Book Review by Meredith Fuller psychologist & author
CHILD MAGICAL a memoir by Cecile Ravell
Warrior Women Press 2021
Child Magical: A Memoir follows the adventures of a three-year-old, who travels halfway around the world by the time she is five.
Cecile’s novella is dedicated to the ‘child magical in all of us, who has the gift of imagination,
shows resilience in challenging circumstances, and sees life as an adventure’
A memoir author and poet, Cecile loves travelling the world, and has lived in many countries. This novella brings to life an intimate tale of an immigrant growing up in Australia in the 1960s. What makes this novella particularly interesting is her positive and amusing style. Her interactions with her brother and other school children are very funny, a tonic in our COVID restrictions.
Like many immigrant stories, she shares significant moments as an outsider in a society that values fair-haired children and explains what it feels like as a girl in her family culture that reveres boys.
In three parts, she begins with the Journey; moving from Brooklyn, to ‘Multa’, to ‘A Stralya’ with a series of hilarious anecdotes.
In part two she describes the Place; Melrose Street, Flemington Road, and Wedding Court. For those of us who know these places, her escapades are very funny and poignant.
In part three, she outlines the Era; her family, the way things were, and the getting of wisdom.
Charming photos from her private collection head each chapter and provide nostalgic glimpses of people and places.
For those of us who remember the 1960s, so many little details remind us of what has been lost. I loved her description of Frys peppermint cream chocolate bars as much as the games children used to play.
This is a lovely, uplifting read that also hints at the girl who will grow up to have several professional careers and continue to find her unique place.
Information about her other novellas, and further childhood anecdotes are available on her website, where her books can be direct ordered.
https://ravellc.wixsite.com/ravell-the-writer
Her books can be direct ordered from the website
