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The Last Daughter
An unmissable First Nations memoir that tells of the shattering experience of being stolen, The Last Daughter is a story of heartbreak and healing that offers a path forward for all Australians
When Brenda Matthews was two years old, she and her siblings were taken from their parents. For the next five years she was a much-loved daughter in a white family, a happy child in a country town on the outskirts of Sydney, unaware of the existence of her Aboriginal family or how hard her parents were fighting for her return-unaware of her Aboriginal identity.
Then, she was suddenly returned to her Aboriginal family, the last daughter to come home.
Decades later, feeling a sense of something missing in her life, Brenda searches for her foster family and her beloved white sister, with whom she had had no contact.
Along the way she uncovers long-buried secrets and government bungling, as well as a deep connection to family and to her Aboriginal culture.
The Last Daughter is the story of Brenda's journey to discover the truth about her past, to unite her two families-and to foster a better connection between black and white Australia. It's a story full of heartbreak, love, hope and healing, one that shows a way forward for all Australians.
When Brenda Matthews was two years old, she and her siblings were taken from their parents. For the next five years she was a much-loved daughter in a white family, a happy child in a country town on the outskirts of Sydney, unaware of the existence of her Aboriginal family or how hard her parents were fighting for her return-unaware of her Aboriginal identity.
Then, she was suddenly returned to her Aboriginal family, the last daughter to come home.
Decades later, feeling a sense of something missing in her life, Brenda searches for her foster family and her beloved white sister, with whom she had had no contact.
Along the way she uncovers long-buried secrets and government bungling, as well as a deep connection to family and to her Aboriginal culture.
The Last Daughter is the story of Brenda's journey to discover the truth about her past, to unite her two families-and to foster a better connection between black and white Australia. It's a story full of heartbreak, love, hope and healing, one that shows a way forward for all Australians.
246 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2023
20 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 1, 2023
Brenda Simon was two years old in 1973 when she and her siblings were taken from their mum and dad by the Aboriginal Welfare Committee. After being placed in a home for children, the girls and boys were separated. Then a few months later Brenda was taken to a white family. She was happy with her mum Connie, and dad Mac, also her little sister Rebecca. Because Brenda was so young she didn't remember her Aboriginal family. The love her white family showered her with made her happy, but when she was seven, the Welfare demanded she be returned to her Aboriginal family. Confusion, sadness and despair filled the heart of a young Brenda - her other siblings had been returned also, although she didn't remember them. She was the last daughter to be returned.
Forty years later, Brenda was a mother and grandmother - she also felt something was missing from her life. Could she find the white family she barely remembered?
The Last Daughter is a heartbreaking memoir by a woman who was one of Australia's Stolen Generation. Brenda Matthews' trauma and heartache is there on the pages for all to see. There has also been a documentary made of Brenda's story. The terrible shame of what the Government did all those years ago is one all Australians are aware of - Brenda's story puts a face to the crime. Recommended reading.
With thanks to Text Publishing for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Forty years later, Brenda was a mother and grandmother - she also felt something was missing from her life. Could she find the white family she barely remembered?
The Last Daughter is a heartbreaking memoir by a woman who was one of Australia's Stolen Generation. Brenda Matthews' trauma and heartache is there on the pages for all to see. There has also been a documentary made of Brenda's story. The terrible shame of what the Government did all those years ago is one all Australians are aware of - Brenda's story puts a face to the crime. Recommended reading.
With thanks to Text Publishing for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2023
In February 1973, under the Child Welfare Act of 1939, Brenda and her siblings were declared neglected children under improper guardianship. The true motives of this heinous act evidenced by the fact that the inspectors never even set foot in their house or investigated their circumstances.
From this day Brenda became one of the Stolen Generations. After they are taken, Brenda’s mother and father buy seven dolls, tucking them into bed at night, trying pitifully to replace the irreplaceable. It is impossible to feel the grief and loss they must have felt. After three months Brenda is placed with a white family.
Brenda lives with this family happily for five years, inseparable from her foster sister Rebecca. Too young to understand what has happened, too young to understand what is happening when she is “stolen” again and returned to her true family.
Being ripped away from both families causes enormous trauma on Brenda. Back with her natural family she feels no connection to her indigenous culture. She misses her foster family terribly. She feels she is living in two different worlds.
This is a book about the stolen generations. With Brenda telling the story we are privy to the lies, the half-truths, the cover-ups, on a personal level. We can feel the pain and anguish that Brenda had to endure.
It is the story of Brenda’s efforts to discover the truth of her past, and the injustice that was dealt to her and her family. It is also about Brenda bringing her two families together.
This book was a truly eye-opening read for me and one that I believe should be a must read for all Australians. It is a terrible part of Australia’s history, but a part that we should all know about.
From this day Brenda became one of the Stolen Generations. After they are taken, Brenda’s mother and father buy seven dolls, tucking them into bed at night, trying pitifully to replace the irreplaceable. It is impossible to feel the grief and loss they must have felt. After three months Brenda is placed with a white family.
Brenda lives with this family happily for five years, inseparable from her foster sister Rebecca. Too young to understand what has happened, too young to understand what is happening when she is “stolen” again and returned to her true family.
Being ripped away from both families causes enormous trauma on Brenda. Back with her natural family she feels no connection to her indigenous culture. She misses her foster family terribly. She feels she is living in two different worlds.
This is a book about the stolen generations. With Brenda telling the story we are privy to the lies, the half-truths, the cover-ups, on a personal level. We can feel the pain and anguish that Brenda had to endure.
It is the story of Brenda’s efforts to discover the truth of her past, and the injustice that was dealt to her and her family. It is also about Brenda bringing her two families together.
This book was a truly eye-opening read for me and one that I believe should be a must read for all Australians. It is a terrible part of Australia’s history, but a part that we should all know about.
April 22, 2023
I teared up many times while reading this powerful and important Stolen Generations memoir. Brenda's story of being wrongfully removed from her loving Aboriginal family in 1973, then spending five years with a loving white family before being abruptly returned to her birth family, is both heartbreaking and shocking. The grace shown by Brenda and both sets of her parents is an inspiration. I agree with the reviewer who said every Australian should read this book.
June 16, 2023
A powerful and important story..I was shocked to learn Brenda at the age of two and her siblings were removed from their loving parents as late as 1973 , four years after the Aborigines Protection Act was repealed in NSW which means she and her siblings are not entitled to compensation or recognition as Stolen Generations.
I hope the documentary film The Last Daughter which will screen in cinemas Australia wide from June 2023 will reach a very wide audience.
I hope the documentary film The Last Daughter which will screen in cinemas Australia wide from June 2023 will reach a very wide audience.
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October 21, 2023The book was an easy read and I enjoyed learning about a personal story of Stolen Generations.
Brenda shows strength acknowledging her trauma and loss of identity. It was nice to read that Brenda finally reconnects with her white family and that both her white and black families get meet each other.
I am going to watch the documentary and I hope seeing Brenda in person tell her story will provide me with a stronger emotional connection, which I feel I didn’t experience from the book.
Brenda shows strength acknowledging her trauma and loss of identity. It was nice to read that Brenda finally reconnects with her white family and that both her white and black families get meet each other.
I am going to watch the documentary and I hope seeing Brenda in person tell her story will provide me with a stronger emotional connection, which I feel I didn’t experience from the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 5, 2024The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of The Last Daughter
‘Powerful and inspirational—a must-read.’
Taryn Brumfitt, Australian of the Year
‘The Last Daughter might be one of the most important books an Australian could read…This memoir is not for the faint of heart, but it is a book for anyone with a heart.’
Rebecca Whitehead, Books+Publishing
‘As well as being a moving story of two families, The Last Daughter speaks of the potential for healing between two cultures.’
Fiona Capp, Age/SMH
‘This incredible story is plainly but evocatively told: not just from Brenda’s perspective, but from that of both her families.’
Jo Case, InDaily
‘Beautiful.’
Hilary Harper, ABC RN Life Matters
‘Powerful [and] heartbreaking.’
Australian Women’s Weekly
‘A truly eye-opening read and one that I believe should be a must-read for all Australians. It is a terrible part of Australia’s history, but a part that we should all know about.’
Good Reading (5 stars)
‘Finding voice, being heard and validated, is part of the human condition. The Last Daughter expresses it so well…The book is a project of love and reconnection. Keeping everyone inside the warmth of that fire cannot have been easy. That fire and warmth are offered with immense grace to readers of Brenda’s story. It is up to us to step inside that embrace and bear witness.’
Conversation
‘[Brenda Matthews’] story was not one to miss, revealing horrible injustices towards herself, her family, her mob and her Country…The genius of this book is that Aunty Brenda’s story is written in such a way that a wide range of ages will get something out of it…This is an absolute must read for those who are serious about walking together as brother and sister towards a better Australia.’
#LoveOzYA
‘Powerful and inspirational—a must-read.’
Taryn Brumfitt, Australian of the Year
‘The Last Daughter might be one of the most important books an Australian could read…This memoir is not for the faint of heart, but it is a book for anyone with a heart.’
Rebecca Whitehead, Books+Publishing
‘As well as being a moving story of two families, The Last Daughter speaks of the potential for healing between two cultures.’
Fiona Capp, Age/SMH
‘This incredible story is plainly but evocatively told: not just from Brenda’s perspective, but from that of both her families.’
Jo Case, InDaily
‘Beautiful.’
Hilary Harper, ABC RN Life Matters
‘Powerful [and] heartbreaking.’
Australian Women’s Weekly
‘A truly eye-opening read and one that I believe should be a must-read for all Australians. It is a terrible part of Australia’s history, but a part that we should all know about.’
Good Reading (5 stars)
‘Finding voice, being heard and validated, is part of the human condition. The Last Daughter expresses it so well…The book is a project of love and reconnection. Keeping everyone inside the warmth of that fire cannot have been easy. That fire and warmth are offered with immense grace to readers of Brenda’s story. It is up to us to step inside that embrace and bear witness.’
Conversation
‘[Brenda Matthews’] story was not one to miss, revealing horrible injustices towards herself, her family, her mob and her Country…The genius of this book is that Aunty Brenda’s story is written in such a way that a wide range of ages will get something out of it…This is an absolute must read for those who are serious about walking together as brother and sister towards a better Australia.’
#LoveOzYA
March 9, 2024
Brenda's story is incredible to read, and she has managed to put it to pen and share it with the world. Her memoir makes it feel like you're in the room with her, as she tells you about her life and her struggle to be recognized as part of the stolen generation and her place within her families. I feel very special to be able to read her story and have a bit more of an understanding of the hardships indigenous peoples faced
July 10, 2023
I read this book after hearing Brenda share her story at a local library event and I am forever changed by both experiences. While there are many details in this book that are utterly horrendous, Brenda is a shining example of moving forward with forgiveness, hope and love. One of the most powerful books I have read.
October 5, 2023
Lets vote Brenda Matthews for Prime Minister!
What a beautiful, inspiring memoir - where many would lean into blame and bitterness, I loved how Brenda told her story with compassion and hope. Despite the tragic circumstances of her childhood, she managed to make her story a celebration of her own history as well as the history of her people, the First Nations of Australia. The pacing for the story was just right, and helped along by her spare and gentle writing style.
I loved Brenda's descriptions of holidays and her general childhood felt so familiar to me (as I have also come from a large family with many siblings), yet I can't imagine what my life would feel like if I had been forcibly removed from my parents and family at just 2.
If you pick up a memoir about Indigenous australians, you expect it to be heartbreaking, we've all heard stories of what the stolen generation went through. Brenda's story is so different from the 'normal' ones of abuse, neglect etc. Instead, Brenda was 'lucky' to be placed with a loving white family when she was taken from her own birth parents, and told lies from the government about her own welfare and those of her siblings. She spent 5 years with her white family, 5 formative years that are the basis of her life, and actually make up the first memories she has. Her tragedy is of a different kind - of experiencing being ripped away from those she loved not just once, but twice - resulting in her not feeling like she quite belonged to either family.
I loved the story of Gogaun and Banaam at the end, likening them to our nation. I really hope more Aussies read this and realise we need to come together as one instead of all the divisive bickering. We can learn so much from our elder brother Gogaun and united we can build a great country where everyone lives together peacefully and happily.
What a beautiful, inspiring memoir - where many would lean into blame and bitterness, I loved how Brenda told her story with compassion and hope. Despite the tragic circumstances of her childhood, she managed to make her story a celebration of her own history as well as the history of her people, the First Nations of Australia. The pacing for the story was just right, and helped along by her spare and gentle writing style.
I loved Brenda's descriptions of holidays and her general childhood felt so familiar to me (as I have also come from a large family with many siblings), yet I can't imagine what my life would feel like if I had been forcibly removed from my parents and family at just 2.
If you pick up a memoir about Indigenous australians, you expect it to be heartbreaking, we've all heard stories of what the stolen generation went through. Brenda's story is so different from the 'normal' ones of abuse, neglect etc. Instead, Brenda was 'lucky' to be placed with a loving white family when she was taken from her own birth parents, and told lies from the government about her own welfare and those of her siblings. She spent 5 years with her white family, 5 formative years that are the basis of her life, and actually make up the first memories she has. Her tragedy is of a different kind - of experiencing being ripped away from those she loved not just once, but twice - resulting in her not feeling like she quite belonged to either family.
I loved the story of Gogaun and Banaam at the end, likening them to our nation. I really hope more Aussies read this and realise we need to come together as one instead of all the divisive bickering. We can learn so much from our elder brother Gogaun and united we can build a great country where everyone lives together peacefully and happily.
October 7, 2023
This was such a difficult book to read, the beginning was such a terrible tragic heartbreaking story, I just didn’t know if I could force myself through it, I’m glad I persevered, because Brenda finishes with such a peaceful beautiful message of hope, which is remarkable after the trauma she’s survived. I’m just so sad that it looks like the referendum is going to end up a no vote and put this country back - we need more leaders like Brenda to show us the way with hope and kindness and love and way way less leaders like Peter Dutton who sew seeds of fear and disunity. I wish everyone could be forced to read this book before they cast their vote. I’m glad Brenda ended surrounded by the love of her husband, children, parents and community.
March 28, 2024
They say that real life can be stranger than fiction, and Brenda's story was certainly overwhelming "strange." While not officially recognised as stolen, Brenda's trauma and healing from her experience clearly paints a different picture. I am so grateful for Brenda sharing her story as not only were my eyes open to stolen practices and injustices, but also to the endless possibilities of love. Thank you, Aunty Brenda.
April 10, 2023
4.5 Stars
Beautiful and heartbreaking with an ending full of hope. A must read!
Beautiful and heartbreaking with an ending full of hope. A must read!
April 29, 2024
A very powerful story. It has given me a better understanding of the people who were part of the stolen generation and their families and their struggles. A very easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2024
I read this as part of a bookclub. Brenda has an authentic way of outlining her very difficult journey in finding her sense of history and her family. Disconnected from her birth mum and dad at an early age must have been both terrifying and traumatic for Brenda and her parents. This meant that Brenda was also separated from her 7 siblings as well.
The discoveries about how Brenda's family and many other First Nations people's were treated by the government of the day is appalling. What was even more appalling was the continued cover up in documentation that makes no sense, both then and now.
Brenda is a genuine, giving and compassionate author who imparts her journey in a way that truly demonstrates she is both tenacious and resilient. Brenda is a true testament to all her parents influences.
Thank you for providing your journey to us all and showing us that no matter what your journey is that you can make your way back to your family, your sense of purpose and to your cultural heritage.
The discoveries about how Brenda's family and many other First Nations people's were treated by the government of the day is appalling. What was even more appalling was the continued cover up in documentation that makes no sense, both then and now.
Brenda is a genuine, giving and compassionate author who imparts her journey in a way that truly demonstrates she is both tenacious and resilient. Brenda is a true testament to all her parents influences.
Thank you for providing your journey to us all and showing us that no matter what your journey is that you can make your way back to your family, your sense of purpose and to your cultural heritage.
June 7, 2024
I think it would be almost impossible to read this book and not be impacted by Brenda Matthews' story. Sadly, it is a story that is not uncommon, and it is a story that needs to be told.
I would love this book to be on every high school curriculum as mandatory reading - we need to be teaching the experience of First Nations Peoples, the impact of colonialisation, repression, discrimination and racism, the stolen generations and it goes on. All of these have had an intergenerational impact.
Brenda's story is also one of hope and her vision of bringing people together - all of us - to celebrate our differences, to celebrate our histories and to celebrate our cultures.
It is a book written from the heart and the soul.
I would love this book to be on every high school curriculum as mandatory reading - we need to be teaching the experience of First Nations Peoples, the impact of colonialisation, repression, discrimination and racism, the stolen generations and it goes on. All of these have had an intergenerational impact.
Brenda's story is also one of hope and her vision of bringing people together - all of us - to celebrate our differences, to celebrate our histories and to celebrate our cultures.
It is a book written from the heart and the soul.
September 11, 2023
‘The Last Daughter’ is the autobiography of Brenda Matthews, an Indigenous lady removed from her family when she was two (along with her six siblings). Brenda was then separated from her siblings and sent to live with a white family who accepted her wholeheartedly, only for Brenda to be removed from their care 5 years later and returned to her birth family. This story recounts Brenda’s memories as she pieces together the lost years and the emotional pull of knowing the love of two families. Brenda tells of her quest to find connection with her land, culture and family as well as seeking justice to be recognised as part of the Stolen Generation.
May 13, 2023
All of Australia need to read this book! It is a story of love, healing and reconnection. A story that connects us to the story of this nation. A story that brings togetherness and hope. Every page brought a new kind of beauty and revelation. I am honoured to have read this book.
January 29, 2024
Heart breaking but told with love and hope.
February 12, 2024
I truly have no words. An essential read for every Australian!
March 1, 2024
Captivating. Such an interesting story, I wish Brenda and her family all the best.
June 9, 2024
Descriptive and easily likeable. An important read about stolen generation struggles years later .
November 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It is a story that needs to be heard .
June 29, 2025
.....📚 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 📚.....
The Last Daughter by Brenda Matthews is a true story of a young Aboriginal girl who was stolen from her family and put into state care. This is also a story of love, loss and reconnection, and one of forgiveness and hope. This memoir tells of the shattering experience of being stolen and the journey to discover the past.
When Brenda Matthews was two years old, she and her siblings were taken from their parents. For the next five years, she was a much-loved daughter of the Ockers, a white family. Brenda was a happy child in a country town on the outskirts of Sydney, unaware of the existence of her Aboriginal family or how hard her parents were fighting for her return. Unaware of her Aboriginal identity. Then, she was suddenly returned to her Aboriginal family, the last daughter to come home.
Decades later, feeling a sense of something missing in her life, Brenda searches for her foster family and her beloved white sister, with whom she had had no contact. Along the way, she uncovers long-buried secrets and government bungling, as well as a deep connection to family and to her Aboriginal culture.
The Last Daughter is the story of Brenda's journey to discover the truth about her past, to unite her two families-and to foster a better connection between black and white Australia. It's a story full of heartbreak, love, hope, and healing, one that shows a way forward for all Australians.
When I was lucky enough to hear Brenda speak at a conference earlier this month, I knew I needed to read her story. Brenda's message, that "healed people heal people," resonated with so many in the room, myself included. Brenda's story shows the complexity of the impacts of the Stolen generation and past policy and practices that continue to impact First Nations people and communities. I highly recommend this memoir.
The Last Daughter by Brenda Matthews is a true story of a young Aboriginal girl who was stolen from her family and put into state care. This is also a story of love, loss and reconnection, and one of forgiveness and hope. This memoir tells of the shattering experience of being stolen and the journey to discover the past.
When Brenda Matthews was two years old, she and her siblings were taken from their parents. For the next five years, she was a much-loved daughter of the Ockers, a white family. Brenda was a happy child in a country town on the outskirts of Sydney, unaware of the existence of her Aboriginal family or how hard her parents were fighting for her return. Unaware of her Aboriginal identity. Then, she was suddenly returned to her Aboriginal family, the last daughter to come home.
Decades later, feeling a sense of something missing in her life, Brenda searches for her foster family and her beloved white sister, with whom she had had no contact. Along the way, she uncovers long-buried secrets and government bungling, as well as a deep connection to family and to her Aboriginal culture.
The Last Daughter is the story of Brenda's journey to discover the truth about her past, to unite her two families-and to foster a better connection between black and white Australia. It's a story full of heartbreak, love, hope, and healing, one that shows a way forward for all Australians.
When I was lucky enough to hear Brenda speak at a conference earlier this month, I knew I needed to read her story. Brenda's message, that "healed people heal people," resonated with so many in the room, myself included. Brenda's story shows the complexity of the impacts of the Stolen generation and past policy and practices that continue to impact First Nations people and communities. I highly recommend this memoir.
June 15, 2023
A moving and beautifully balanced story often bringing tears to my eyes. My words cannot describe how appalling the bureaucratic actions were at the time and how, after many struggles, Brenda seeks and reveals her dual life and how far she has come after government intervention and adoption changed the course of her future. The photographs in her book show both families and special moments which are a joy to see. Brenda talks about her childhood and healing on page 189 – “Makes me feel that now I can have a say. It’s terrible and liberating at the same time – that my childhood traumas are coming back. But it brings healing to me to know the truth about both families, and that the truth is not what the Welfare made it out to be. It makes me think that we, as a Nation, need to do the same thing: go back to the past to find the truth so that it can be told and that healing can come.” She gradually gained that strength and the desire to speak out. For my part I truly hope nothing ever happens like that again, here or in any country in the world. A mother is a mother is a mother and no person or inept organisation on earth should have the right to do what happened to the Stolen Generation.
August 19, 2023
Brenda Simon was only 2 years old when she was forcibly removed by the government with no reason or right. She spent 5 years living with a white family who were fed lies and believed they had adopted Brenda. When Brenda was 7, she was returned to her birth family, being the last of 7 children to return.
This memoir shows the tragedy, the atrious decisions made and the significant ripple effect of this trauma through Brenda's life. Not only for Brenda, but for her blak and her white familes and her children and grandhildren, who will carry this intergenerational trauma.
This memoir explores Brenda's life, her painstaking troubles and her triumphs to be the best version of her.
I am so grateful for memoirs like Aunty Brenda's. This stories are real, the pain is real, the healing takes so long and it continues to have significant impacts each and every day. For those that don't believe in the stolen generations or intergenerational trauma, or believe it was "so long ago' I implore you to read this book.
So appreciative of the vulnerability and courage Aunty Brenda brings by sharing and yarning to us through this book.
Thank you to Text Publishing for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This memoir shows the tragedy, the atrious decisions made and the significant ripple effect of this trauma through Brenda's life. Not only for Brenda, but for her blak and her white familes and her children and grandhildren, who will carry this intergenerational trauma.
This memoir explores Brenda's life, her painstaking troubles and her triumphs to be the best version of her.
I am so grateful for memoirs like Aunty Brenda's. This stories are real, the pain is real, the healing takes so long and it continues to have significant impacts each and every day. For those that don't believe in the stolen generations or intergenerational trauma, or believe it was "so long ago' I implore you to read this book.
So appreciative of the vulnerability and courage Aunty Brenda brings by sharing and yarning to us through this book.
Thank you to Text Publishing for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2024
This was a touching account of the challenges of living with a mess made by over-zealous, racist and dishonest practices within the child welfare arm of the government, as well as glimpses of broader racist policies and actions over 200 years. It was partially a story of forgiveness and healing, and also a story of encouragement towards reconciliation, although the path was very unclear, as was the intended result.
It is so very difficult to know what to do with these accounts and the reality of past injustice, especially as it has ongoing impact. It is hard to see how indigenous wisdom and care of country can work with the capitalist behemoth that is modern government, even on the smallest scale, although it is worth investigating how things can be done better. There is still a gap in respect that persists and perhaps eventually books, documentaries etc like this one will bridge that divide.
It is so very difficult to know what to do with these accounts and the reality of past injustice, especially as it has ongoing impact. It is hard to see how indigenous wisdom and care of country can work with the capitalist behemoth that is modern government, even on the smallest scale, although it is worth investigating how things can be done better. There is still a gap in respect that persists and perhaps eventually books, documentaries etc like this one will bridge that divide.
September 28, 2024
Yep very good, these true stories need to be told and heard around this country. Shocking how recent stolen generations are and listening to this story starts to unravel what some of the impacts are, and hers was ultimately a positive story due to the sheer good luck of having loving foster family but still profound impacts. The genocidal intent of terrible government policies being born so unjustly on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I found the parts where Brenda uncovers her government records and the lies and secrets therein to be so outrageous and unfair. And still no accountability. I’ve also visited Galargambone NSW in the past and had absolutely no idea Aboriginal community lived there. The lies and secrets of white Australia continue on.
It must have been sooo hard to write and she’s done an excellent job of it; made a silk purse out of a sow’s ear! A real hallmark to her weaving skills
It must have been sooo hard to write and she’s done an excellent job of it; made a silk purse out of a sow’s ear! A real hallmark to her weaving skills
June 22, 2023
An easy read with a strong story. Lots to think about on many layers. Not just Brenda’s story but for many families ‘assaulted’ by welfare departments over the generations. Who decides what is a good enough environment for bringing up a family and how do these rigid views flourish and continue? The author’s journey to acknowledging her pain and rejecting the blame game and then finding a way to reconcile her story is both complex and simple.
May 15, 2025
All Australians should read this to get an insight into the issues faced by the Stolen Generation. It is very eye-opening. Brenda was blessed in that she was looked after by a white family who loved and treated her well, which was not always the case with the stolen children. But even though she had a loving family, she had the trauma of forced separation twice and it had lingering psychological and emotional impacts. Thankfully Brenda has come to a point of healing and accepting herself now.
May 24, 2023
An incredibly powerful story of Brenda’s experience as a stolen generation when she was wrongfully removed from her family at two years old. The journey Brenda embarks on to reunite with her loved ones shows true compassion, healing and hope. This version of Australia’s history is unlike others. Highly recommend this read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews