Said by reviewers to be a "wonderful story", what Alyss divulged of the earlier life of her family is truly remarkable and engaging. Set in Newcastle, Australia, a story starting out as a biography has had, for many reasons, to be presented as fiction, a novel.'I survived. I had to, ' Alyss, so intelligent, quiet yet bold, said in later life. The experiences of the four sisters Joyce, Eleanor, Alyss and Deidre are intriguing and depict many aspects of family relationships and post-war suburban life.Alyss had many good memories of her childhood; some scenarios are delightful- 'I know Daddy loved us', she said -but also great sorrow. Her father, Ross Gordon, had travelled halfway around the world to escape his brutal father and set up his own home. Sadly he, not recognising his own innate tendencies, became a harsh disciplinarian and, more sadly still, under the influence of alcohol, a violent husband.When his wife, Daphne succumbed to the charms of salesman Carl Maengaard, everything changed for all of them.Subsequent misjudgements by Ross lead to an intriguing and touching story, involving some very good and kind people.It was their innate fortitude that helped these girls survive as they did.This is a story the reader will find truly engaging and hard to put down