** SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 MARGARET MEDCALF AWARD **
Who was Marjorie King? Her daughter, Jennifer, needed to know. Why did her beautiful, funny, shy mother never speak about her past? Where was her Mum’s family?
Jennifer’s framed portrait revealed a stunning young Asian woman. But there were no images of Marjorie as a child. And while there was a steady stream of relatives from Jennifer’s father’s family to their Swan Valley farm, from her mother’s side there was only silence.
As Jennifer grew older, she began recording the little information her mother shared, always reluctantly and often through tears. Her childhood friend Cheryl was surrounded by family history. Her interest in genealogy, writing and research would inevitably find her drawn in to this compelling family mystery.
After years of chasing clues and frustrating dead ends, a new bond would prove vital in a chain of events that would shine the light on Jennifer’s way home, uncovering a surprising connection to Australia’s Stolen Generations.
Jan Zeck –
What a great read!
I was intrigued with it from the first sentence, not just the mystery but the pace and the unique voices of the story tellers.
For anyone with an interest in family, Australian and particularly Swan Valley history this is a fascinating ride through the intimacy of the authors lives and insights into the early years of the European settlement. It helps to tell a much more diverse and balanced story of how we got to here. In the authors’ own words, “It is a celebration of the power of curiosity, conversations and connection.” A story well worth telling!
Marlene Katich –
‘..I feel honoured to be given advance reading of what will become a ‘must read’ for anyone with historical curiosity, a background of mixed race or the age-old question – where do I come from?
The universal questions – who do I look like, why am I the way I am, are not unusual questions for a child to ask….until there is something to hide.
Jennifer showed us all that every bridge can be crossed and every obstacle can be overcome when seeking the truth about who you are….
The two voices on this journey speak beyond what is on the page and seem to be guided in a way that goes way beyond coincidence. Some points were other worldly…the way information was drip fed into their research when they were losing hope. Contacts made through serendipity…
…Marjorie King has found a voice beyond the grave…’
Dorothy Hunter, Marjorie’s niece. –
“My late sister Margaret and I had been searching for our aunty Marjorie for years. Although we never knew where she was or had the opportunity to meet her, our mother would talk often about her, and we would even receive gifts from her. It was sad and we never felt our family was whole growing up without Marjorie in our lives. Things changed dramatically when I received a call from James at Kimberley Stolen Generation advising that he had found Marjorie’s family. I was in shock and, at first, could not believe it. A few days later I received a call from Jennifer, Marjorie’s daughter, and I initially felt overwhelmed – could this really be true? As I began to realise this was very real, I cried tears of both joy and sadness. Joy that we were finally able to connect with long-lost family and sadness that our mother was not here to be part of this emotional reunion. I began to develop a very intimate connection with Jennifer as we shared stories of our past and aunty Marjorie. I felt so happy to know that Marjorie was finally coming home to lay in peace on country and beside her family. This has been a long and emotional journey for me and my family however it has provided us all the opportunity for deep healing.”
Suzanne Daff (Facebook) –
Great persistence Jennifer to finally get a result/understanding of your Mums past life.
Ruth Priestly (Facebook) –
How exciting! I remember Jenny talking about her mum when we were at school! Good on her!
Karen Stockden (Facebook) –
Well done Jennifer and Cheryl. All the time and effort has been worth it
Kristy Field (Facebook) –
I love the cover!!
Beverley Cottrell –
After a long and arduous journey in search of her mother’s family history, Jennifer was finally rewarded with the answers that had eluded her over so many decades.
The journey was, many times, seemingly impossible and one of frustration, futility and tears with the leads and conversations with older family members disclosing nothing of relevance. To Jennifer’s credit the project was never given up, only ever filed in the “too hard basket”, to be reviewed periodically.
Having known Jennifer’s mother, a loving, quiet well-spoken person with a sense of humour and always a smile, who would have thought the mystery of her past would reveal the childhood heartbreak that she must have endured and the combining of two cultures.
Rose Van Son, winner, 2021 Bronze Quill Award, Society of Women Writers WA –
‘What a story! Mystery and resolution – to find yourself is the biggest quest of all.’
Jan Pond, reader –
“The story of Finding Marjorie King is a wonderful product of her daughter’s tenacity and determination, with the help of her lifelong friend, to find her mother’s true story. The outcome was very different to what she imagined, but at last the mystery was solved. This book is such a worthwhile read. Marjorie’s true story provides insight into life in Western Australia during the early to mid 1900’s.”
Gun Dolva, lecturer, program co-ordinator, co-author ‘Karina Has Down Syndrome –
‘The wonderful cover is followed by a fantastic journey into the history of not only Marjorie, but also the people of the Swan Valley and beyond. A great read. The careful writing makes it seem as if you ‘are there.’
James Feehan, Link Up Caseworker, Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation. –
‘The arduous search for Marjorie King exemplifies the emotional and cultural trauma experienced by families affected by forced separation. As the Link Up Caseworker assigned at the time, I felt it nothing less than an enormous honour and overwhelming privilege to play my small part in reuniting this family. Although Marjorie’s story is tinged with loss, sadness, grief and family and cultural fragmentation, it is also one that ultimately revealed an incredible strength of spirit, resilience, resolution, completeness, humour and immense joy. Bringing Marjorie home meant genuine healing could begin for the entire family, as she was now finally able to rest in peace where she truly belonged – her destiny, her country. I was seriously moved and humbled by this entire experience and to share it with Marjorie’s daughter Jennifer and her extended family was an immense privilege, one I shall never forget.’ James Feehan, Link Up Caseworker, Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation.
Lisa Munday, MLA –
‘Jennifer’s journey to find her mother’s childhood, to search for answers about where Marjorie came from; is not only inspiring, it shows the courage and tenacity of what a person can do when a daughter’s love is the driving force.’
Sarah Evans, writer –
‘Finding Marjorie King is a real-life modern-day detective tale that will appeal to all those addicted to sleuthing. The authors should be applauded for their tenacity and determination to unearth clues, follow leads and piece together the early years of Marjorie’s life so that her true identity is finally revealed. Well done.’
Marilyn Horner, reader and family historian –
This compelling and inspirational story celebrates the power of the unknown, drawing strangers together, determined to find answers to a search that at times seemed hopeless. That’s kismet. Timing is key. If the answer doesn’t come today, repeat the question tomorrow, but keep searching. Never give up.’ Marilyn Horner, reader and family historian.
Julie Quansing-Rowlands. –
‘…I can’t believe what a profound effect this book has had on me….So many memories at the personal level….things that remind me of my Mum, life on the plantation, the era as well as world events….I almost feel the life you describe could be my life.’ Julie Quansing-Rowlands.
Dr Shane Burke Senior Lecturer Archaeology and History Discipline Coordinator Archaeology School of Arts & Sciences The University of Notre Dame Australia Fremantle Campus –
Congrats on the book. Like many publication set in a familiar environment (Cloud Street, a few of Tom Hungerford’s short stories, even Upsurge), one can relate more to the characters and their lives due to the common ground that is described so well in this publication. It’s a phrase in archaeology – ‘context is everything’ – but for me it applies to the enjoyment one gets from a book like yours and the story it tells…
Karyn Ford, Finding Marjorie King Facebook page –
Just finished reading Chapter 1. Loved it! Looking forward to reading the whole story.
Lisa Mundy –
Jennifer’s journey to find her mother childhood, to search for answers about where Marjorie came from; is not only inspiring, it shows the courage and tenacity of what a person can do when a daughter’s love is the driving force.
Rachel Hilfers –
Totally entranced from the first page. Such a brilliant read! Well done JD and Cheryl. What a maze and what an outcome. Thoroughly enjoyed it from start to end.
Natasha Upcott –
‘Finding Marjorie King is a deeply moving story of a daughter’s search for her mother’s identity and cultural heritage. It’s a powerful journey of discovery, love, and loss that had me laughing at times but, more often, in tears. The storytelling is beautifully raw and emotional, making it impossible to put down. If you appreciate stories that uncover hidden family histories and explore the complexities of identity, this book is a must-read. I highly recommend taking the time to experience it for yourself.’ Natasha Upcott