Miracle Publishing Australia is the Publisher of
The Inconvenient Child
The true story of an Australian child’s struggle to survive
discrimination and abuse and find her African-American father.
An unacceptable liaison, a secret birth, a mother’s silence and her
black child’s journey to discover the truth…
The story begins in 1948, Sydney, Australia. Pretty, blonde Grace discovers she is pregnant to a visiting black American serviceman. The White Australia Policy is in place and society’s judgment matters; so what will Grace do with this baby?
This is the extraordinary true story of Sharyn Killens - the inconvenient child.
The baby Sharyn, is rescued from squalid foster care by a visiting African American champion boxer and taken to live in a ‘party house’ in Sydney’s red light district of Kings Cross. But her absent, elegant mother then abandons Sharyn in a convent–orphanage at age five, where she suffers abuse at the hands of a demented nun.
By fifteen, discrimination within her family, resentment and clashes over her father’s undisclosed identity see the troubled runaway teenager arrested in the streets of Kings Cross. She has committed no crime but she is sentenced to the notorious juvenile detention centers of Parramatta and Hay, during the 1960s.
Sharyn Killens’ solace is her love of music but can she realize her dream to become a singer if, by twenty-four, she is caught up in the Kings Cross lifestyle?
Determined to find her father, Sharyn sets out in search of her roots, a quest taking her across the world and eventually to America’s Deep South. But will she find the loving family and belonging she has yearned for all her life? More Information ...
Click Here to WATCH THE ABC TV 7.30 REPORT
What Readers are saying:
“I have just completed reading the best book I have ever read. It was so moving, I cried through out the book. Sharyn, your book stole my heart and you are amazing how you look at life, just goes to show, love makes the world go round. So happy you found your roots and loving family in America. You go girl!!!”
Elly Stern – Gold Coast, Queensland
“Wow....after reading your book I knew coming to your Authors’ talk would be amazing but I didn't realise how moved I would be! I have raved and ranted about the talk (and of course the book). I know the word inspirational comes up so often when I have read comments about you Sharyn and it really is the ultimate word to sum you up! I just wanted to say what an honour it was to meet not only you, but Lindsay as well and reading your book just reinforces the happy life that I am so blessed to be living.”
Kellie Dunbar – Bathurst, NSW
“It was great to meet you and Lindsay and hear your story in person. Three of us at work have since bought autographed copies of your book. Good luck with the rest of your book tour, I am sure it will have just as great a response.”
Michael Bushell - Forbes Advocate
“Never have I been to an event where everyone was crying. There was not a dry eye to be seen and the singing was beautiful. Everyone in the whole place stopped what they were doing and listened. What two incredibly talented women with an important story to tell.” Sally – Orange, NSW
“What a fantastic book. I read it to my husband while we were on holiday. We feel like everyone else & need to give you a big hug. Then when you meet your we family we wanted to cry & laugh with you, that was so good.”
Dianne Suey - City Sider Motel Tamworth, NSW
"Every so often, a story comes along that shakes you to the core, then uplifts and inspires you in a way that only stories of true heroism can. The Inconvenient Child is such a story." Victoria Ugarte, Postcards From Millie - Clovelly NSW
“I have read The Inconvenient Child. What a book! I loved it. There were plenty of tears, so much sadness but then there was Joy when Sharyn met her beautiful family. I wish her heaps of good wishes. She is such a lovely warm person.”
Patricia Falco – Coffs Harbour, NSW
“I went through the wine and the Kleenex as I finished this amazing book. Good on you for telling the story and absolute admiration to Sharyn for living and surviving. I pray she has many good years with her wonderful Allan. I was so moved that I used parts of it in a speech at my Toastmasters Club. I titled my speech “Triumph of the Spirit”. Many of the members are in Book Clubs and are going to buy and recommend the book. And nearly all came over and wrote down the website and some who I had already told about it had looked it up on YouTube. Love and biggest hugs to both of you.” Gloria Carter - Rose Bay, NSW
“I have just finished reading 'The Inconvenient Child'... what an AMAZING book! I do have one criticism though... how on earth am I to find another biography to follow this one??? So many elements of Sharon's story touched my heart. As an avid reader of biographies, this was definitely the best one I've read in a long, long time ... heartfelt, raw and honest, this book had it all and was very hard to put down (but as a Mother of three boys under 7, I had to!!!). I will definitely recommend this book to others and especially my Mother who was born in Sydney in 1942.”
Jenni O’Brien - Kotara, NSW
“Sharyn my husband first read your book and said to me I think you will like this. Naturally I read it in 48 hours. Sharyn you are wonderful amazing my hero how superb are you! Poor Darling what one human being had to endure but not anymore! My 3 kids have read your book, magnificent, you are great and I wish you a long happy and prosperous life with your beautiful children and Family.”
Sharon Sharpe - Double Bay, NSW
“Congratulations Sharyn and Lindsay, what an incredible journey of both the living and the telling! You are such an amazing woman of inspirational courage and strength of character! This is a life that needed to be written as the spoken word in conversation, cannot convey what truly happened without compromising intricate nuances and background that I found just as relevant as the events themselves. You not only survived but shone brilliantly! I felt for you every step of the way as the pages turned. Well done!” Helena Brewer on the yacht 'Oceandeep’, cruising the Whitsundays, Queensland
“I have just completed reading your amazing story. As I began your journey I could not believe what you endured as a child, as a baby...then as a woman...I feel thankful that I have been able to share your story. It made me cry, it confused me, it made me stop reading as I got up and hugged my boys and told my partner how much I love him. Sharyn I wish you nothing but love and happiness for all your days ahead, you truly deserve it! Always remember, you are a woman of substance...God bless you and your family. Your book has touched me and will always be a reminder to me how important it is to let those close - know how much they are loved”
Nikki Coulson - Point Cook Melbourne
“My friend and I attended Coffs Harbour library last week and listened to your story. Being one of the few younger ones there I just wanted to say how touched and inspired I was that night. It was very inspiring to listen to such a strong woman tell her life story and I want to say again... thank you so much for sharing it with us. All the best for the success of your book... the tears are still flowing. I both can and can't wait, to get to the last chapters!” Nicole Hess - Coffs Harbour, NSW
“Please pass on my most heart felt wishes to the authors of this beautiful book, despite some of the most hideous reading. I wept tears of joy, sadness and at times despair for you. I have the most incredible admiration for Sharyn and her life, but with such a bright future now with a family that truly loves her. Keep safe and look to your bright future!” Dawn Tsoubos - Albany Creek, Qld
“I have just bought this book today, and finished it tonight - I could not put it down. A very heartwarming, albeit shocking at times, book. I hope Sharyn is well.”
Cath Hyam - Maroubra, NSW
“I bought the book the day it was reviewed in the Melbourne Herald Sun. I started to read it and could not put it down. On reading the book I cried for you (and me), I really felt for you. I am so happy that you finally found your family. I read the book in one day, it is a fantastic read. The very best of good wishes and thank you.”
Di Rogers - Sunshine, Victoria
“I just want to say I have just read The Inconvenient Child. It has really inspired me to keep going. I thought I had a rough upbringing and hard life as a child, but it wasn't anything like Sharyn and others had to go through. I just want to thank Sharyn for her story and I now am going to try and be more positive and try and forget or maybe put my past behind me? Thank you again Sharyn, I am so pleased you have now found happiness...Godbless.”
Sharron Wood - Te Awamutu, North Island, New Zealand
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“I was so moved by the story that I felt compelled to write and say thanks for it. (I've never done that before) My book club will read it next month. It is an amazing story and to be able to rise above such adversity is truly inspiring. My thanks for the story and best wishes for your health.” Dee Powlay - ACT
“I have just finished your book! It was wonderful. I cried, I laughed and I was shocked how a beautiful little girl could be put through such heartache and abuse. You are a survivor!! You have both put together a beautiful, honest and eye-opening book. Congratulations.” Lynne Rush - Sydney, NSW
“I saw your book in the local bookshop … so at Christmas time it was in my Secret Santa bag and I was so thrilled. Yes you guessed it, I immediately started reading and I just could not leave it for one minute. I loved the whole story. It was one of those times when a person comes into your life and tells it all. I was so moved with all your chapters and stories of heartache, pain and suffering and frustrations and anguish. You had and still have much strength to continue. I love that in you. Reading your story was to me a victory to you. A wonderful portrayal of your life from your early days to now.” Louise Campbell-Price - NSW
“The Inconvenient Child is a riveting read. Lindsay Lewis, you are one awesome writer. You highlight the human spirit in a way that is both challenging and inspiring. Sharyn Killens is an amazing person to have survived such a life. It leaves you wondering how petty we can be at times. It also highlights how much we have to answer for as a country. These children were treated as animals and rejects when in fact all they needed was love and comfort. I hope our government will learn from this book and ensure that these atrocities never occur again.” Ludwina Dautovic TheRedTentWoman - Melbourne, VIC
“The Inconvenient Child was truly an inspiring & touching story. Sharyn, you are a true inspiration and a breath of fresh air. Your book is breath-taking & lots of soggy tissues and I admire and respect you & may God Bless You always. Lindsay, you are a wonderful and talented author, which is something you can be very proud of. PS. Come to Dubbo (for an author talk)!!!” Eleanor Seaman - Dubbo NSW
“I am not an avid reader and some times it takes me a year to read a book. But not this time, as it has taken me just over a week. What an amazing story and quite a few times I was a blubbering mess. I think Sharyn deserves the VC for overcoming such adversity, right from a young age.
Just a little about myself, I will be 74 on the last day of this month. I have something in common with Alan, Sharyn's husband, as I also am a Plumber. My thanks to Sharyn and Lindsay for sharing the account of a hard life and such a wonderful outcome with me and who ever else reads the book.” George Crook - Windsor NSW
“Outstanding Book! I recently read The Inconvenient Child and could hardly put it down! What an incredible true story about a person of great courage and how she triumphed over unbelievable adversity and hardship. A truly fascinating, heartwarming look inside the life of singer Sharyn Chrystal (Killens).
I would never wish such a childhood on anyone, but I would wish such a wonderful ending on everyone! This book is a huge inspiration to me whenever I am tempted to complain about the small inconveniences in my own life! I learned much from Sharyn’s struggles. Here’s to the girls who endured Parramatta and Hay!”
Liz Moore - Idaho, USA
“This is a book packed with both joy and grief. During Sharyn's years of abandonment it was almost too much to bear and I wanted to put the book down. That was impossible to do of course. I felt I needed to honour those years of misery that Sharyn and other children like her endured outside the warmth of a loving family. Sharyn's battle to realise her own dreams and loves was very uplifting. I felt swept along on the journey to America, tears of joy at the ready.
Lindsay achieved the difficult task of narrating a true story with an underlying feeling of honesty and integrity. I have been telling all my friends about this book.”
Truda Rail - NSW
“I have finished the book and am so sorry it is finished. We laugh and we cry with Sharyn and feel every emotion with her on her quest to find herself. This is a book that will uplift you but also make you angry at how she was treated.
I enjoyed it from whoa to go and well done for a job extremely well done. I would thoroughly recommend this book to all readers who like reading true life stories and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. I certainly wasn't.”
Pam Bayfield - President of The Society of Women Writers
“Tonight I finished your book. It was incredible; I LOVED IT, devoured it! I haven't read anything this compelling in a long time. Congratulations. It's just WONDERFUL.”
Francine Bell - NSW, Australia
“I have never read a book so fast in my life and felt so many emotions through the journey. Lindsay you are a wonderful writer. Sharyn you are an inspiration. It is amazing to hear about your life and get an insight into what you endured and then came out the other side a successful and loved lady.
As your life unfolds I can not help reliving what I was doing at the same time, growing up in Sydney attending High School in Parramtta, how I was feeling with defining events that took place and trying to comprehend what your life was like. Thank you for this book and I think everyone should read this book.” Beth Fielding - Kingscliffe - NSW
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AUD $24.95
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