Don't Call Us Carnies

by Norma Brophy

While many Australian teenagers have dreamed of joining a travelling circus, Norma Brophy wanted to run away from it. As a born and bred ‘show person’, she adored her early years on the road, running wild in town after town with her fellow little ‘showies’. But growing up backstage of a famed travelling show wasn’t all fun and games. At 15, Norma fled the circus and her father’s violent ways, only to be drawn back by another formidable force – love.

In this vibrant, uproarious and poignant memoir, multi-talented showbiz matriarch Norma Brophy comes out of retirement to reveal a world of interest to many but understood by few. From a time before cars to the hardscrabble Depression years, in and out of war time and across the golden era of Hollywood-tinged showmanship, right up to today, Norma paints a vivid picture of Australian show culture. With authority and candour, Norma plays ringmaster to a cavalcade of characters and places that have helped form not only the story of her own record-breaking, death-defying family, but also that of countless other travelling show people, circus and rodeo folk whose exploits and ingenuity will leave you agog.

268 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2022

Reviews

[Gai Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that inspires, that brings the truth to the forefront of what Circus and Show people face every day in the real world. The title: Don't call us Carnies is what every showperson in Australia says! A well written family history that the descendents of the Brophy family can beam with pride as their story is read. The hours and dedication to the training and the costuming and the record holding of this family could go on for a long time. And Norma's paintings now will be a legacy for the family to be proud of.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had the opportunity to hear Norma's stories first hand, but reading this book was such a delight. I didn't realise how much depth there is to Australian show business history and reading this opened my eyes. It's an easy to read, fascinating memoir with themes of resilience and ingenuity. Norma offers us the opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes at show business life. So if you've ever wondered about joining the circus, curious about what goes on behind the scenes, or want to read a story about a strong woman - this is the book for you.

[Caroline Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful autobiography. Loved it.

[Ione Berkelmans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and interesting read.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok book. The pity was she didn’t really give any secrets away on how things were done so that was disappointing. And there were gaps in the story that weren’t really addressed so as a reader it was unsatisfying

[Mel Prosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a life!