Mother's Disgrace

Robert Dessaix

Jan 2014 · HarperCollins Australia

About this ebook

An intimate and moving account of the search for origins and identity by respected author, broadcaster, essayist and translator Robert Dessaix. 'A journey of identity by a virtuoso in language and master of narrative control ... a brave, moving, funny, enthralling book - all the way' - tHE CANBERRA tIMESAdopted as a baby towards the end of World War II, Robert Dessaix grew up haunted by 'a shaft of silence' surrounding the question of his natural mother's identity, and of his identity and sexuality. In this touching memoir, he recounts the story of a most unusual childhood on Sydney's North Shore; of his fascination with Russia and his years spent studying in Cold War Moscow; and of his restless wanderings around the world.Frank and compelling, this 'tale without an ending' is a story of coming to terms with a history previously unknown, and with it the acceptance of a new identity.A Mother's Disgrace was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, and highly commended for the FAW Christina Stead Award and the Age Book of the Year. 'One of the most intelligently moving autobiographical narratives I have ever read. A book that is fascinating, engrossing ... And a book that invites challenge' - tHE AGE

About the author

Robert Dessaix was born in Sydney in 1944 and is a well-known broadcaster, writer and translator. He studies at Moscow University in the late sixties and seventies and for almost twenty years taught Russian language and literature at the Australian National University and the University of New South Wales. For many years he was the presenter of the ABC Radio National's 'Books and Writing' program. He has published essays, memoirs, novels including NIGHT LETTERS and CORFU, and translations of Russian writers such as Chekhov, Dostoyevsky and Turgenev.