The Secret Diary has evolved with a rather sharp and unexpected twist. The idea occurred to me as I was mulling over the editing and wondering how to give it a little more punch.
Of course, this has lead to more research and the things I am discovering have definitely touched a nerve. I find it incredible that society dragged everyday people through all manner of traumatic experiences just to save face. Whose face I ask you?! Everyone worried about what everyone else thought and so those caught in the middle were made to feel isolated, alone and ashamed and in most cases literally were. The governing factors of this were doctors, churches and in most cases the victim’s actual family. I can not imagine how a mother can turn her back on her own daughter when she is most in need of her support. The very idea abhors me and yet it was done. Of course, I do understand that said mother, might not have had a choice but to shun her own flesh and blood due to the pressures placed on herself.
I realise ideals were very different back then – mind you, we’re talking only a few decades ago – but I would think a parent’s love for their child is no different to the love a parent has these days.
The historical side for my story is not a big part but it is a crucial one and one I hope to write as authentically as possible. There’s still a lot I’ve yet to find out, but I can honestly say that this part of Australian history is one we can definitely not be proud of.
