As I watched Gina Chick on the SBS series ‘Alone’, her bond to the earth was undeniable. She was fascinating to watch.
This memoir is a very personal exploration of her life and choices. It starts with her childhood where she is ‘too big’ for everyone and feels more at home feeding baby birds. Her struggles at school are heartbreaking as they lay down the foundations that impact her in her 20s. Her university and working life in Sydney are crazy. She falls in love with a con man and then works her way out of an impossible amount of debt.
As Gina starts to reconnect with her childhood self, she begins her journey to different camps and retreats. She falls in love and eventually, with cancer and its brutal treatment while she’s pregnant, fulfils her dream to have a child. Then another cruel blow is dealt to Gina, I found this chapter very hard to read.
This book is a gift. Gina is honest, raw, poetic and captures her deepest emotions authentically. The people in her life are colourful, interesting and loyal. I loved reading about her connection and dedication to the land and the lengths she will go to live a version of life she believes is true and authentic. She’s a natural storyteller with wonderfully descriptive writing. Every emotion is big, bold and heartfelt.
Everyone will take something different from this book but without a doubt you will never forget this extraordinary woman and will wish for a little of her optimism in your life.
Reviewed by Nicola Skinstad
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