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by Lindsay Lewis (Author), Sharyn Killens (Author)
An unacceptable liaison, a secret birth, a mother's silence, and her black child's journey to discover the truth...
A Heart-Wrenching True Story of Resilience and Identity. The Inconvenient Child is the extraordinary life story of Sharyn Killens, a mixed-race child growing up in 1950s Australia; a time when society was far less accepting of racial diversity. This gripping narrative shines a light on the harsh realities of racial prejudice, the strength of the human spirit and the quest for belonging.
A Story of Survival Against the Odds. Born to an Australian mother and an African American serviceman, Sharyn's existence was considered an "inconvenience" by a society steeped in racial discrimination and social conservatism. Abandoned by her mother and placed in an orphanage, Sharyn's early years were marked by the harsh realities of institutional life at the hands of a violent abusive Nun.
Navigating a Hostile World. Sharyn's tumultuous childhood was marked by her struggle to find love and acceptance. From the notorious juvenile detention centre of Parramatta Girls Home: a prison where young girls are stripped of their dignity and liberties and punished frequently with physical force to Hay Institution: a brutal maximum-security institution for girls - a place of cruel and extreme punishment of State-sanctioned harsh discipline and hard labor. Sharyn's story is one of constant battle yet through it all she remained resilient, never losing sight of her dreams and her desire to forge her own identity.
Sharyn's Solace Is Her Love Of Music. But can she realize her dream to become a successful singer if, by twenty-four she is again caught up and trapped in the corrupt and shady yet glittering Kings Cross lifestyle?
A Quest for Identity and Belonging. In her relentless pursuit to uncover the truth of her heritage and find her African-American father, Sharyn goes in search of her roots; a quest taking her across the world and eventually to America's Deep South. But will she find the loving family and belonging she has yearned for all her life?
A Story That Resonates Today. The Inconvenient Child is a powerful commentary on the social and racial issues that still resonate today. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt out of place and the power of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Critical Acclaim and Reader Testimonials. Praised for its raw honesty and emotional depth, The Inconvenient Child has captivated readers worldwide. Critics have lauded the book for its compelling narrative and its unflinching portrayal of a life marked by hardship and triumph. Readers have described the book as "unputdownable," "heart-wrenching," and "inspiring," making it a must-read for anyone interested in stories of resilience and personal triumph.
