Mary Garden
@marygarden.bsky.social
Award-winning author
PhD Journalism
My Father's Suitcase (2024) Shining a light on sibling abuse.
The Serpent Rising (1988)
My years in a sex cult 1970s. Sundowner of the Skies (2019). On my father.
https://www.marygarden.com.au/my-fathers-suitcase
PhD Journalism
My Father's Suitcase (2024) Shining a light on sibling abuse.
The Serpent Rising (1988)
My years in a sex cult 1970s. Sundowner of the Skies (2019). On my father.
https://www.marygarden.com.au/my-fathers-suitcase
So thrilled to be on this long list. Overcoming adversity.
My Father’s Suitcase.
Surviving family violence, intergenerational trauma and sibling abuse and betrayal.
My Father’s Suitcase.
Surviving family violence, intergenerational trauma and sibling abuse and betrayal.
September 26, 2025 at 3:05 AM
So thrilled to be on this long list. Overcoming adversity.
My Father’s Suitcase.
Surviving family violence, intergenerational trauma and sibling abuse and betrayal.
My Father’s Suitcase.
Surviving family violence, intergenerational trauma and sibling abuse and betrayal.
Thrilled that My Father’s Suitcase is on the longlist for Chanticleer Award: Journey Award for Overcoming Adversity.
Amazed and surprised that MFS now has five awards (also finalist for Able Golden Book Award to be announced in Melbourne in October).
I poured my heart into this story. A reckoning
Amazed and surprised that MFS now has five awards (also finalist for Able Golden Book Award to be announced in Melbourne in October).
I poured my heart into this story. A reckoning
September 25, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Thrilled that My Father’s Suitcase is on the longlist for Chanticleer Award: Journey Award for Overcoming Adversity.
Amazed and surprised that MFS now has five awards (also finalist for Able Golden Book Award to be announced in Melbourne in October).
I poured my heart into this story. A reckoning
Amazed and surprised that MFS now has five awards (also finalist for Able Golden Book Award to be announced in Melbourne in October).
I poured my heart into this story. A reckoning
My revised/updated book cover.
Very honoured that MFS has four awards. I poured my heart and soul into this book. It is not a misery memoir - it is a story of survival & healing from intergenerational trauma, including sibling abuse, the most common form of family violence, yet seldom discussed.
Very honoured that MFS has four awards. I poured my heart and soul into this book. It is not a misery memoir - it is a story of survival & healing from intergenerational trauma, including sibling abuse, the most common form of family violence, yet seldom discussed.
September 2, 2025 at 3:28 AM
My revised/updated book cover.
Very honoured that MFS has four awards. I poured my heart and soul into this book. It is not a misery memoir - it is a story of survival & healing from intergenerational trauma, including sibling abuse, the most common form of family violence, yet seldom discussed.
Very honoured that MFS has four awards. I poured my heart and soul into this book. It is not a misery memoir - it is a story of survival & healing from intergenerational trauma, including sibling abuse, the most common form of family violence, yet seldom discussed.
Beautiful Maroochydore
July 10, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Beautiful Maroochydore
Yay!!!
Still can't get my head around the fact that my little book has won FOUR INDIE AWARDS
MFS is a memoir on surviving & recovering from family violence and difficult sibling relations. It is a story of hope & resilience.
Thanks to the readers, booksellers, and everyone else for the support.
Still can't get my head around the fact that my little book has won FOUR INDIE AWARDS
MFS is a memoir on surviving & recovering from family violence and difficult sibling relations. It is a story of hope & resilience.
Thanks to the readers, booksellers, and everyone else for the support.
July 3, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Yay!!!
Still can't get my head around the fact that my little book has won FOUR INDIE AWARDS
MFS is a memoir on surviving & recovering from family violence and difficult sibling relations. It is a story of hope & resilience.
Thanks to the readers, booksellers, and everyone else for the support.
Still can't get my head around the fact that my little book has won FOUR INDIE AWARDS
MFS is a memoir on surviving & recovering from family violence and difficult sibling relations. It is a story of hope & resilience.
Thanks to the readers, booksellers, and everyone else for the support.
Absolutely gobsmacked and surprised that My Father's Suitcase has won another award. 4th now, but this is the best.
National Indie Excellence Award. Won in the category of AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Why mine? No idea, but thrilled to bits.
It's a difficult read on healing/recovering from family violence
National Indie Excellence Award. Won in the category of AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Why mine? No idea, but thrilled to bits.
It's a difficult read on healing/recovering from family violence
June 29, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Absolutely gobsmacked and surprised that My Father's Suitcase has won another award. 4th now, but this is the best.
National Indie Excellence Award. Won in the category of AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Why mine? No idea, but thrilled to bits.
It's a difficult read on healing/recovering from family violence
National Indie Excellence Award. Won in the category of AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Why mine? No idea, but thrilled to bits.
It's a difficult read on healing/recovering from family violence
New cover of my biography/memoir of my pioneer aviator father.
After 6 years, taking back the rights and self-publishing. And an e-book at last. God knows why the publisher didn't do one. Got sick of asking.
After 6 years, taking back the rights and self-publishing. And an e-book at last. God knows why the publisher didn't do one. Got sick of asking.
June 5, 2025 at 6:06 AM
New cover of my biography/memoir of my pioneer aviator father.
After 6 years, taking back the rights and self-publishing. And an e-book at last. God knows why the publisher didn't do one. Got sick of asking.
After 6 years, taking back the rights and self-publishing. And an e-book at last. God knows why the publisher didn't do one. Got sick of asking.
Thank you IPPY BOOK AWARDS.
I only found out this morning as their emails languishing in my Junk Folder. LOL.
Bronze winner Australia/NZ nonfiction.
Just thrilled
I only found out this morning as their emails languishing in my Junk Folder. LOL.
Bronze winner Australia/NZ nonfiction.
Just thrilled
May 29, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Thank you IPPY BOOK AWARDS.
I only found out this morning as their emails languishing in my Junk Folder. LOL.
Bronze winner Australia/NZ nonfiction.
Just thrilled
I only found out this morning as their emails languishing in my Junk Folder. LOL.
Bronze winner Australia/NZ nonfiction.
Just thrilled
Out with the girls at Peregian Beach.
I hope you like my hat. I grabbed it from Nanek's head. (Nanek = grandmother)
I hope you like my hat. I grabbed it from Nanek's head. (Nanek = grandmother)
May 18, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Out with the girls at Peregian Beach.
I hope you like my hat. I grabbed it from Nanek's head. (Nanek = grandmother)
I hope you like my hat. I grabbed it from Nanek's head. (Nanek = grandmother)
This HANDWRITTEN BEAUTIFUL LETTER meant the world to me today.
"Your story resonates deeply with me...Thanks for this very brave book - it has helped me to understand (and appreciate) a lot more about myself and what I went through."
SIBLING ABUSE
THE FORGOTTEN ABUSE
"Your story resonates deeply with me...Thanks for this very brave book - it has helped me to understand (and appreciate) a lot more about myself and what I went through."
SIBLING ABUSE
THE FORGOTTEN ABUSE
April 30, 2025 at 4:57 AM
This HANDWRITTEN BEAUTIFUL LETTER meant the world to me today.
"Your story resonates deeply with me...Thanks for this very brave book - it has helped me to understand (and appreciate) a lot more about myself and what I went through."
SIBLING ABUSE
THE FORGOTTEN ABUSE
"Your story resonates deeply with me...Thanks for this very brave book - it has helped me to understand (and appreciate) a lot more about myself and what I went through."
SIBLING ABUSE
THE FORGOTTEN ABUSE
If you live in Brisbane or on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival is on next weekend.
I'll be at the Book & Gift Market, with my 3 books. Looking forward to be immersed in writerly things, and the panel Sunday afternoon on family violence!
schwritersfestival.com.au
I'll be at the Book & Gift Market, with my 3 books. Looking forward to be immersed in writerly things, and the panel Sunday afternoon on family violence!
schwritersfestival.com.au
April 27, 2025 at 6:18 AM
If you live in Brisbane or on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival is on next weekend.
I'll be at the Book & Gift Market, with my 3 books. Looking forward to be immersed in writerly things, and the panel Sunday afternoon on family violence!
schwritersfestival.com.au
I'll be at the Book & Gift Market, with my 3 books. Looking forward to be immersed in writerly things, and the panel Sunday afternoon on family violence!
schwritersfestival.com.au
Always nice to come home to this view, my new home in Woombye.
April 18, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Always nice to come home to this view, my new home in Woombye.
Love my new home at Woombye
April 13, 2025 at 5:35 AM
Love my new home at Woombye
Point Cartwright. One of my favourite beaches.
Been walking around here for decades.
Been walking around here for decades.
April 13, 2025 at 5:34 AM
Point Cartwright. One of my favourite beaches.
Been walking around here for decades.
Been walking around here for decades.
Bought some geraniums, miniature roses and herbs today.
I love sitting on this verandah in my new home at Woombye.
I love sitting on this verandah in my new home at Woombye.
March 26, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Bought some geraniums, miniature roses and herbs today.
I love sitting on this verandah in my new home at Woombye.
I love sitting on this verandah in my new home at Woombye.
I've survived my move interstate, after a major foot operation. What a mission. Packing up using a knee scooter, driving with a dog and cat, and unpacking at the other end. It was worth it, though have been resting my foot all day
March 23, 2025 at 8:17 AM
I've survived my move interstate, after a major foot operation. What a mission. Packing up using a knee scooter, driving with a dog and cat, and unpacking at the other end. It was worth it, though have been resting my foot all day
null and null and null are back
Sydney Morning Herald
Spectrum
Sydney Morning Herald
Spectrum
March 14, 2025 at 3:52 AM
null and null and null are back
Sydney Morning Herald
Spectrum
Sydney Morning Herald
Spectrum
Glorious.
It's a beautiful book. Profound and deeply moving.
No endorsements (blurbs) on the beautiful cover, nor inside.
It's a beautiful book. Profound and deeply moving.
No endorsements (blurbs) on the beautiful cover, nor inside.
March 8, 2025 at 4:02 AM
Glorious.
It's a beautiful book. Profound and deeply moving.
No endorsements (blurbs) on the beautiful cover, nor inside.
It's a beautiful book. Profound and deeply moving.
No endorsements (blurbs) on the beautiful cover, nor inside.
Fantastic. I just found out that my little book was a finalist in some international indie award so a bit chuffed about that readerviewsarchives.wordpress.com/2024/10/24/m...
March 3, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Fantastic. I just found out that my little book was a finalist in some international indie award so a bit chuffed about that readerviewsarchives.wordpress.com/2024/10/24/m...
Someone on @bsky.app recommended this book months ago and I'm finally reading it!!
Absolutely LOVE IT TO BITS.
Oh my heart. It's simply wonderful.
Thank you whoever it was who said I'd love it.
Absolutely LOVE IT TO BITS.
Oh my heart. It's simply wonderful.
Thank you whoever it was who said I'd love it.
March 3, 2025 at 5:50 AM
Someone on @bsky.app recommended this book months ago and I'm finally reading it!!
Absolutely LOVE IT TO BITS.
Oh my heart. It's simply wonderful.
Thank you whoever it was who said I'd love it.
Absolutely LOVE IT TO BITS.
Oh my heart. It's simply wonderful.
Thank you whoever it was who said I'd love it.
Still getting great reviews for My Father’s Suitcase.
Happy to gift copies if postage paid, as moving house, and have a few boxes I'd like to get rid of.
More reviews on my website
Happy to gift copies if postage paid, as moving house, and have a few boxes I'd like to get rid of.
More reviews on my website
February 20, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Still getting great reviews for My Father’s Suitcase.
Happy to gift copies if postage paid, as moving house, and have a few boxes I'd like to get rid of.
More reviews on my website
Happy to gift copies if postage paid, as moving house, and have a few boxes I'd like to get rid of.
More reviews on my website
I absolutely adored this book and hope it's made into a TV series.
I just happened to read it by chance, as nothing about the book appealed to me, and I don't like the cover or footy etc.
But this is an absolute cracker of a story. Best fiction book I've read for a long long time.
I just happened to read it by chance, as nothing about the book appealed to me, and I don't like the cover or footy etc.
But this is an absolute cracker of a story. Best fiction book I've read for a long long time.
February 19, 2025 at 3:13 AM
I absolutely adored this book and hope it's made into a TV series.
I just happened to read it by chance, as nothing about the book appealed to me, and I don't like the cover or footy etc.
But this is an absolute cracker of a story. Best fiction book I've read for a long long time.
I just happened to read it by chance, as nothing about the book appealed to me, and I don't like the cover or footy etc.
But this is an absolute cracker of a story. Best fiction book I've read for a long long time.
Wonderful review of My Father's Suitcase
... Her story is one of survival, of reclaiming herself from the trauma of her childhood. It’s about breaking out of patterns that no longer serve her, and it’s a reminder that even in the darkest places, there can be light.
www.instagram.com/p/DGNOQFLRkgw/
... Her story is one of survival, of reclaiming herself from the trauma of her childhood. It’s about breaking out of patterns that no longer serve her, and it’s a reminder that even in the darkest places, there can be light.
www.instagram.com/p/DGNOQFLRkgw/
February 18, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Wonderful review of My Father's Suitcase
... Her story is one of survival, of reclaiming herself from the trauma of her childhood. It’s about breaking out of patterns that no longer serve her, and it’s a reminder that even in the darkest places, there can be light.
www.instagram.com/p/DGNOQFLRkgw/
... Her story is one of survival, of reclaiming herself from the trauma of her childhood. It’s about breaking out of patterns that no longer serve her, and it’s a reminder that even in the darkest places, there can be light.
www.instagram.com/p/DGNOQFLRkgw/
So thrilled with this 5* review of my memoir.
This memoir is "both heart-breaking and hopeful". I like that.
This memoir is "both heart-breaking and hopeful". I like that.
February 3, 2025 at 8:27 PM
So thrilled with this 5* review of my memoir.
This memoir is "both heart-breaking and hopeful". I like that.
This memoir is "both heart-breaking and hopeful". I like that.