Growing Up, Rocky
A Rockhampton Childhood
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Narrated by:
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Viv Marena
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By:
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Patty Beecham
About this listen
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.
©2022 Patty Beecham (P)2023 Patty BeechamWhat listeners say about Growing Up, Rocky
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- 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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