Whisper My Secret

by

JB Rowley

                                                                                                              
         Listen to a preview        read a preview

JB Rowley (left) with  Bronwen Bennett
 at the launch of  Whisper My Secret

The Launch

Whisper My Secret was launched at Readings Books, Port Melbourne, Victoria on July 11th, 2007 by Bronwen Bennett:: National President of The Children’s Book Council of Australia and Director of Show and Tell Promotions

Bronwen Bennett: ‘This amazing story by June Barnes-Rowley (JB) focuses not just on the secret her mother had protected throughout her life, but other secrets hidden within the insular yet judgemental community in which Myrtle Webb lived.

Apart from children’s literature, I am a passionate reader of history and biography, so I was interested to see whether June could tell a story in words as well as she can tell one orally. The answer was a resounding “Yes”.

I was curious whether she could place the story in an historical context that seemed both real to me and true to its place in Australian history. Again, a resounding “Yes”.

And finally, I wondered whether June could make me empathise and understand her characters (her family), even those who were not attractive to observe. Another resounding “Yes”.

In short, June, I was thrilled to see how well you had crafted this story on so many important levels.'

JB Rowley signing a copy of
Whisper My Secret
at Readings Books, Port Melbourne

A True Story

In Whisper My Secret JB tells her mother’s true story, the story of Myrtle’s secret, which only comes to light after her death when her daughters find papers hidden in an old cash tin.

Myrtle lived most of her life in Orbost, East Gippsland but grew up in Albury, NSW during the 1930s and 1940s. She is a victim of a time when women were often powerless and appearances meant everything. Secrets lurked behind the veneer of Albury's respectable society. As a teenager Myrtle despises this hypocrisy and fails to appreciate the dangers of flaunting honesty.

After falling pregnant to the boy next door she is trapped into a loveless marriage dominated by her mother-in-law. She tries to make the most of her situation but eventually falls victim to false accusations with tragic consequences that saw her three young children taken from her. She is never reunited with her children.

Ironically she is shamed into secrecy.

Preview Whisper My Secret

What others say about Whisper My Secret

'The opening chapter when the children are ripped from a naïve Myrtle’s arms is heart wrenching.' Lisa Korycki, Bendigo Advertiser.

'With shades of the haunting works of Jodie Picoult, Whisper My Secret finds the perfect balance between soft desperation and anger.' Jessamine Archer.

'It is very tightly written,' Jan Goldsmith, Radio 3CR

'...best-selling story...'  Border Mail, Albury/Wodonga

'...amazing story...'  East Gippsland News

'Beautifully written!' Vita Mezzatesta

‘You provide readers with a true but sad picture of the way unmarried, pregnant women were once treated and the callous and unfair way your mother’s children were removed from her.’  Shirley Randles, Southern FM: 88.3

Early Success

The first print run of Whisper My Secret sold out before the launch of the book! The original date of the launch had to be changed to ensure availability of stock.

Whisper My Secret has also enjoyed early success in Orbost, East Gippsland where JB was born. In the same week that the latest Harry Potter book was released and in a town that boasts two primary schools and a secondary college it was Whisper My Secret  that topped the sales at the Orbost Newsagency, which doubles as the local bookshop

The Author

JB Rowley, (June Barnes-Rowley) is a Melbourne based author as well as a professional storyteller telling stories to children and adults and offering workshops and seminars.
 Email JB             Articles by JB