Secrets

Quotes

'Exploring trauma and addiction, Secrets is an unflinching account of what can happen when we care for others and let our true selves be seen. Judi Morison’s debut novel is at once a testament to how far we’ve come in this country, and in the same breath, a searing indictment of just how far there is yet to go. An instant Australian classic.'

'Judi Morison’s Secrets is a gripping and heartfelt novel that draws you deep into a world shaped by family bonds, hidden truths, and the enduring strength of Indigenous women. With a deft hand and deep empathy, Morison lays bare the heartbreak of racism and the resilience it breeds. This is a murder mystery layered with history, love and quiet power – one that stays with you long after the final page.'

'A powerful debut of love and loss. Secrets takes us inside a family of heartbreaking secrets. Judi Morison’s characters are true-to-life with all the complexities of human nature – they made me laugh and they made me cry. Ultimately, Secrets shows the power of truth to heal.'

'Ruth, a mother and matriarch, is reminiscent of the great characters of modern literature. Like Ma Joad of Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, Ruth is "the citadel that cannot be taken". We are indebted to Morison’s both subtle and searing craft in producing an unforgettable novel.'

'Epic, compelling and moving. A classic Australian saga centred around a farm house and its native gardens in northern New South Wales, rich in wildlife and memories. Secrets illustrates the ways trauma is passed on from generation to generation, but also the power of truth, and the strength of women, love and family.'

'A poignant and powerful story about family connections and Indigenous recent history.'

'Morison writes with skill and heart. I devoured this engrossing novel in one rush, by turns moved, angry and, ultimately, hopeful.'

'Here are two women who might believe they are worthless if not for small and large acts of human kindness. But it is their longing for each other that transforms them, and from the page, I felt their beauty and their grace.'

'Secrets is about the shame and the silences that can tear us apart – it’ll make you angry and it’ll make you cry. But it’s also about the power of hope, and the healing that can happen when we listen to each other. I fell in love with these characters. I felt like I was sitting right there at the kitchen table with them and I didn’t want to leave. A beautiful Australian novel.'

'Emotionally rich and socially resonant, this is a compelling novel that speaks to Australia’s complex history with sensitivity and insight.'