Reviews

Get Up Mum by Justin Heazlewood

thisgirl_writes's review against another edition

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5.0

There are no words to adequately capture the beauty of this book. I loved how it was told in first person, from the perspective of 12 year old Justin, and how it brings to life the deep and complex love between a child and a mentally ill parent. Everyone should read it.

ryansiriwardene's review against another edition

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3.0

I got bored and started skim reading through some of the chapters. Also got frustrated it wasnt pointed out clearly or maybe it was, the disease his mum was suffering. Was it schizophrenia?

catherinejay's review against another edition

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4.0

Beautiful and bittersweet with a somewhat unsatisfying ending.

lenin_lover_69's review

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emotional funny slow-paced

4.0

This was such a beautiful book - I loved the different approach to memoir, embodying yourself as a child. There was no happy ending or neat tying up, but I was so touched and moved by the care and love taken to write a book that is filled with nostalgic 90s minutiae 

librarykath's review

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3.0

A book that manages to both be sweet and distressing at the same time. Written in the childlike voice of 12-13 year old Justin Heazlewood, Justin is both a very sheltered boy and one who faces the difficult reality of living with a parent suffering schizophrenia. Heazlewood managed to capture the childhood anxiety of living with a mentally ill parent while also expressing a childhood wonder of the world and his deep love of family. I was particularly touched by his loving relationship with his maternal grandparents, especially having lost my own in the past few years.
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