Vintage Books Australia North Sydney N.S.W. 2010
ISBN: 9781741666793
Maria Tumarkin travels with her Australian born daughter, Billie, back to Russia and the Ukraine to have her child experience the country her mother came from. Maria’s past was not just another country, but a country that no longer exists, where seismic changes have occurred in the cultural and political life of it’s people. This is the tale of a six week trip that tells the different, but connected stories of three generations of mothers and daughters, in as many lifetimes, of a bond that grows between Maria and her daughter, Billie.
Hourglass/Exisle publishing 2010
ISBN: 9781921497216
As the author Basia Bonkowski and her brothers gather to watch over their mother as she lies dying in hospital, details of their mother’s life emerges. Fleeing Poland in advance of the Russian invasion, this is the story of great suffering and the struggle to reach Australia and begin a new life. It is the story of the Bonkowski family over 3 generations and the ties that bind them, it is a journey of personal growth and of the strength of human spirit.
Allen & Unwin 2011
ISBN: 9781742372389
Told with humour, tragedy and great warmth Anh Do tells the story of his families desire for a better life in Australia. Escaping from war torn Vietnam, Anh’s family almost didn’t make it in an overcrowded boat on the high seas. His mother made tremendous sacrifices and things were tough after his father left, but their determination saw them succeed in their adopted country. Ahn went on to become one of our favourite comedians.
Harper Collins 2011
ISBN: 978073332954
Zoe grew up in Brisbane in the 70’s and 80’s feeling only half Australian. She denies her Italian heritage, refusing to learn the language and dyeing her hair blonde. This is her personal journey to discover her heritage. In a beautifully written and heart warming style she tells of her travels to Fossa in Abruzzo, a magical place of dark forests and castles to meet her extended Italian family. Here her family has lived for centuries and she is captivated by the village. Zoe at last realises the true value of her heritage through its stories, recipes and traditions, as the village is hit by an earthquake!
University of New South Wales Press 2011
ISBN: 9781742232553
Tanveer Ahmed tells of the complexities of growing up in Sydney’s west in an immigrant Bangladeshi family full of turmeric and spices. His stories emerge as a result of the culture clash, as he leads a double life dabbling in the Australian cuisine and cultural activities, while his family need him to follow in their traditional ways. He is at one time a member of a rock group called the Taliban, a Bollywood host , a student of medicine, before settling for a career in psychology. In a gentle and modest way he tells of his fathers painful acceptance of change and the surrendering of his place as a traditional patriarch. A charming and funny book.
Vintage Books 
