threat and a strong Aboriginal woman. She is Miranda Tapsell and this is her well worth a read memoir.
Top End Girl focuses primarily on the Tapsell’s movie Top End Wedding (a brilliant movie that you must see); but also details her childhood, time at NIDA; her work on the stage, television and the big screen; her family and friends; her own relationship and wedding; and her views on the lack of Indigenous people in front of and behind the camera.
I loved the conversational tone of the book and the infectious tone of Tapsal’s enthusiasm and passion for life generally. I’ve never had a desire to listen to an audio book; but I’d love to hear Tapsal narrate Top End Girl for these reasons.
I also found Tapsal’s insights into her Aboriginality and the lack of non-white people on stage, film and television astute. Her quote “you don’t aspire to be what you cannot see” sets the tone for her desire to create change, rather than give up and just accept the status quo. A few books I’ve read recently have been quite lecturous in their approach about topics that the author has been passionate about, to the point the writing is off putting. Rest assured, this is not at all how Tapsal comes across. She’s a go getter and it’s obvious that despite how accomplished she already is, that she’s only scratched the surface.
I can only hope that in the future Tapsal will write a further memoir, for she truly epitomises the saying “good things happen to babes that hustle”. If you already love Tapsal, Top End Girl will make you love her even more as this book is a joy to read. It expertly balances all aspects of her life, her beliefs and her hopes and I highly recommend it.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
She is as cute as a button and smart as a whip; a triple threat and a strong Aboriginal woman. She is Miranda Tapsell and this is her well worth a read memoir.
Top End Girl focuses primarily on the Tapsell’s movie Top End Wedding (a brilliant movie that you must see); but also details her childhood, time at NIDA; her work on the stage, television and the big screen; her family and friends; her own relationship and wedding; and her views on the lack of Indigenous people in front of and behind the camera.
I loved the conversational tone of the book and the infectious tone of Tapsal’s enthusiasm and passion for life generally. I’ve never had a desire to listen to an audio book; but I’d love to hear Tapsal narrate Top End Girl for these reasons.
I also found Tapsal’s insights into her Aboriginality and the lack of non-white people on stage, film and television astute. Her quote “you don’t aspire to be what you cannot see” sets the tone for her desire to create change, rather than give up and just accept the status quo. A few books I’ve read recently have been quite lecturous in their approach about topics that the author has been passionate about, to the point the writing is off putting. Rest assured, this is not at all how Tapsal comes across. She’s a go getter and it’s obvious that despite how accomplished she already is, that she’s only scratched the surface.
I can only hope that in the future Tapsal will write a further memoir, for she truly epitomises the saying “good things happen to babes that hustle”. If you already love Tapsal, Top End Girl will make you love her even more as this book is a joy to read. It expertly balances all aspects of her life, her beliefs and her hopes and I highly recommend it.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
June 10, 2020
As 2020 got frantic, I struggled to read new books. It was autobiographical books which pulled me from my reading funk, but - enjoyable as they were, they were missing something. Top End Girl found that space I had been missing. It's a thoughtful memoir, but one which speaks easily to readers. It's a romance in some ways - it tells the story of Tapsell's own romance, but her love of the Northern Territory, her love of family, her love of friends and colleagues and her love of acting itself also shines though.
There's only a handful of memoirs which I return to reread - the ones that make me think and want to think on those thoughts again. I think this is going to be one of those very rereadable memoirs.
There's only a handful of memoirs which I return to reread - the ones that make me think and want to think on those thoughts again. I think this is going to be one of those very rereadable memoirs.
December 28, 2020
"I wrote this book so that I don’t have to repeat myself time and time again. The way women of colour continue to be portrayed in the media is pure laziness by the people who write about them."
I discovered Tapsell through her and Nakkiah Lui's podcast "Pretty for an Aboriginal", which remains one of the best podcasts I've listened to, although Debutante is pretty amazing too. So I wasn't surprised when Tapsell and Lui's episode of Get Krackin' turned into the most compulsive episode of Australian television in years. When Tapsell looks at the camera, pauses and then channels a depth of terrible sorrowful fury into the words "I am angry" - well, it's unforgettable. Top End Wedding channels the same passion through a much lighter genre, as you'd expect in a book about making a rom-com. The tone here is chatty, funny and warm - but confident and clear in discussing Australia's racism and its impact. It is going to draw new audiences in to discussing racism in Australia, as well as the strength of Indigenous communities. The book is often very funny, especially when Tapsell has her spouse to banter with, when the cute and funny ratchets up very high.
The book's pacing is fairly unvaried, but it never comes across as put on. for me, the most engaging parts were probably the most difficult to write - Tapsell's time at NIDA and at school, where she articulates the soul destruction of racism.
The integrity here is strong - Tapsell's strength comes from her confidence to be who she is - a rom-com loving woman who wants to write and produce the sexism (and racism) out of them, an actor who wants to talk proudly of her achievements, someone who likes that she is cute, and doesn't want that to hide what she has, and can, endure.
"Learning of the staunch Indigenous filmmakers from around the world has reminded me to be persistent when I have something to say. Will that annoy some people? Who gives a fuck. As I write these words, this country is burning. So, we have to fight for the country we want—it’s either that or be burned to death. It was Madeline McGrady who said, ‘I was using my camera as a tool against the system. To let my mob know—this is the way they treat us.’"
I discovered Tapsell through her and Nakkiah Lui's podcast "Pretty for an Aboriginal", which remains one of the best podcasts I've listened to, although Debutante is pretty amazing too. So I wasn't surprised when Tapsell and Lui's episode of Get Krackin' turned into the most compulsive episode of Australian television in years. When Tapsell looks at the camera, pauses and then channels a depth of terrible sorrowful fury into the words "I am angry" - well, it's unforgettable. Top End Wedding channels the same passion through a much lighter genre, as you'd expect in a book about making a rom-com. The tone here is chatty, funny and warm - but confident and clear in discussing Australia's racism and its impact. It is going to draw new audiences in to discussing racism in Australia, as well as the strength of Indigenous communities. The book is often very funny, especially when Tapsell has her spouse to banter with, when the cute and funny ratchets up very high.
The book's pacing is fairly unvaried, but it never comes across as put on. for me, the most engaging parts were probably the most difficult to write - Tapsell's time at NIDA and at school, where she articulates the soul destruction of racism.
The integrity here is strong - Tapsell's strength comes from her confidence to be who she is - a rom-com loving woman who wants to write and produce the sexism (and racism) out of them, an actor who wants to talk proudly of her achievements, someone who likes that she is cute, and doesn't want that to hide what she has, and can, endure.
"Learning of the staunch Indigenous filmmakers from around the world has reminded me to be persistent when I have something to say. Will that annoy some people? Who gives a fuck. As I write these words, this country is burning. So, we have to fight for the country we want—it’s either that or be burned to death. It was Madeline McGrady who said, ‘I was using my camera as a tool against the system. To let my mob know—this is the way they treat us.’"
April 16, 2021
I raced through this book in a day. Miranda is not afraid to speak her mind and there were some really good insights into indigenous history, culture and life. The book was also very celebratory. Charming. Now to see Top End Wedding!
August 4, 2020
This was such a wonderful book, great storyteller.
April 8, 2021
A thoughtful, honest, and hopeful memoir. This was a dream to read, with the joy and energy of the author evident in the friendly, funny and furious stories she shares. It read like she could have been sitting beside me, telling the tale over a cuppa. Tapsell entertained, enlightened and educated, everything I want in a book. What an amazing and strong Larrakia woman. A beautiful role model and a challenge to all of Australia to embrace.
This was a delightful mix of her childhood, family and career. I saw Top End Wedding before I picked up this book, and absolutely loved seeing the beautiful Top End in a rom com. I've admired Tapsell's acting work and now I can add her authorship to that bag.
A wonderful education in what it means to be a talented, passionate, and artistic Aboriginal woman, who is a success in whatever world and culture she happens to be in.
A great read.
This was a delightful mix of her childhood, family and career. I saw Top End Wedding before I picked up this book, and absolutely loved seeing the beautiful Top End in a rom com. I've admired Tapsell's acting work and now I can add her authorship to that bag.
A wonderful education in what it means to be a talented, passionate, and artistic Aboriginal woman, who is a success in whatever world and culture she happens to be in.
A great read.
May 1, 2021
Love Miranda Tapsell’s voice. This is an easy read - written in colloquial Australian - but has important messages about Aboriginal gaze and representation in the media, racism and First Nations’ cultures. Off to watch her movie and others she recommends.
September 14, 2020
I was teetering between 4 and 5 stars, but 5 won. It is an easy book to read, light but with some heavy issues. Loved reading about the making of the movie 'Top End Wedding' which is a favourite movie (though I have one gripe about the movie in which I have never seen the Spotlight carpark empty as depicted in one of the scenes of the movie). A lot of thought-provoking discussion about Aboriginal issues, which I still ponder. I was teetering on 4 stars due to the story being very self focussed, but I suppose that is to be expected due to the confidence of the author. I really liked the ending main chapter.
January 6, 2022
This book falls into the category of people who shouldn’t write biographies. There’s truly too many biographies by people who’ve done nothing that interesting.
I think it’s great that she’s so grounded to her community and is making choices that she hopes will benefit them, that is awesome. However her book is so confusingly written and fairly commonplace that it’s just not interesting.
So I commend her work but I wouldn’t bother reading a book about it.
*I also want to add that I use to live in Darwin and still love it and visit every opportunity I have so it was nice to read about it!
I think it’s great that she’s so grounded to her community and is making choices that she hopes will benefit them, that is awesome. However her book is so confusingly written and fairly commonplace that it’s just not interesting.
So I commend her work but I wouldn’t bother reading a book about it.
*I also want to add that I use to live in Darwin and still love it and visit every opportunity I have so it was nice to read about it!
March 3, 2021
Tapsell's memoir is thoughtful and engaging, she writes as if she is speaking directly to you. This is a quick and easy book to read with a refreshingly young and inspirational perspective, but there is so much more to her story. Her anger and frustration about the treatment of Indigenous Australians as well as her passion to share her culture and the beauty of her country, balance out what could have just been a promotional piece for her movie. I hope that Tapsell's story, like her movie, reach a wider audience and expose more people to her perspectives and messages.
November 27, 2023
There’s a surprising innocence in Miranda’s writing that makes for an enjoyable read. I think this book has great capacity to reach a wide audience (just like her movie) and plays with some big topics using personal scope. I
June 30, 2020
Just a really lovely memoir by a thoughtful and funny person. Will be recommending to all my fellow Top End pals, plus anyone who enjoys a great read.
October 7, 2020
strong recommend.
November 28, 2020
Miranda writes as if she’s sitting next to you sharing a story as a friend. I enjoyed hearing how she went from acting to directing her own movie, and what fires her spirit to keep tackling racism and prejudice. I picked up several tips for films and books, and I want to visit the Northern Territory even more than before.
Technically it could have done with a stronger edit so I’d give it 3.5 if I could.
Technically it could have done with a stronger edit so I’d give it 3.5 if I could.
October 27, 2021
#AusReadingMonth 2021
Bingo card: NT
Top End Girl - M. Tapsell (memoir)
Not BAD…but not great
“She has the facts but not the phosphorescence.” (Emily Dickinson)
Bingo card: NT
Top End Girl - M. Tapsell (memoir)
Not BAD…but not great
“She has the facts but not the phosphorescence.” (Emily Dickinson)
June 30, 2021
I could literally hear Miranda’s voice in my ear reading this book. From someone to grew up with her on play school, to a teen who loved her in The Sapphires to a young adult who thought themselves very cultured for going to see Black is the New White - Miranda is an icon. Heartwarming.
January 21, 2021
The government really, really needs to support the Arts in this country and lose their Anglo Centric views. There are many stories that still need to be told.
June 27, 2020
Miranda Tapsell had me convinced, based on her podcasts and social media presence, that she is an absolute delight, and this book 100% confirms it. It encapsulates her joyful spirit, her anger at injustice, her attempts at social change, her sense of humour, and her love of romance. I would have loved to read more about all of the background - her childhood and youth, some of the back stories to her career outside of Top End Wedding - but this was such a really fantastic read.
September 1, 2020
This book was a fabulous read. Whether you read it because your a woman, short or from an indigenous background... it was empowering. Really well written, informative about her history and background as well as being humorous in the way the stories were told. It was light, fun and uplifting but holding a very powerful message about how we treat each other.
May 6, 2024
Gosh I love Miranda! 🤩
Having followed Miranda's career for several years, and recently having read two novels she delightfully narrates, it made sense to finally read (listen to, rather) her memoir.
Tapsell touches on her growing up in Darwin (as a Tiwi woman), her love of performing, her rich kinship, her mixed experience at NIDA, her determination to show casting agents and film producers her unique gift, to then succeed in producing and starring in "Top End Wedding" (following the success of The Sapphires, in which she played one of the performers).
Tapsell generously shares First Nations wisdom, experiences of sorrow and ecstasy, meeting her life partner, James (whose wonderful debut novel, The Next Big Thing, Tapsell vividly narrates) - interspersed with fascinating tidbits and amusing anecdotes.
Thank you, Miranda. You spark tremendous joy.
Having followed Miranda's career for several years, and recently having read two novels she delightfully narrates, it made sense to finally read (listen to, rather) her memoir.
Tapsell touches on her growing up in Darwin (as a Tiwi woman), her love of performing, her rich kinship, her mixed experience at NIDA, her determination to show casting agents and film producers her unique gift, to then succeed in producing and starring in "Top End Wedding" (following the success of The Sapphires, in which she played one of the performers).
Tapsell generously shares First Nations wisdom, experiences of sorrow and ecstasy, meeting her life partner, James (whose wonderful debut novel, The Next Big Thing, Tapsell vividly narrates) - interspersed with fascinating tidbits and amusing anecdotes.
Thank you, Miranda. You spark tremendous joy.
September 11, 2020
I really like Miranda and everything she stands for. I loved her in The Sapphires, Top End Wedding, Love Child and Doctor Doctor. I was expecting this book to have more content about her upbringing, her life in general and her experiences on the above movies/shows. I didn't expect the entire book to focus primarily on Top End Wedding and Aboriginal activism. I agree 100% with her stand point on ATSI issues and acknowledge that this issue is important to her and she saw the book as her podium to voice her opinions, but I found it repetitive.
January 6, 2022
Miranda Tapsell's memoir is poignant, brilliantly funny, eye-opening, and quite honestly like having a conversation with a friend. A very bad arse friend with excellent music taste, and a knack for storytelling unlike anything else I've ever come across. I aspire to become as wonderfully accomplished, confident, worldly and inspiring as this friend.
November 18, 2020
I started this book when it first came out - literally, at midnight, when my phone chimed that a preorder was ready. I thought, I'll just try a little bit because like, Miranda is wicked funny with an excellent sense of humour, and can act and do the most SPOT ON impressions, and she's kind, and passionate, and always looks so amazing... surely she can't write, too. Sure she can write scripts, but biographies?
I didn't manage to put it down until I was past 20% of the way in, and it was LATE and I suffered at work the next day, because dammit, she can write. Of course she can. I sent her auntie an email about how tired I was but how it was totally worth it... and then I didn't pick the book up again until tonight, because I knew when I did I wouldn't be able to put it down.
Today we had a power outage. So I thought there was nothing more suitable in a power out, in the hottest week of the hottest month of the year, to read the most TERRITORY book we have. So I got out Top End Girl and devoured the rest of it and loved every word. I'd call out bits to my Mum (usually multiple per page) and while I wish I'd read it when it first came out I'm also glad I didn't have to put it down again either.
Miranda is someone Australia is incredibly lucky to have, and I hope more and more of Australia realises this. She's so darn eloquent, and determined, and just freakin' amazing. I can't wait to see what she does next.
I didn't manage to put it down until I was past 20% of the way in, and it was LATE and I suffered at work the next day, because dammit, she can write. Of course she can. I sent her auntie an email about how tired I was but how it was totally worth it... and then I didn't pick the book up again until tonight, because I knew when I did I wouldn't be able to put it down.
Today we had a power outage. So I thought there was nothing more suitable in a power out, in the hottest week of the hottest month of the year, to read the most TERRITORY book we have. So I got out Top End Girl and devoured the rest of it and loved every word. I'd call out bits to my Mum (usually multiple per page) and while I wish I'd read it when it first came out I'm also glad I didn't have to put it down again either.
Miranda is someone Australia is incredibly lucky to have, and I hope more and more of Australia realises this. She's so darn eloquent, and determined, and just freakin' amazing. I can't wait to see what she does next.
July 28, 2022
NAIDOC reads:
A fabulous memoir of Miranda Tapsell's journey into acting, her real-life love story and the process of writing and filming her rom-com Top End Wedding.
I loved Miranda's honest, authentic Aussie voice; the way she extols those Indigenous creatives who held space for her and the responsibility she feels for creating space for future young Black artists to flourish; and her passionate commitment to speaking out for her community on issues of race, reconciliation and the ongoing trauma of colonisation. Miranda also writes with great tenderness about her family, country, and the responsibility she feels to preserving culture and honouring other Aboriginal nations that are not her own.
I was fascinated by the sections where she discusses the film making process, and the memoir helped me to appreciate what a landmark film and filming process Top End Wedding was/is as a romantic comedy starring an Indigenous female lead. The way Miranda made sure to honour, collaborate with and celebrate Aboriginal people, recognising the uniqueness of each nation and not presuming that as a proud Larrakia Tiwi woman herself that her experience represented all Indigenous experience, was thought-provoking and inspirational. I hope that her efforts will be replicated by other Australian film-makers, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and that Miranda Tapsell continues to be granted opportunities to make deadly content!
A fabulous memoir of Miranda Tapsell's journey into acting, her real-life love story and the process of writing and filming her rom-com Top End Wedding.
I loved Miranda's honest, authentic Aussie voice; the way she extols those Indigenous creatives who held space for her and the responsibility she feels for creating space for future young Black artists to flourish; and her passionate commitment to speaking out for her community on issues of race, reconciliation and the ongoing trauma of colonisation. Miranda also writes with great tenderness about her family, country, and the responsibility she feels to preserving culture and honouring other Aboriginal nations that are not her own.
I was fascinated by the sections where she discusses the film making process, and the memoir helped me to appreciate what a landmark film and filming process Top End Wedding was/is as a romantic comedy starring an Indigenous female lead. The way Miranda made sure to honour, collaborate with and celebrate Aboriginal people, recognising the uniqueness of each nation and not presuming that as a proud Larrakia Tiwi woman herself that her experience represented all Indigenous experience, was thought-provoking and inspirational. I hope that her efforts will be replicated by other Australian film-makers, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and that Miranda Tapsell continues to be granted opportunities to make deadly content!
April 29, 2024
As a woman who was also raised in Larrakia Country, this book felt like big warm territory hug. I enjoyed listening to Mirandas tenacity as she struggled to find her feet throughout periods of her life. I live interstate now, and can completely understand her feelings about when she travels back to places she grew up. The places she mentions in the book have been places I visited, frequented and truly found wonder in. The family members and friends she speaks about remind me of the people I knew and know. This book both made me a little homesick, but also, so proud to be a place that a powerhouse like Miranda has come from. I have watched Mirandas work throughout my life, including the Sapphires, Love Child, her time on Playschool and Top End Wedding. I was living in Darwin when the film was shot and also when it was released, and my friends and I made it an event to go to the cinema to watch it- I remember that we came away buzzing from the film and being so excited to see the places we loved in our town and state on the big screen. This book was a great reflection on her life so far, and I'm excited to continue to follow her career and see what things she has up her sleeve next; after all, good things comes to babes who hustle 😉
July 3, 2020
Miranda Tapsell's memoir is such a joy to read. Just as with everything she does, I went in with high expectations and this book topped them. Actors always know how to tell a great yarn but Miranda also knows how to tell her own story in a cohesive and thoughtful way that shows insight into her life without unnecessary overshare.
Her sense of humour, intelligence and passion for storytelling really shines. I laughed and cried my way through this book, sometimes within the space of a few pages! It's such a privilege to read about her family history, culture, friends, real-life love story and her work. I love the way Tapsell writes about the feeling of connection and home and respect that comes with engaging with her Larrakia Tiwi culture.
The flipside is the inescapable, almost constant toll of racism. From the big things - friends and family dying way too young, way too often - to the smaller but daily grind of not seeing yourself in the stories being told in society, being told your voice sounds like 'nails being dragged across a chalkboard' at NIDA or having to relive trauma in the acting roles that are out there for Aboriginal people.
Her sense of humour, intelligence and passion for storytelling really shines. I laughed and cried my way through this book, sometimes within the space of a few pages! It's such a privilege to read about her family history, culture, friends, real-life love story and her work. I love the way Tapsell writes about the feeling of connection and home and respect that comes with engaging with her Larrakia Tiwi culture.
The flipside is the inescapable, almost constant toll of racism. From the big things - friends and family dying way too young, way too often - to the smaller but daily grind of not seeing yourself in the stories being told in society, being told your voice sounds like 'nails being dragged across a chalkboard' at NIDA or having to relive trauma in the acting roles that are out there for Aboriginal people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews