Only
recently have I under stood why I am driven to write and advocate for young
people and families for young people and adults. It’s deeply embedded in the
struggles of my family’s wartime, human rights violations and the refugee
experience. My parents carrying my little brother, left all they knew to escape
across ‘no-man’s land’ minefields in the dead of night for freedom. My mother’s
Hungarian world was no longer the same. Gone were the operas, balls, visiting
the health spa on Lake Balaton; her father’s world at the university as a
Professor of Engineering; a household with servants and afternoon teas on
Margarita Island on the Danube. My father’s world was taken too. His farm
taken. His white horse disappeared. His way of life gone.
The
Austrian refugee camp was crowded, difficult, but it was from here that
Australia selected them to go as bonded migrants on a battered WW11 warship.
They had hoped to be selected by the US. Like other refugees they worked long
hours – my father in the car factory; my mother in the clothing factory . Life
in Sydney began in one room with the family sleeping on mattresses on the
floor. But there was hope and a belief in the future.
My
parents who have passed away now, would be profoundly moved that, I am an
Australia Day Ambassador and have been recently been awarded an Order of
Australia.
An
interview with ABC radio (similar to BBC) Conversations with Richard Fidler -
www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/11/15/3066754.htm
As
a multiple cancer survivor, single parent of two children, teacher, I felt
compelled to write children’s and young adult books which would travel with
young people and families. My books are endorsed by anti-school bullying
organizations, The Cancer Council, The Children’s Hospital (Westmead Sydney),
Room to Read and many associations.
Tell us about the genre of your work.
I
write real-life fiction that has won awards across the board, including
children’s books, young adult novels, picture books, short stories for
anthologies ranging from children to adult, adult short stories.
Why did you choose this genre?
It’s
instinctive and something I’ve been writing since a little girl, not for
publication but because it’s natural. I write from an emotional core about life
with all its funny and sad parts. The driving force is that whatever the
challenge, there’s hope and light.
What
are some of your books, stories that have been published?
Butterflies is a young adult novel recently
published in the USA by Kane Miller
Butterflies
(Australian version), published HarperCollins Australia
JACK
books: - I Am Jack. Super Jack, Always
Jack published by HarperCollins Australia
That’s Why I Wrote This Song, a young adult title with music and
lyrics by Tory Gervay published HarperCollins Australia
The Cave published HarperCollins Australia
Ships in the Field published Ford Street Publishing
Australia
and others
What ages do you direct your books?
From
5 to 21 years
Can
you tell us more about your books and where we may find them?
All
my books are available through online bookstores. ‘Butterflies’ published in
the USA is available through bookstores. All my titles published in Australia
are available in bookstores in Australia and Pacific regions.
Butterflies by Susanne Gervay
Publisher:
Kane/Miller Book Publishers (2011)
ISBN:
9781610670432
‘Heart
wrenching and beautiful are the two words that immediately came to mind as I
read "Butterflies." The true terror and depth of Katherine's burns
and recovery are deftly shown through the movement of the text between
flashbacks and the present. Gervay paints a picture of Katherine as she grows
and changes allowing the reader to believe in her as a real person. Unlike
other teen angst books, Katherine does not dwell in her angst, but moves beyond
it and chooses to leave the misery and find joy in her daily life. Gervay has
done an excellent job of examining a topic not often seen in books for young
adults- burn survivors who are not victims, but victors. Gervay allows
Katherine to win at the end- not because she suddenly becomes amazingly
beautiful, but because she always was beautiful and knew that within herself.
Kudos to Gervay for painting the reader a picture of a self-reliant teen girl
who does not depend on a boy to make herself feel valuable. Highly recommended
for libraries- school, public and personal- who want to add to their girl power
collections.’
Reviewed
by Kim Thompson, M. Ed, MLIS
Kenton
County Public Library
Grades:
7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Use:
Recreation; Reference Aids: Appendix; Genres: Coming of Age, Family, Realistic;
Literary Merit: Very Good; Characterization: Very Good; Recommendation:
Recommended;Level: High School; Comments: webmanager@swonlibraries.org
JACK
Titles: I Am Jack, Super Jack and Always Jack
I Am Jack HarperCollins Australia IBSN 0 207
19905 1
Super Jack HarperCollins Australia IBSN 978 0
207 19918 9
Always Jack HarperCollins Australia IBSN 978 0
7322 9020 7
Tackling
the touch issues with a light touch
Always Jack
Susanne
Gervay: illustrator Cathy Wilcox
In
I Am Jack , Jack battled bullies at
his school and won. In Super Jack,
Jack faced the trails of a newly blended family. Now, in Always Jack, our hero faces a challenge bigger than he’s ever faced
before.
Nanna
is older and wobblier than ever. Jack is experiencing strange emotions whenever
he sees his best friend Anna. Then there’s mum and Rob’s impending wedding,
which seems to be taking over the world.
But
these entire woes pale into insignificance when mum delivers the news that she
has breast cancer. As usual, Jack sums it up incredibly succinctly: ‘I look up
at him. It’s hard to speak. ‘But it’s cancer Rob.’ I can’t live without mum.
None of us can love without mum.’
But
while mum’s illness makes Jack re-evaluate aspects of his life, it doesn’t
dominate the narrative. This is the skill in Gervay’s storytelling: to
encapsulate the realism of a young boy’s life, yet still deal with big issues
such as cancer. Death. Divorce, grandparents, sibling rivalry, friendships, refugees
and the Vietnam War.
How
does Gervay deal with so many issues in one relatively short children’s book?
The answer is that she treads lightly. Jack is Gervay’s vehicle for spreading
words of wisdom but at no time does she preach. Eternally, Jack and his story
remain wholly believable. Readers will not only empathize with Jack but love
his sensitive introspection and his wisecracks designed to alternately
entertain and annoy his family.
At
its heart, Always Jack is a powerful tool for providing comfort to children of
cancer sufferers and for educating the uninitiated. More than that, it’s a true
Australian story that could happen to any of us. And as a multiple breast
cancer sufferer and survivor herself, no one understands better than Gervay
what it’s like to battle – and overcome – the disease.
Part
survival manual, part therapy, part autobiography, part fiction, Always Jack
succeeds in distilling a complex medical conditions for young readers to
digest.
‘Mum
is in her white sack when she waves us over. ‘I’ve organized that you kids can
have a quick look into the radiation treatment room.’ It is super quick but
it’s interesting. Reminds me of a laboratory. There’s a major X-ray machine
like a big metal right angle hanging over a metal bed.’
As
Gervay says, she wrote Always Jack,
‘for families who go through cancer to share the journey; and to invite other
kids and community to join in.’
The
illustrations sprinkled through the book, by Sydney Morning Herald cartoonist
Cathy Wilcox, are as delightful and entertaining as Jack himself. Beautiful,
sad, funny – Always Jack will make
you laugh and make you cry. Guaranteed. Carrying the NSW Cancer Council’s stamp
of approval, Jack’s story will stay with readers always.
Reviewed
by Aleesah Darlinson
Sun
Herald Book Section
Trailer:
I Am Jack www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWC6QkiplkU
That’s Why I Wrote This Song
By
Susanne Gervay with lyrics and music by Tory Gervay
Published
HarperCollins Australia
ISBN
13: 978 0 207 20086
The
new young adult novel by bestselling author Susanne Gervay is no ordinary book.
It’s a multi-media experience, complete with music (soundtrack available at www.sgervay.com) and film clip (as seen on
ABC TV's Rage and online on www.youtube.com).
A
tremendously passionate writer, Gervay has won many fans by simply speaking
about her work at festivals and literary events. Her novels show the same
ardor, as Gervay writes from the heart and often, about subjects with which she
has had personal experience.
This
latest novel was inspired by the author’s daughter, Tory Gervay, and is a
collaborative effort between the pair (Tory wrote the music and lyrics featured
in the book.) The story is about a teenage girl, Pip, who uses music to help
her express and understand her emotions, her relationships and identity.
Writing
and performing songs, such as the no-holds-barred Psycho Dad, is how Pip and
her friends assert their autonomy. Each girl struggles under the weight of
parental pressure, particularly from dominant and in some instances violent,
father figures. The girls’ diverse but equally affecting relationships with
their parents, gives the story balanced doses of hope, sentimentality, anger
and heartbreak.
This
book has fantastic energy to it, partly because of its multimedia components
but also because of Gervay’s descriptions of rock concerts and Pip’s musical
performances, which encompass all the senses so evocatively.
Angie
Schiavonne
Feature
in Spectrum Sydney Morning Herald
Trailer
– That’s Why I Wrote This Song – track Pscho Dad www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqNOCtdoNCM
Trailer
– That’s Why I Wrote This Song – track I Wanna Be Found www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw0JRQVht3E
The Cave
HarperCollins
Australia
IBSN
0 207 19814 4
‘The
Cave is a gritty story of courage and hope for those in the passage between
youth and adulthood. Both compassionate and confronting, Susanne Gervay takes
us on a journey, eight days’ camping with the hero Knox and his mates including
Fat George, Bennie and Jones, and the evil Watts.
This
journey was eight days of descending into fear, exhaustion, ravines and rivers,
each in their own way carving out a sense of self-knowing and mateship; eight
days of reverie where past and present ghosts comfort and perplex. Ultimately,
in the cave, Knox comes to a sense of responsibility and authenticity that is
more powerful than the mystery of the Rave Party or Watts metal tip leather
boots.
As
a psychologist, I recognize the private maelstrom engulfing many young adults,
in-transit between powerlessness and independence. As an educationalist, I
appreciate the groups’ ambivalence towards their two guides, Seaton and Sarah,
and towards a society that alienates and fragments. As a reader, Susanne Gervay
compels us, like the river that is part of her story, towards the rancid murky
Cave, the final place of initiation.
This
is an epic story beautifully written with clear spare prose and the ability to
go right to the heart of young males in modern society.’
Carole
Kayrooz PhD, MAPS, Vice Pro Chancellor, University of Canberra
Ships in the Field (Picture book)
by
Susanne Gervay & Anna Pignataro
Publisher:
Ford Street Publishing
ISBN:
9781921665233
Ships in the Field is an illustrative narrative giving a
voice to children and families impacted by war and disaster, establishing a new
home.
‘Ships in the Field is a book that will
never date. It’s a story that will be every bit as relevant fifty years from
now as it was fifty years ago. A must-have for every classroom.’ Quote from
Review below marked ***.
Do
your books have a teaching objective? If so, what is it?
All
my books have teaching notes and although available as trade books, the
secondary school market is important and keeps my titles in backlist for a very
long time.
‘That’s Why I Wrote This Song’ where my
daughter Tory Gervay wrote the music and lyrics that are integral to the text,
is a leader in multi-platform story. While each aspect stands along – the book,
songs, lyrics, youtube film clip, film script, back story – all inter connect.
A reader can jump into any of these mediums to engage in the journeys of the
characters.
‘I Am Jack’ is a rite-of-passage middle
grade novel studied in many anti-school bullying programs. Adapted into an
acclaimed play adapted by Monkey Baa Theatre, it has just completed its third
season to full houses in Australian theatre. Endorsed by the major Australian
anti –school bullying organizations, it is a major teaching text.
‘Always Jack’ carries the rarely given
Cancer Council’s yellow daffodil who has endorsed it:- ‘Always Jack makes it safe for children. Families and communities to
talk about cancer.’ The Cancer Council.
‘Butterflies’ is recognized as
outstanding youth literature on disability (IBBY) endorsed by the major
Children’s Hospital in Sydney and widely studied in schools as well as in
outreach burn unit programs.
How do you come up with the names of
places and characters in your books?
The
characters comes from life, the people I know, observe, the travels as an
author from speaking in Kiribati a 3rd world Island Nation in the Pacific Ocean
to speaking in New York at the World Burn Congress on ‘Butterflies’.
The
places are from my observations. For example in my young adult novel ‘That’s Why I Wrote This Song’ I was
inspired by the music of youth, the bands and the music scene. In ‘The Cave’ I was inspired by The Blue
Mountains which is the canvas of the novel.
When
I write, I live my books, experience it and the places and characters come from
there.
Is
there a unique character or a recurring character if you have more than one
published or to be published book?
All
my characters I believe are unique, yet they connect with us. We know them, love
them. They are our friends and family. When the reader has finished reading my
books, I hope that the characters continue beyond the page in their lives.
Jack
from my Jack books is greatly loved in Australia. He is an everyman – part of
us, someone we know, our best mate, a brother, son – us.
Katherine
in ‘Butterflies’ is magnificent.
She’s just a girl, but as she faces her challenges, the fighter in her
confronts us with the fighter we can be.
The
older/father male characters are inspired by my father. In ‘The Cave’ the grandfather who is an air
force veteran brings wisdom, family commitment and core values to the page. Sam
Knox the main protagonist in ‘The Cave’
is deeply influenced by his grandfather. An insight he gains:-
Grandpa
said that;-
‘War
is not brave, but men can be brave in war and in life.’
I
remember when I wrote that line, both the character Sam Knox and I were
growing.
What
is your favorite thing about your book/s?
When
I write, I laugh and cry with my characters as they face challenges and
discover who they are. I seek the heart of human relationships and when I get
there, it is a deeply felt satisfaction.
Is
your book illustrated? If so, would you tell us by whom, and if you worked with
an illustrator, can you discuss that experience?
My
first picture book ‘Ships in the Field’
is illustrated by award winning illustrator Anna Pignataro has just been
published in Australia. ‘Ships in the
Field’ seeks to give a voice to the children and families of refugees as
they find home in new countries. It is deeply personal as the stories are of my
father slurping chicken soup every night; my mother sewing in the factory;
memories of war and hopes for the future. When Anna Pignataro read the
manuscript she said it was her story as the child of Italian immigrants.
Together we created the universal experience of finding home.
It
was emotional and complex as the words and images gave form to the personal and
the universal. The pleasure and privilege of working with Anna, as she wove her
own narrative into the artwork deepening and visually enriching my story was
extraordinary. It became our story.
‘Ships in the Field’ is being embraced
here as an immigrant nation. I love this review
***Reviewer:
Jenny Mounfield
With
issues of immigration featuring heavily in news headlines over the past year,
the release of this title couldn’t be more timely. Ships in the Field concerns
one family’s experience of migration as seen through the eyes of a child.
Forced from their homeland by war, the unnamed child and her parents embrace a
new life in Australia. Once a farmer, Papa now works in a factory, while Ma, a
teacher, takes in sewing. Despite the horror of the past and the unknown future
ahead, this family is a joyful one—though something is still missing for our child
narrator.
In
these two heart-felt sentences, Gervay captures the child’s perspective
beautifully:
“Papa
grew up in a village in the old country, before it was broken.
Ma
grew up in a city in the old country, before it was broken.”
By
using deceptively subtle wording and misdirection, Gervay expertly conveys the
war that still haunts this family as a powerful presence underpinning their
outwardly happy lives. But so, too, the hope felt, particularly by the
narrator, is just as potent, creating a satisfying emotional contrast that
culminates on a high note when the child’s heart’s desire is realized on the
final page.
The
title of this book is significant for it highlights what is perhaps the most
obvious point of difference between us: language and the way in which we use
it.
“
‘Look at the ships in the field,’ Papa says.
Brownie
and I giggle. ‘Papa, you mean sheep.’
‘Yes,
the ships.’ Papa wiggles his moustache.”
Pignataro’s
watercolour illustrations reflect Gervay’s humour. Smiles abound on almost
every page, and the child-like style, simplistic and colourful, adds a sense of
levity to what, in a different artist’s hands, could have been a much darker
story.
This
is a book that needs to be read more than once. Many of the layers weren’t immediately
evident on my first read-through. The shadow of war haunting the family is only
mentioned in two lines of dialogue between the child and her toy, Brownie, yet
its positioning after scenes of family frivolity is stark. This added to Ma’s
crying behind closed doors and the narrator’s fear of night delivers an impact
that more graphic depiction could not. It is obvious that author and
illustrator have worked hard to get the balance between darkness and light just
right. While at first glance this is a deceptively simple story, it soon
becomes apparent this balancing act was no easy feat. Hope is very much the
prominent theme, but it is only visible because of the darkness behind it. Too
much darkness and the light would be snuffed out.
Ships
in the Field is a book that will never date. It’s a story that will be every
bit as relevant fifty years from now as it was fifty years ago. A must-have for
every classroom.
How is writing in the genre you write,
different than other genre?
The
realistic genre is an emotional one, where you expose your emotions and really
yourself. It’s risky, but if you’re on this pathway, then you have to jump in.
Young readers know a liar and I want to write the truth so that in the rocky
road between childhood to adulthood, there are characters who will travel with
readers.
Are there any problems in getting
children’s’ books published?
I
have been a writer for a long time, and the start of the journey is very hard.
I was crushed many times as my work was rejected, ignored or torn apart.
However it is about belief in your work, persistence, development of craft,
writing what you feel and writing because it is part of you.
There
are so many writers who seek publication, so it is a crowded supply market and
limited opportunities to become published. Today I am an established author in
Australia and can call any of the publishers and have my work considered. I
even get commissions. For example I have been asked to write a 4th JACK book by
HarperCollins Australia.
However
I still get rejections. My title may not suit that publishing house, their
marketing agenda. They may have cut backs or there’s another title similar in
theme to yours. There are many reasons for publishers to refuse your work.
It
is very difficult to get into the US market. It was rejected so many times.
However ‘Butterflies’ has finally
been published there and received a starred review from the School Library
Journal.
My
US literary agent is submitting my other books to US publishers but it is still
very difficult to get a commitment.
Why and when did you begin writing?
I
have always written like many authors. I never expected to be a published
author. However when my beloved father passed away and my marriage broke up, I
started to seriously write for comfort, understanding and out of anger,
confusion, pain and ultimately hope. I wrote for young people because my
children also faced the emotional challenges I did and I wanted to give them my
hand to navigate the way. My books I hope do that.
What is your writing schedule?
My
writing schedule is insane as the life of a writer is chaotic with writing
tours, festivals, community events, writing time, interviews … the myriad of
aspects to an author’s life.
I
struggle to get time to write creatively.
What projects are you working on now,
or plan for the future?
I
have had accepted my second picture book – title still under discussion. My
publisher doesn’t like my titles. Like all my books it is close to my heart. It
is about giving a voice to sibling relationships with one of the siblings
facing illness. Like all my books it’s about validation of family and hope.
It
has been endorsed by VARIETY which is our film industry charity that supports
young people facing major illness. I am proud of that.
I
am also co-script writer on a feature film – I AM JACK – which combines my 3 JACK books. I have made Jack older
in this film – a teenager – so that I can escalate the bullying, love and
intensity of the film. I’m hoping it’ll be in pre production late this year.
I
have been commissioned to write a JACK 4 which will be set in Vietnam, so need
to visit Vietnam and also get down to some serious writing.
What kind of advice or tips to you
have for someone who wants to write and get published?
Join
a writing organization like SCBWI, get involved with the writing world as that
is where you will find guidance, advice, craft and the ways to publication.
You’ll also make friends who understand the ups and downs of writing and that
makes it a great journey.
Establish
a critique groups where you can read and work on your stories. However it is
essential that you have an open mind and are able to accept criticism. Accept
what is useful and discard what isn’t. However be grateful that someone is
interested enough to consider and comment on your writing.
Join
Facebook children’s writing communities and enter into conversation with what
is happening.
Are there any other comments, advice
or tips that you would give to beginning writers?
Having
the interest and talent for writing is only the beginning. Learn, write,
critique, write, edit, write. Accept every comment as a gift, not an attack, so
that it becomes a building block for your work. And have fun with it.
What do you do when you are not
writing?
I
live near the harbor beaches and the surf beaches. So I swim most days if when
the weather permits, enjoy walking along the cliffs. Sydney is a beautiful
city.
When
I have time I love movies, theatre, musical theatre and of course, a good book
to read at night.
I
love my writing community and enjoy events, as well as family and friends.
Anything else you would like to add?
Writing
has enabled me to work towards the promotion of literacy, education and social
justice.
I
am a patron for Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People www.monkeybaa.com.au; Role
Model Ambassador for Books in Homes – books for indigenous and disadvantaged
children http://www.biha.com.au/; Author Ambassador for Room to Read –
educating kids in developing countries www.roomtoread.org; Chair of the Board
of the NSW Writers Centre – www.nswwc.org.au;
Co-head of Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Australia and
New Zealand – www.scbwiaustralia.org; Chair of the Children’s Writers &
Illustrators Network at The Hughenden – www.thehughenden.com.au;
Director of the Children’s and Young Adult Literature Festival at NSW Writers
Centre – www.nswwc.org.au; NSW Selection
Committee of the May Gibbs Trust Fellowship - www.maygibbs.org.au
; Advocate for Cancer Council – www.cancercouncil.com.au;
Ambassador for 2012 National Year of Reading www.love2read.org.
What
“Made It” moments have you experienced in life?
I
don’t know what ‘made it’ really feels like. However I loved the adaptation of
‘I AM JACK’ into theatre and its
performance to 1000s of young people and adults. I have had heart warming,
funny and beautiful moments. I’d like to share this email after a performance
of ‘I Am Jack’:-
Name:
Rita Perri
Teacher
Bankstown Public School
Comments:
Hello Susanne,
I
just wanted to let you know that my class (5P from Bankstown Public School) had
the wonderful experience of attending a performance of "I am Jack" at the Seymour Centre.
I'd like to share a few snippets of their written responses with you.
“I
really felt sorry for Jack when he was being bullied. I thought the actor Tim
was really good at switching voices like from Rob to Nanna. Even though it
wasn’t my first time in a theatre, I just loved the play!” (Akila)
“Susanne
Gervay, you’re play was amazing, but it was heartbreaking as well. When the
target light struck Jack in the face, it felt like electricity was flowing
through my body. I think the most humiliating part was when they spat on Jack
in the shower” (Samir)
“It
was a magnificent show. I was so happy when we got there. When we walked
inside, the dark lights made me feel like we were in the movies. It was
exciting because I have never been to see a play before.” (Adam)
“When
Jack was being constantly attacked, I felt like I was in a very dark place
where no one takes care of you. I hope I never feel like Jack did.” (Justin)
“I
loved the play and I’m sure everyone else did too! It was emotionally heart
stopping when it got to the point where Jack couldn’t take it any more. And
what’s sad is that it’s all true. I’m so glad that in the end, Jack overcame
his bullying” (Roney)
“The
most upsetting scene was when the brainless bully George Hamill began spitting
on Jack in the shower after sport. If I was Jack I would feel humiliated!”
(Arash)
“Jack
keeps getting harassed by that malevolent George Hamill. I hate him so much! He
should really be ashamed of himself!” (Mohamad O.)
“Oh
my gosh! I went to the Seymour Centre to watch “I am Jack” It was soooo
electrifying. My favourite part was when he finally got help from his mum and
the principal. I despised the part when he was getting spat on. I hate bullies,
especially when they are bullying me or my friends. When it was finished, we
got to ask the actor questions. I thought he was great at changing into
different characters!” (Maisam)
“This
was my first time seeing a real play in a theatre. I believe that was the best
first play anyone could go to. I really enjoyed it.” (Aditi)
Thank
you again for inspiring my children!
Rita
Perri
Teacher
Learn
more about Susanne on these websites:
The
Hughenden: www.thehughenden.com.au
Note from Sylvia: You can visit my other blog at: http://love-faith-and-guts.blogspot.com/that features a preview to my new book released in 2012, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts.
