Shades of Me (Mel Brown, Rockpool)

Melinda Brown’s Shades of Me challenges the saying ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ by taking us through Brown’s ‘many lives through many Dreamings’, including her careers as a child protection worker, clairvoyant and real estate agent. The memoir mostly takes place on the lands of the Ngunnawal people, to which Brown unravels an ancestral connection later in life. This book is not a light-hearted read, as it deals with domestic and family violence and explores the child protection system, but—as the author writes—‘it is not a story of despair’. The book details Brown’s turbulent childhood, marked by domestic violence, contrasted with brief moments of familial happiness. As a young woman, her independence is interrupted by an abusive partner. Finally, as a young mother, her newfound knowledge of her Ngunnawal heritage sparks a decades-long quest of self-discovery. Of all the versions of Brown we meet in this book, I enjoyed reading about her as the child protection worker the most. It feels like she has truly found her calling to ensure First Nations children and families receive culturally safe care. Brown is an honest narrator, and her candid stories highlight the successes and failures of the child protection system in Australia, particularly for First Nations families. Shades of Me will resonate with readers interested in spirituality and self-discovery, as well as those concerned about the harsh realities of Australia’s child protection system and the work we must do as a nation to support vulnerable communities.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 1800RESPECT on 0458 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.au.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Eman Mourad is as an Australian-Egyptian emerging writer based on Gadigal land. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews