Mandy Sayer Boeken

The McDonagh sisters revolutionized Australian cinema by establishing the country's first female-run film production company from 1926 to 1933. Paulette, one of the few women directors globally, alongside her sisters Phyllis, who managed production and publicity, and Isabel, who starred in leading roles, challenged the traditional themes of "haystack movies." Their innovative approach introduced an exciting urban modernity to Australian film, marking a significant shift in the industry's focus and representation.

Set in 1940s Sydney, the narrative unfolds the poignant love story between a white female jazz saxophonist and a black American GI. Their relationship navigates the complexities of race and societal expectations during a tumultuous era, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of love in a divided world. The novel weaves together themes of passion, identity, and cultural conflict, offering an inspiring exploration of connection amidst adversity.

The narrative begins with a heartfelt childhood memory of a young girl who forms an innocent and profound bond with a disabled newspaper vendor outside the Empire Hotel. Her affection for him transcends societal norms, highlighting themes of love, acceptance, and the beauty of human connection. Through these early experiences, the story sets the stage for exploring deeper relationships and the impact of misfits in her life.

Today, roughly 100,000 Gypsies call Australia home, yet their experiences have never been included in any official histories of the country. In this volume, award-winning memoirist and novelist Mandy Sayer weaves together a wide- ranging history of Gypsies in Australia. Given their blessing to tell their stories, Sayer also demolishes some longstanding but baseless myths along the way.