Women of the
Women of the Outback is a rousing celebration of the lives of fourteen ‘true heroes of our sunburnt country’. It presents the touching stories of women who have overcome incredible hardships and beaten towering odds to survive and thrive in some of the remotest parts of Australia.
Young mum Maree was forced to make a go of a drought-ravaged farm for the sake of her three young children after her husband and son were killed in a light plane crash, overseas air hostess Nell became a mainstay of tiny Birdsville, Molly lived alone in the Simpson Desert for 20 years without even a phone, while singer/songwriter Sara Storer reveals her passionate love of the land – for which she may, one day, give up her career.
With a foreword by Janet Holmes à Court and tales as diverse and inspiring as the women themselves, this collection of stories paints a vivid, lively and accessible picture of the thrills, spills and heartfelt joys of life in the bush.
As author Sue Williams says, “I’ve learnt so much about the achingly distant Outback after travelling around 18,000 kilometres (the equivalent of Sydney to New York), but the most important lesson has been what an amazingly fertile place it is for producing women of courage, daring, resilience, enterprise and stubborn good humour in the face of all the terrible lows and dizzying highs that life hurls at them…”
Women of the Outback was published by Penguin Books in September 2008 in print, as an e-book and as an audio book
Reviews
“Women of the Outback by Sue Williams is a compelling biography and memoir that explores the inspiring stories of several resilient women living in the Australian outback. These women face incredible challenges of isolation, harsh environments, and emotional trials, yet they exhibit remarkable strength and courage. Their narratives provide a fascinating insight into their unique lifestyles and the tenacity required to thrive in one of the world’s most remote regions.”
Book Hero
“Sue Williams has uncovered some remarkable subjects in this book. From high-profile businesswomen to everyday heroes, these women will inspire and delight.”
Catherine Milte
Wheelers
“Of the 14 contemporary women profiled in Women of the Outback I confess I planned to read about half, then write a general review. Imagine my humility when, about 10 pages in, I was wiping the tears from my eyes and realising that every word cried out to be read, so powerful is the material journalist Sue Williams has assembled, honed and incorporated into this remarkable book.”
– The Bookseller + Publisher September 08
“There is something fascinating about women who opt for a life of loneliness and hardship in the Australian bush. For some reason, we feel that men are at home in the harsh environment and so, ever since Henry Lawson wrote The Drover’s Wife and Frederick McCubbin painted The Pioneer, we have celebrated the courage and stoicism. In this genuinely engrossing collection of short biographies, Sydney writer Sue Williams profiles 14 modern Australian women who have chosen to live far from the security and comfort of the coastal cities.”
– Sydney Morning Herald 18/10/08
“The death of loved ones, terrible accidents and nightmare isolation – but still these 14 outback women survive and thrive. Williams tells their moving and inspiring tales.”
– Sunday Life magazine 26/10/08
“Australia is still a country of pioneers to a certain degree. In the vast outback people are, even now, living on a virtual frontier where they are isolated and battling against the elements. This has been the stuff of novels, movies and mini-series, and it’s also the central tenet of this fascinating book by award-wining journalist and author Sue Williams.”
– Brisbane News 22/10/08
“Inspiring tales about overcoming challenges and celebrating the lives of 14 outback women, the new book by Sue Williams is a must read.”
– The Land 28/8/08
“The beautiful writing style of Sue Williams ensures this handsome book is a definite page-turner.”
– Walgett Spectator 24/09/08
“… utterly inspiring.”
– Illawarra Mercury 2/10/08
“With a foreword by Janet Holmes a Court and tales as diverse and inspiring as the women themselves, this collection of stories paints a vivid, lively and accessible picture of thrills, spills and heartfelt joys of life in the bush.”
– Maitland Mercury 1/10/08
“Read for yourself how 14 extraordinary women had the resilience to face droughts, deaths and disasters, to conquer any ignorance, and learn to live in incredible isolation. Their zest for life, for survival against the odds, is humbling and awe-inspiring.”
– Woman’s Day 29/9/08
“By gosh, us city chicks have it easy. The author travelled more than 18,000km across the country to catalogue the tragedies and triumphs of 14 of the nation’s most resilient women of the land. Have tissues handy – you’ll be filled with admiration.”
– Grazia October 08
“Women of the Outback demonstrates that living in some of the harshest and most isolated areas on earth can develop in ordinary women and men an incredible appreciation for what life has to offer, and an ability to find beauty, friendship, success, love and achievement in the wonders and challenges of everyday life.”
– Suite 101 12/10/08
“Author Williams gathers the stories of 14 remarkable women, from achievers to everyday heroes, whose accounts at times may be heart-rending, but are always life-affirming.”
