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Reckoning

By: Magda Szubanski
Narrated by: Magda Szubanski
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Publisher's Summary

Heartbreaking, joyous, traumatic, intimate and revelatory, Reckoning is the book where Magda Szubanski, one of Australia’s most beloved performers, tells her story.

In this extraordinary memoir, Magda Szubanski describes her journey of self-discovery from a suburban childhood, haunted by the demons of her father’s espionage activities in wartime Poland and by her secret awareness of her sexuality, to the complex dramas of adulthood and her need to find out the truth about herself and her family.

With courage and compassion she addresses her own frailties and fears and asks the big questions about life, about the shadows we inherit and the gifts we pass on.

Honest, poignant, utterly captivating, Reckoning announces the arrival of a fearless writer and natural storyteller. It will touch the lives of its listeners.

©2015 Magda Szubanski (P)2015 Bolinda

What listeners say about Reckoning

Average Customer Ratings
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Highly recommend

Loved this book. Interesting, insightful, funny, sad and entertaining.
A complex personal story of self and family.
Was lovely to hear Magda's story in Magda's own words.
Highly recommend.

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3 people found this helpful

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I didn't want this book to end

Magda is one talented lady. This book was raw and honest, and her story telling remarkable. Listening to Magda reading her story was very special, particular her mum's Scottish accent. I loved this book and would be happy to listen to Magda tell her story every day.

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2 people found this helpful

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more layers than an apple strudel

I enjoyed this honest, raw and humble book.
The exploration of self which in turn leads to real consideration of the realities of our parents' experiences and how they play out in our psyche is beautifully told.
Although we are taken to many dark places of the heart and soul,
This was an uplifting listen, mostly because the writer cares and questions the makings of an authentic life. Refreshing in its enquiry into what is actually important.
I had the feeling that there was an alchemy of feeling and experience occurring within this book - I felt witness to a transformation.
The line, probably not correctly quoted, but as I recall it 'my parents - the two great loves of my life' .... absolutely beautiful in the context of this story.
Worth listening to the writer as the reader too, another interesting layer.

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1 person found this helpful

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"A Good Read Indeed"

Loved this book, beautifully written & highly recommend. Made listening more special, when read by the author herself. Thank you Magda for sharing your life story & God Bless you for the next chapter in your life's journey.

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1 person found this helpful

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Complex and beautiful Magda

An intimate glimpse into the life and soul of Magda. Her narration and all the voices were so good and so funny and engaging. A really poignant story about a search for identity and belonging. Very inspiring.

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Loved Magda’s story

It was like sitting in a comfortable place just listening to her - sharing a coffee or drink and of course an amazing piece of history. Thank you

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Magda

Throughly enjoyed this book.
Felt very sorry for Magda’s life struggles but happy for her in the end.
Enjoy the rest of your life Magda.

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  • Overall
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Absolutely Incredible!

I could not stop listening. My weekend had to revolve around activities I could do whilst listening and proximity to charging my phone so it didn't die. Being an child of the late 80s, I didn't realise what an incredible story-teller Magda is; I've only ever hear and seen her comedy. A first-rate writer, weaving her raw emotion through the most intimate and soul-bearing moments, the moral and ethical dilemmas she experienced, especially making sense of her dad, had my heart ripped out and torn to confetti. Being a fellow gay gay gay gay gay gay straight gay gay gay, I felt the relief and sheer pride of her ultimate coming out story; and not having the language to express who and how you are. When I purchased this book, I honestly thought it would be another middle-aged privileged women's white bread story - but boy was I wrong! Magda (and I feel like it's appropriate to refer to her in first person after being read her story by herself), is the most interesting, sensitive, colourful, heart-filling, beautiful people I've never met. I hope one day I have the privilege of meeting her. What a gem! My new favourite book.

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  • Overall
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A great memoir from a beautiful writer

What a brilliant memoir. Intelligent and informed, witty and well performed by Magda herself. I loved it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

entertaining and thought provoking

Loved it, and will miss Magda's voice in my head. You certainly have a story to tell and being a Melbourne girl in the very era you were writing about brought back many memories. Thank you...love you more than ever now wee lassie

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