The twists and turns of Judith McNeil's dramatic life story read like something straight out of a movie. Cast into a world of depression, extreme poverty and abuse, she ultimately prevails against seemingly impossible odds.
The author is set to share her story, that is recounted in her books "No One's Child" and "The Girl with the Cardboard Port", at Logan Central Library on Thursday, 8 October.
Starting with the death of her father when she was 14, Judith's childhood takes another tumultuous turn when her mother relocates to Brisbane and she is sent to a Catholic correction facility for wayward girls. Judith is then forced to flee to Sydney following a life-threatening altercation with her stepfather.
After finding the security of a job in Sydney, Judith's life is again cast into chaos when she meets a Singaporean man and becomes pregnant. After they marry he sends her to live with his family in Singapore while he remains in Australia.
Abandoned in a foreign country and loathed by her in-laws, Judith is dumped in Kuala Lumpur with her children and finds herself at the mercy of one of Malay's headhunting Dayak rebels.
Eventually, Judith is faced with the devastating decision of having to leave her children behind to escape her nightmare.
Hear Judith's gripping story at the Logan Central Library on 8 October at 10:30am - 12 noon.
Morning tea will be provided and there will be a lucky door prize.
What: Author talk with Judith McNeil
When: Thursday 8 October
Where: Logan Central Library
Bookings: Bookings are essential, to book call Logan Central Library (07) 34124100
Cost: Free