Someone to Watch Over Me

The narrative centers on Shirley Gilfillan, who endured a harrowing childhood marked by abandonment, abuse, and trauma in 1920s Australia. After being blinded in one eye by her mentally ill mother, she was removed from her home and placed with an uncle unprepared for her care. Eventually, she was sent to a Catholic orphanage, where her suffering continued. Despite the relentless hardships, including sexual abuse while working for an elderly couple, Shirley's resilience shone through as she clung to hope for a better future. This poignant tale is shared through the author's memories of her mother.