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Growing Up, Rocky
- A Rockhampton Childhood
- Narrated by: Viv Marena
- Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins
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Growing Up, Rocky
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Publisher's Summary
Written over 51 chapters, we follow the unusual family upbringing on an Aboriginal mission on Cape York. The family live apart for a year in three locations in Queensland as the father trains to become an Anglican priest at 44 years of age, and then they have to re-learn who to live again as a family under the one roof in Rockhampton.
This is the true story of the youngest daughter of a Sydney couple living at Lockhart River Mission for 9 years, raising their children within an Aboriginal village of five tribes.
Conceived on Cape York, and finally moving to Rockhampton as a young child. A family tragedy in 1971 with the shocking death of brother Chris, two days before a family wedding, sees the upheaval of family life.
Patty feels abandoned and has to educate and raise herself as well as learn to iron a cassock!
Patty brings herself up with her distracted parents, marries young and then flees a violent marriage. Patty dreamed of a bigger life than what was offered in her sleepy country town. Life became a series of ground-breaking adventures, and we follow her turbulent relationships and jobs, learning how to survive.
Share her adventures in this gentle, humorous and insightful early memoir.
What listeners say about Growing Up, Rocky
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bob Hartley
- 16-02-2023
Such a good listen as it reminded me so much
I waited for an age to get this book via Audible. It was difficult to wait as the printed version was available, but in the end I had a delightful time on road trips listening to the recollections and observances of Patty Beecham. (Disclosure: I have known Patty for quite a few years as we sporadically ventured into each others circles).
By the time I finished the book, I had been reminded about things that were very Queensland. Even more so, of a time in coastal Queensland. Different products/brands sprung back into my mind with the mention of them. Even the smell of baby-oil that was used as a "tanning" lotion to the destruction of my mum's Hills Hoist, I'm sure I can still feel the strap marks on my bum. (yeah, I did deserve it).
All in all, I enjoyed the words, I enjoyed contextualising a time of my life, from her narration.
There is a certain bravery in putting pen to paper (or soap-stone pencils to slate boards) and revealing yourself to all and sundry. I am not sure I could do it.
I congratulate Patty for telling HER story, in HER way, and it feels respectful throughout.
For what it is worth, I am looking forward to the next installment.
The downside of this spoken word book, for me, was the narration. It took a long time to get into Viv Marena's narration style. It was a little tortuous to hear mispronunciation of place names. I did struggle a little with her enunciation from time to time, but rewinding thirty seconds helped me get into her groove. But, don't let that deter you from a good read..
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