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jrmarr's review against another edition
4.0
I’m not a big fan of autobiography, but this one was nicely written and cleverly structured. She has a light touch, even when writing about some of the darkest hours in history and in her own life, so it is not the harrowing read it might have been in someone else’s hands. And it was nice to find out more about the evolution of an Australian entertainment icon.
punkinmuffin's review against another edition
5.0
I couldn't put this book down. It's going to stay with me a long, long time. Her descriptions of suburban Melbourne life in the eighties hit me over the head like a hammer. Likewise her sense of herself, or lack of it, as a teenager and young adult. There were times I felt she was describing MY mind, not hers. Magda is much, much braver than I. I find myself wanting to sit down with her and have a long, long talk about things. That and cry. A lot.
If you're the child of European immigrants, you should read this book. If you've ever felt like a square peg in a round hole, read this book. If your political convictions have ever come up against an immovable barrier of conscience, read this book. If you've never experienced war first-hand, read this book. If your sexuality has, even just occasionally, seemed like some strange elusive thing and you've spent too much time worrying "What the fuck AM I?" read this book.
Look, just read the fucking book.
If you're the child of European immigrants, you should read this book. If you've ever felt like a square peg in a round hole, read this book. If your political convictions have ever come up against an immovable barrier of conscience, read this book. If you've never experienced war first-hand, read this book. If your sexuality has, even just occasionally, seemed like some strange elusive thing and you've spent too much time worrying "What the fuck AM I?" read this book.
Look, just read the fucking book.
shockcorridor's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
esshgee's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable memoir with some nostalgia about people I knew and places I've been, as well as fabulous tv comedy shows that I've loved. I think it could be summarised as 1/2 autobiography and 1/2 biography/tribute to her father
essjay1's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting story, perfect for the audio format as Magda does a lot of accents really well, especially her parents. I really enjoyed the parts about her father (Poland, WWII) and growing up in the 60's in suburban Melbourne. At the end she talks about how she believes trauma can be passed down through generations and that part is fascinating.
kcfromaustcrime's review against another edition
5.0
Powerful and moving, a perfect face to face bookclub book triggering a wide ranging discussion as we talked through many of the issues out of the book including the concept of Reckoning and inter-generational trauma.
libbyjane67's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this heartwarming, revealing and honest story. Couldn’t recommend it more highly. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself Magda.