A Secretive Century: Monte Punshon’s Australia (Tessa Morris-Suzuki, MUP)

A Secretive Century by Tessa Morris-Suzuki is an illuminating biography that unveils the remarkable life of Monte Punshon, an Australian woman who lived from 1882 to 1989. From her conservative upbringing in Ballarat to her diverse experiences as a teacher, amateur actor, radio broadcaster and unofficial cultural ambassador, Punshon’s story unfolds against the backdrop of an evolving colonial Australian society. Her life is a remarkable example of uniqueness and resilience, and learning about it will be enjoyable for not only history and biography fans but also anyone interested in queer stories. Punshon loved her ‘homosexual boyfriends’ and took part in the underground queer scene of 1930s Melbourne. Later in life, she more openly discussed her love for women, particularly the love of her life, Debbie Sutton. The book delves into Punshon’s passion for fostering connections between Asia and Australia, reflecting on her travels, her love for Japan and the Japanese language, her work at the Tatura Internment Camp and the Bonegilla Migrant Camp and teaching in Port Vila, New Hebrides (now Vanuatu). Punshon emerges as a trailblazer in promoting cross-cultural understanding. From the Goldrush to the edgy St Kilda clubs of the 1980s, Morris-Suzuki offers an exploration of an ever-changing cultural landscape and a woman seeking to live her life without fear.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Hannah Cartmel is an editor, former bookseller and co-founder of The Rag & Bone Man Press Inc. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Reviews