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Butterfly on a Pin
- Narrated by: Alannah Hill
- Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins
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Butterfly on a Pin
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Publisher's Summary
Alannah Hill, one of Australia’s most successful fashion designers, created an international fashion brand that defied trends with ornamental, sophisticated elegance, beads, bows and vintage florals. But growing up in a milk bar in Tasmania, Alannah’s childhood was one of hardship, fear and abuse. At an early age she ran away from home with eight suitcases of costumes and a fierce determination to succeed, haunted by her mother’s refrain of ‘you’ll never amount to anything, you can’t sew, nobody likes you and you’re going to end up in a shallow grave, dear!’
At the height of her success, Alannah walked the razor’s edge between two identities - the ‘good’ Alannah and the ‘mongrel bastard’ Alannah. Who was the real Alannah Hill? Reprieve came in the form of a baby boy and the realisation that becoming a mother not only changes your life but completely refurbishes it forever.
Yet 'having it all' turned out to be another illusion. In 2013 Alannah walked away from her eponymous brand, a departure that left her coming apart at the seams. She slowly came to understand the only way she could move forward was to go back. At the heart of it all was her mother, whose loveless marriage and disappointment in life had a powerful and long-lasting effect on her daughter. It was finally time to call a truce with the past.
What listeners say about Butterfly on a Pin
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 06-10-2020
Loved it!!
Loved this book. Couldn't put it down.
Beautiful written and read. She's incredible creative writer. Absolutely amazing.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Belinda Jacobson
- 25-01-2024
Incredibly moving and raw - highly recommended
Alannah’s story was very emotional, gut wrenching at times but her resilience shone throughout. Her narration of the book added to its charm.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 13-12-2018
Whimsical, truthful and entertaining!
The marvellous, transformative and highly entertaining memoir of Alannah Hill has taken me through the journey of a “unjoined” child into the eccentric whimsical Australian Designer that we all know!
I was expecting to be interested, but felt transported, and this will be one of, if not the, favourite autobiographical book I have read.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- M. Watson
- 16-12-2020
Wow
Truly worth penning, Alannah’s memoir gives us complete insight into the iconic designer’s mind, her hopes and torments. Her path to success is fascinating and her retreat from the spotlight now utterly understandable. Thank you Alannah for sharing your story. I recommend this to everyone who appreciated her talent.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 25-01-2022
Raw, honest, shattering, creative and insightful
A brave, emotional, inspiring biography well read by the author. Her creative talent is expressed in every aspect of her life. The dinner party hooked me in for a non stop journey ... I felt empathy, sadness, hope, despair, inspiration and humour. Talking directly to the listener with 'dear reader' the work touched me with its humanity. Reasons and purpose for this work are clear and important.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 09-06-2023
Heartfelt
So much pain, but so heartfelt. It was an honour to read your story and I wish you so much love.❤️
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 10-01-2019
Captivating
I was taking in from the first harmonic tones, I have "Mum" in my head now with her words bought to life by Alana.
Thank you for sharing your story 💕
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 19-12-2022
a world of emotions
you don't have love fashion to truly love this story. I found it to be one of the most gripping memoirs I've ever read. this book will stay with me for a long time.
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- Janet Irwin
- 14-02-2023
Absolutely spell binding!!
I don’t normally review books but I really loved this read by Alannah herself. I could imagine the worlds she navigated so clearly and felt as though I was right in there with her, incredibly inspiring . …. And wearing the gorgeous clothes now has so much more meaning
Highly recommend to creatives looking for a gripping read
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 05-04-2021
Amazing life story
I was amazed at Alannahs story. she's inspiring, courageous and resilient. thank you for telling your story.
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