'A heartbreaking rollercoaster of hope, fear... and love... and a timely reminder of the beauty and fragility of life.' - Patrick Jones

'A memoir that explores the deep complexities of a life: of coming-of-age, of being from a mixed-race family, of growing up in a working class community, with such intimacy and honesty, I couldn't put it down. Debono writes about a mother-daughter relationship that is strained by addiction with such nuance and ultimately, with great love and care. This is a book about home, about belonging, and about the beauty and pain that shapes the making of us. It's a triumph.' - Taylor Edmonds

As a child I longed for escape... I wished things could be different, but what can you do but hold on for the ride?

Such a small house... How could it have accommodated both my mother and grandmother? They were both huge beyond their physical boundaries, filling each room until I thought the fire would go out for lack of air.