Red Herrings for Breakfast by Annabet Ousback
$32.99 $28.04
Annabet and her younger brother Anders grew up in idyllic surrounds on the lower north shore of Sydney in the 1950s. They lived in the original boatshed on Balmoral Beach and had an Australian mother and an imposing Swedish Naval captain for a father. However, nothing was as it seemed and Annabet and Anders were exposed to harsh, often irrational and frequently violent discipline from both parents, which left them emotionally unbalanced and starved of affection. In a time where domestic violence was never discussed within the family let alone outside it, Annabet and Anders struggled to keep their spirits and souls afloat. But at least they had each other.
Anders became an internationally recognised chef and restaurateur, who left his legacy on the Australian food scene. He also was a talented potter holding numerous exhibitions of his works. Annabet became a children’s clothing designer and manufacturer whose clothing line was stocked in various boutiques Australia wide and David Jones department store.
Despite their outward success neither could escape the legacy of their violent and disturbing upbringing. Anders never overcame a secret he kept tragically to himself and Annabet was perpetually wracked with self-doubt due to her mother’s continual criticism.
This beautifully written story not only traces the history of growing up on the north shore but the gradual evolution of the food and fashion scene in Sydney in the 70s and 80s. It encompasses many areas of day to day struggles within families that were not discussed then and which are, sadly, still occurring today. An engrossing read, it will evoke many nostalgic memories of Sydney in the 6os, 70s and 80s.
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Red Herrings for Breakfast by Annabet Ousback
This beautifully written story traces the history of brother and sister Annabet and Anders Ousback, who grew up living in the now iconic boatshed at Balmoral Beach in the 1950s. While it seemed idyllic, their lives were anything but. They were raised under the care of their overbearing, violent Swedish father and very strict, emotionally distant mother, who were both unsupportive of the children’s creativity and talents.
Read an extract from Red Herrings for Breakfast by Annabet Ousback
Additional information
| Authors | Annabet Ousback |
|---|---|
| ISBN | Red Herrings for Breakfast ISBN: 9780648556923 |
5 reviews for Red Herrings for Breakfast by Annabet Ousback
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BadApplePress –
‘A beautiful, beautiful Australian story tracing the history of a brother and sister. For those who have lived on the northern beaches you are sure to know about beautiful Balmoral beach and the beautiful fig trees and the island. There is lots of laughter in the book and lots of tears, and what a combination that is folks…It is a great story about the day-to-day struggles within a family. I couldn’t put it down.’ Michelle Holmes, Northern Beaches Radio
jeff –
its good
Gail Jarvis –
I purchased this book at midday and had devoured it by midnight.
By the last page I was emotionally exhausted. I’m still struggling to feel closure on this read.
It’s breathtaking in it’s simplicity and familiar on so many levels. I felt I was living and visualising every page. All of which is a credit to the author.
She has taken us to a pocket of Australian history where much was left unspoken, unnoticed and unexposed, yet deeply felt.
The story of an emotionally wounded family, set against the backdrop of Sydney’s beautiful Balmoral Beach, makes for a powerful juxtaposition.
A great read and highly recommended.
Steve Anderson –
Red Herrings for Breakfast is a fabulous read. I was totally engrossed and can not recommend this book highly enough.
It is a poignant disturbing and glorious snap-shot of the author’s early years. Thank you Annabet Ousback for sharing this.
Cassandra Stokes –
Fabulous, engrossing and poignant read.
Julie Campbell –
What an emotional read! I can well believe how cathartic and painful it must have been to tell your story. It was a wonderful tribute to Anders and to you Annabet, for your amazing talents and caring soul. It shone through.