Tanya Heaslip Books

Set in 1975, a twelve-year-old girl navigates the challenges of leaving her remote outback home for a strict boarding school. Faced with an unwelcoming environment, she struggles to adapt but finds solace in storytelling and the camaraderie of her fellow boarders, who become like family. Through her experiences of loss and dislocation, she transforms her pain into resilience, ultimately emerging stronger and more determined to shape her own future. The narrative explores themes of belonging, identity, and the power of friendship.

Set in the rugged Australian outback during the late 1960s and early 70s, the narrative follows Tanya Heaslip as she grows up on a remote cattle property. With parents who are pioneering cattle station owners, Tanya experiences a childhood filled with hard lessons in survival and the demands of the land. While her siblings thrive in the outdoor life, she finds solace in books and storytelling. Through raw honesty and humor, Tanya reflects on a challenging yet cherished upbringing, capturing the essence of love for both family and place.

What happens when a young independent Northern Territory country girl decides to follow her dreams and go off in search of adventures abroad? An honest, often funny, bittersweet memoir of love, loss and belonging; of the hard-won understanding around where home lies.