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Blue Ribbons Bitter Bread: Joice Nankivell Loch, Australia's Most Heroic Woman
Joice Loch was an extraordinary Australian. She had the inspired courage that saved many hundreds of Jews and Poles in World War II, the compassion that made her a self-trained doctor to tens of thousands of refugees, the incredible grit that took her close to death in several theatres of war, and the dedication to truth and justice that shone forth in her own books and a lifetime of astonishing heroism.
Born in a cyclone in 1887 on a Queensland sugar plantation she grew up in grinding poverty in Gippsland and emerged from years of unpaid drudgery by writing a children's book and freelance journalism. In 1918 she married Sydney Loch, author of a banned book on Gallipoli. After a dangerous time in Dublin during the Troubles, they escaped from possible IRA vengeance to work with the Quakers in Poland. There they rescued countless dispossessed people from disease and starvation and risked death themselves.
In 1922 Joice and Sydney went to Greece to aid the 1,500,000 refugees fleeing Turkish persecution. Greece was to become their home. They lived in an ancient tower by the sea in the shadows of Athos, the Holy Mountain, and worked selflessly for decades to save victims of war, famine and disease.
During World War II, Joice Loch was an agent for the Allies in Eastern Europe and pulled off a spectacular escape to snatch over a thousand Jews and Poles from death just before the Nazis invaded Bucharest, escorting them via Constantinople to Palestine. By the time she died in 1982 she had written ten books, saved many thousands of lives and was one of the world's most decorated women. At her funeral the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Oxford named her 'one of the most significant women of the twentieth century.'
This classic Australian biography is a tribute to one of Australia's most heroic women, who always spoke with great fondness of Queensland as her birthplace. In 2006, a Loch Memorial Museum was opened in the tower by the sea in Ouranoupolis, a tribute to the Lochs and their humanitarian work.
Born in a cyclone in 1887 on a Queensland sugar plantation she grew up in grinding poverty in Gippsland and emerged from years of unpaid drudgery by writing a children's book and freelance journalism. In 1918 she married Sydney Loch, author of a banned book on Gallipoli. After a dangerous time in Dublin during the Troubles, they escaped from possible IRA vengeance to work with the Quakers in Poland. There they rescued countless dispossessed people from disease and starvation and risked death themselves.
In 1922 Joice and Sydney went to Greece to aid the 1,500,000 refugees fleeing Turkish persecution. Greece was to become their home. They lived in an ancient tower by the sea in the shadows of Athos, the Holy Mountain, and worked selflessly for decades to save victims of war, famine and disease.
During World War II, Joice Loch was an agent for the Allies in Eastern Europe and pulled off a spectacular escape to snatch over a thousand Jews and Poles from death just before the Nazis invaded Bucharest, escorting them via Constantinople to Palestine. By the time she died in 1982 she had written ten books, saved many thousands of lives and was one of the world's most decorated women. At her funeral the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Oxford named her 'one of the most significant women of the twentieth century.'
This classic Australian biography is a tribute to one of Australia's most heroic women, who always spoke with great fondness of Queensland as her birthplace. In 2006, a Loch Memorial Museum was opened in the tower by the sea in Ouranoupolis, a tribute to the Lochs and their humanitarian work.
364 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2000
33 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Susanna de Vries
38 books11 followers(From 'Blue Ribbons Bitter Bread')
SUSANNA DE VRIES is an art historian who has now retired from lecturing at the Continuing Education Department of the University of Queensland. She was born in London and attended the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Madrid. She came to Australia in 1975, has been the recipient of a Churchill Fellowship and has written extensively on art history, both here and abroad. She was made a member of the Order of Australia in 1996 'for services to Australian and European art'.
In addition to writing Blue Ribbons Bitter Bread, which has won several awards, Susanna is the author of the following books: Historic Brisbane and its Early Artists; Historic Sydney—the Founding of Australia; Pioneer Women, Pioneer Land; The Impressionists Revealed; Conrad Martens on the 'Beagle' and in Australia; Ethel Carrick Fox—Travels and Triumphs of a Post-Impressionist; Strength of Spirit—Pioneering Women of Achievement from First Fleet to Federation and Strength of Purpose—Australian Women of Achievement; part-author of Parenting Girls with Dr Janet Irwin. For HarperCollins she has written a four-volume paperback series on Great Australia Women. Volumes One and Two have now been reissued as a double volume titled Great Australian Women, 36 Women who Changed Australia, and Volume Three Heroic Australian Women in War [HarperCollins, 2004]. Volume Four is titled Great Women of the Outback [HarperCollins 2005]. Together with her husband, Jake de Vries she has written the illustrated book Historic Brisbane—Convict Settlement to River City [published by Pandanus Press] and To Hell and Back, the banned account of Gallipoli.
(From 'Royal Mistresses')
Susanna de Vries was born and raised in England and now divides her time between Australia and Europe. She is the author of a dozen biographies of women and three books of art history.
As an adopted child, the product of a liaison between a married aristocrat and his married mistress, she was drawn to research this complex topic and the result was Royal Mistresses.
Educated at St George’s Ascot, Berkshire Susanna studied art history and literature in Paris and Madrid. She undertook post-graduate study in Florence and on a Churchill Fellowship was allowed to conduct research in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. She received an Order of Australia (AM) for ‘services to art and literature’ and an award for a distinguished contribution to literature by the Australian Society of Women Writers. She has retired from lecturing at university but is an approved lecturer for the Australian branch of NADFAS, the Fine and Decorative Art Society.
Susanna became interested in effects of arranged marriages between cousins, a usual practice among royal families and the genetic and psychological effects when her first husband worked in the Department of Clinical Psychiatry headed by Professor Sir Martin Roth, a respected psychiatrist consulted by several members of the royal family and came to Australia when her late husband was appointed professor at the Medical School of the University of Queensland.
SUSANNA DE VRIES is an art historian who has now retired from lecturing at the Continuing Education Department of the University of Queensland. She was born in London and attended the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Madrid. She came to Australia in 1975, has been the recipient of a Churchill Fellowship and has written extensively on art history, both here and abroad. She was made a member of the Order of Australia in 1996 'for services to Australian and European art'.
In addition to writing Blue Ribbons Bitter Bread, which has won several awards, Susanna is the author of the following books: Historic Brisbane and its Early Artists; Historic Sydney—the Founding of Australia; Pioneer Women, Pioneer Land; The Impressionists Revealed; Conrad Martens on the 'Beagle' and in Australia; Ethel Carrick Fox—Travels and Triumphs of a Post-Impressionist; Strength of Spirit—Pioneering Women of Achievement from First Fleet to Federation and Strength of Purpose—Australian Women of Achievement; part-author of Parenting Girls with Dr Janet Irwin. For HarperCollins she has written a four-volume paperback series on Great Australia Women. Volumes One and Two have now been reissued as a double volume titled Great Australian Women, 36 Women who Changed Australia, and Volume Three Heroic Australian Women in War [HarperCollins, 2004]. Volume Four is titled Great Women of the Outback [HarperCollins 2005]. Together with her husband, Jake de Vries she has written the illustrated book Historic Brisbane—Convict Settlement to River City [published by Pandanus Press] and To Hell and Back, the banned account of Gallipoli.
(From 'Royal Mistresses')
Susanna de Vries was born and raised in England and now divides her time between Australia and Europe. She is the author of a dozen biographies of women and three books of art history.
As an adopted child, the product of a liaison between a married aristocrat and his married mistress, she was drawn to research this complex topic and the result was Royal Mistresses.
Educated at St George’s Ascot, Berkshire Susanna studied art history and literature in Paris and Madrid. She undertook post-graduate study in Florence and on a Churchill Fellowship was allowed to conduct research in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. She received an Order of Australia (AM) for ‘services to art and literature’ and an award for a distinguished contribution to literature by the Australian Society of Women Writers. She has retired from lecturing at university but is an approved lecturer for the Australian branch of NADFAS, the Fine and Decorative Art Society.
Susanna became interested in effects of arranged marriages between cousins, a usual practice among royal families and the genetic and psychological effects when her first husband worked in the Department of Clinical Psychiatry headed by Professor Sir Martin Roth, a respected psychiatrist consulted by several members of the royal family and came to Australia when her late husband was appointed professor at the Medical School of the University of Queensland.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 16, 2018
Excellent book! I love books where I start a new chapter, and after a couple of sentences, think to myself, "Oh, this bit is going to be boring. Ho hum." ... and that is the last analytical thought I have until I come up for air an hour later, and realise that I've just read HEAPS of pages, and wasn't in the least bored!
If you read the Goodreads synopsis, it outlines the book quite well. By the end of the book I felt that I had 'known' Joice, and I mourned her death, along with thousands of others. To me, a good biography gives your brain much to think about, and your heart much to love ... and this book excels on both counts.
4 Stars = It touched my heart, and/or gave me much food for thought.
If you read the Goodreads synopsis, it outlines the book quite well. By the end of the book I felt that I had 'known' Joice, and I mourned her death, along with thousands of others. To me, a good biography gives your brain much to think about, and your heart much to love ... and this book excels on both counts.
4 Stars = It touched my heart, and/or gave me much food for thought.
June 21, 2024
An amazing story of, I suspect, a little known Australian woman and her unenviable, brave life. There were so many stories of Joice Nankivell Loch's unselfish life helping others that at times I felt swamped by her heroics and can only imagine how she must have felt!
February 3, 2014
A most amazing Australian woman! This book should be compulsory reading in Australian schools. I have studied Australian history but had never heard of this heroine. Interesting that the Greek government awarded her commendations and recognition, but when I speak to friends and colleagues in Australia no one has heard of her. I will be recommending this book for many years to come.
March 13, 2018
An amazing woman and extraordinary story. A book I would never have begun if not for the book club, and I’ll write a full review after our discussion on Saturday.
April 1, 2016
I liked the book from the historical and factual perspective. I felt it was too detailed in some areas and very light in others. For example the WWII experiences seem to only be briefly recounted compared with the Irish section on the Black and Tans.
Joice was an amazing and unique woman who seems to have been overlooked by history so I'm glad this book showcased her life.
I really want to give it a 3.5 but I don't think it is a 4, hence the 3.
Joice was an amazing and unique woman who seems to have been overlooked by history so I'm glad this book showcased her life.
I really want to give it a 3.5 but I don't think it is a 4, hence the 3.
September 12, 2011
This is one of my top historic reads about women. Susannah deVries writes in an approachable way about Australian historical women.
October 1, 2025
I quote a book-reading friend's email to me, " I think this is THE most utterly amazing book I have read for years. My jaw was continually dropping at this amazing woman. I can't get the story out of my mind.
Written by Susanna De Vries, it is the life of Joice Loch - (yup, that is how her name is spelt). An Aussie girl, brought up in a tough life in the bush, she goes on to find herself in London. Helping refugees, in Poland, most of Europe in the inter war years , especially Greece - I won't add any more, but please, if you can find it do read it!"
I am in total concurrence.
Written by Susanna De Vries, it is the life of Joice Loch - (yup, that is how her name is spelt). An Aussie girl, brought up in a tough life in the bush, she goes on to find herself in London. Helping refugees, in Poland, most of Europe in the inter war years , especially Greece - I won't add any more, but please, if you can find it do read it!"
I am in total concurrence.
March 21, 2017
I have read this book twice now and have bought it for and recommended it to as many people as I could. Joyce Nankivell Loch (an Australian) together with her husband Sydney, carried out the most astounding and inspired humanitarian work during both World Wars. Susanna De Vries brings their lives and the history of those times to vivid life. The story begins on a sugar plantation in North Queensland in 1887 where Joice was born during a cyclone and follows her life through bone numbing poverty in Gippsland to tireless and brave work in Eastern Europe and on to Greece in WWII. Thousands of people owe their lives to Joice and her husband. I think it is also a most beautiful love story. When Sydney died in 1955, Ms De Vries writes of Joice's overwhelming grief thus, "The awful finality of walking away from the grave of the beloved is one of the hardest things a human being has to bear". I can't recommend this fascinating biography enough.
July 31, 2017
This story is mind blowing. Why haven,t we heard of this man and woman? De Vries has done a lot of research to produce a masterpiece. The writing is concise which lets the story speak for itself. And what a story. I still can't believe that she never received any payment for her work.Being one of the world,s most decorated women she lived her life quietly devoted to those she saved.It was fitting though that her friends were among the outstanding men and women in politics ,literature and the church. Maybe the lack of publicity was due the respect with which she was regarded. Still it is comforting to réalisé that they found great happiness in their lives and lived in what was to them a Paradise.
June 22, 2018
This is a very old fashioned biography - following Joice Loch in detail through her life from birth to death. Born in Australia and grown up on her father's series of failed farms in poverty, she had a desire for education, escaping rural life and marrying for love rather than status. She and her husband, Sydney, lived in Ireland when the country was split between the English and Irish nationalists, went on Quaker missions post WWI in Poland and Greece, and smuggled Poles and Jews out of Romania just before the Nazis arrived.
At first, I really disliked the narrator of this book, Deidre Rubenstein, because she reads much too slowly. I came around on her because she has such a facility with accents. She does sadness incredibly well but excitement consists of getting louder.
At first, I really disliked the narrator of this book, Deidre Rubenstein, because she reads much too slowly. I came around on her because she has such a facility with accents. She does sadness incredibly well but excitement consists of getting louder.
March 16, 2014
I had never heard of Joice NanKivell Loch until a friend recommended this biography. What an extraordinary woman, and what an extraordinary life! I found her story fascinating and inspirational, although I have to say the author's writing style struck me as fairly pedestrian. She has, however, covered Loch's life very comprehensively. I would definitely recommended this to anyone interested in women's history.
June 14, 2021
A long and detailed biography of a woman I had never heard of before, but now feel like I know very well. Tracking her extraordinary life from riches-to-rags Australian farming family to roving journalist to refugee relief worker, Loch's life is laid out in a series of long episodes. There are exciting adventures, gentle moments of humour, and a lot of horrible war-torn misery. As a history book, it's got some interesting views of the civilian experience living during the Irish War of Independence; Poland in the wake of WWI and Lenin's military campaigns; Greece before, during and after WWII, and Romania, where she and her husband helped smuggle Jewish and Polish refugees to safety. Safe to say it's pretty jam-packed with content, and while at times it can feel like a hagiography, there's a lot to celebrate about Loch's life and work. It's also sometimes a gruelling look at the human cost of war and revolution, and just how easily people can be forgotten by the powerful.
June 15, 2020
Exceptional life.
I am impressed by each aspect of Joice's life and action.
I have also to admit, that it might have been not easy to put into a book.
There was hard selfless work day after day, it is not easy to turn it into an exciting story.
I am looking forward for time when libraries will open to public and I will be able to confront this book with original writing of Joice Loch. I strongly believe that I will find extra value.
So far my main reservation to the book is number of errors in reporting historical events.
I understand that such errors could have been done in original writing of Joyce Loch, in many cases she heard stories from not reliable sources.
I am disappointed that these mistakes have been copied by Susanna de Vries into her book without any comments.
I am impressed by each aspect of Joice's life and action.
I have also to admit, that it might have been not easy to put into a book.
There was hard selfless work day after day, it is not easy to turn it into an exciting story.
I am looking forward for time when libraries will open to public and I will be able to confront this book with original writing of Joice Loch. I strongly believe that I will find extra value.
So far my main reservation to the book is number of errors in reporting historical events.
I understand that such errors could have been done in original writing of Joyce Loch, in many cases she heard stories from not reliable sources.
I am disappointed that these mistakes have been copied by Susanna de Vries into her book without any comments.
September 30, 2021
An amazing story of a woman I had never heard of, this book tells her story from her birth near Ingham, Qld, in 1887 to her death in Greece in 1982. It loses a star though because it must have the poorest job of proof reading and editing that I have ever come across. Even the chapter numbers don't match up after chapter 13 - there is no chapter 14 - so the endnotes and the actual chapter numbers don't correspond. There are different spellings for the same places and the page layout is often indented where it should not be. As a seventh edition, these and many other mistakes should have been attended to. The story itself is very readable though at times repetitive, so recommended for that reason. I think all Australians should know this story.
January 5, 2022
I am embarrassed that I had never heard of Joice Loch before. A truly remarkable woman who never set out to do anything grand but to travel, get education and show kindness to others. She accomplished this in no uncertain terms. The achievements she and her husband attained in their own quiet, organised and proficient manner are nothing short of miraculous.
I really enjoyed reading of her accomplishments despite the saddening tragedy of wars and refugees. And I learnt a lot about conflicts and history of the 20th century that I never had an inkling about.
I shall be looking for that special monument next time I am in Ingham.
I really enjoyed reading of her accomplishments despite the saddening tragedy of wars and refugees. And I learnt a lot about conflicts and history of the 20th century that I never had an inkling about.
I shall be looking for that special monument next time I am in Ingham.
September 6, 2024
Excellent. What a hero. Why did I not know about such an important contributor during WWII in Greece and other European countries? She received many accolades and awards from those countries but not from Australia where she was born.
March 22, 2019
Interesting subject, learnt a lesson t, just at times very repetitive
December 8, 2021
A truly remarkable book.
July 23, 2022
Overly lengthy as an audiobook and I found the narrator's voice harsh to listen to. Nevertheless, well worth persisting to hear about Joice Loch and her courageous, compassionate, remarkable life.
Read
June 9, 2025story of an extraordinary woman
historical information on Poland and Greece
historical information on Poland and Greece
August 23, 2025
Anne bookclub ✅
October 23, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed thus book about a little known Australian woman.
It is a comprehensive account of early life leading to voluntary and war work the tireless heroine undertook over her entire life.
Highly recommend this book to any Australian interested in the life and work of Joice Loch or anyone interested in the life long commitment of a quiet, tireless woman on a mission to help the needy.
It is a comprehensive account of early life leading to voluntary and war work the tireless heroine undertook over her entire life.
Highly recommend this book to any Australian interested in the life and work of Joice Loch or anyone interested in the life long commitment of a quiet, tireless woman on a mission to help the needy.
November 21, 2021
One of my all time favourite books and Susanna De Vries is the hero for discovering this remarkable character: Joice Loch. I actually have read this book many, many times and one day i am going to go and stand beside the ancient Tower of Prosforion, on the banks of the Agean Sea, where Joice Loch and her husband took up residence.
June 29, 2015
Loved this book, what an amazing story. Was particularly poignant for me as it is my family history of being forcibly removed from Turkey and becoming refugees in Greece.
February 13, 2019
I posted my review of this compelling book about a most amazing person on my blog: https://strivetoengage.wordpress.com/...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews