Rebecca Hazel author of The Schoolgirl, Her Teacher and His Wife details the horror story of what happened on our beautiful Northern Beaches just over 40 years ago. That this book ever came to reality is an absolute triumph of Hazel’s determination in the face of almost insurmountable adversity.
The book details with meticulous care the story of Chris Dawson’s despicable criminal behaviour. Chris was one of Australia’s most notorious killers who lived, and loved, in plain sight for more than 40 years. The ripple effect of his actions go beyond his loving wife, Lynette, who he abused and killed, the school student he groomed, controlled, abused and married, and the harm he caused the children of his first marriage and the child of his second. Then there’s the impact on family, friends and work colleagues. It is a story of violence and trauma experienced first-hand and vicariously. Reading this book made me angry, frustrated, sad, confused and ashamed of the endless mistakes made by those responsible for administering justice.
Hazel didn’t go looking for the story. She was neither a writer nor an investigative journalist. She was a mother living in Manly and a lawyer working in a women’s refuge where she met the schoolgirl Chris Dawson had groomed. Referred to as JC in the book, JC spoke to Hazel about the abuse Chris Dawson had inflicted on her and how it had impacted her life. This conversation began 25 years after Lynette had disappeared.
Hazel felt a responsibility to honour Lynette and JC. She has certainly done that and much more. This book is a must read, especially for anyone who wants to understand what coercive control looks and feels like and where it can lead.
Where to buy
Berkelouw Bookshop in Balgowlah hosted the author talk that introduced me to this book – support them, shop local.
The Pitch
Ben Welsh, the author of The Pitch, comes from big time advertising land here and regionally. Getting your message across succinctly and memorably is what great advertising does. Ben has applied this skill to his book.
The central character is Dan Atkins, Creative Director of an advertising agency, pitching to government on a climate change campaign. The ultimate decision-maker on the campaign is the Prime Minister and he’s a climate change denier, as was Dan at the start. It’s clear the writer knows a thing or fifteen about the bullshit of advertising and how governments make decisions on advertising campaigns. Legislation making truth in political advertising law can’t happen fast enough.
Dan feels like a compilation of the best and worst the author has seen in advertising creatives during his long career. Dan’s attitudes and antics make you laugh and cringe in almost equal measure. There is love, lust, drugs, deadlines and much more in this fast-paced, well written little book.
Where to buy
Haven’t seen it locally but Dymocks has it as does Amazon – buy it here
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