A True Survival Story: Overcoming Abuse and Bullying with Resilience, Strength, and Transformation

Set in the 1960s, In the Life of Another Day and Time follows the story of ‘Beryl’, a young child taken from her home by the government, only to be abused and bullied. This shocking story is actually a true account of author Cheryl Brealey’s childhood.

At age nine, Beryl was taken from her grandfather’s home by the Welfare Department and placed in the government’s care. She was to become one of the white Forgotten Australians. Beryl and her siblings were moved through various children’s homes, including The Salvation Army, Bidura Girls Detention Centre, and finally, the Burnside Presbyterian Homes for Children. Beryl had little contact with her mother during this time. Finally, it was decided that if Beryl’s mother did not make contact with her children, they would become wards of the state and would become available for adoption into a new family, where they would stay permanently. The rest of this emotional journey unfolds in the pages of Cheryl’s memoir.

About the Author

Cheryl has written this book as a legacy to the resilience and strength she developed throughout her childhood and the transformation she made as she entered adulthood. The original manuscript was handwritten, and the entire publishing process took Cheryl three years to complete. The journey of writing her memoir was a long one, but one Cheryl undertook in order to make her voice heard and to help others:

 “It’s been quite an achievement for me, especially at my age (sixty-three), going through PTSD. It took me over fifty years to break my silence; to have a clear voice to be heard; to now be able to help others along their way, by teaching them they can too can overcome abuse, with hope and kindness from within. So, if you have the drive and determination, don’t stop until you have succeeded in what you are trying to achieve.”

Promotional Book Events

In the Life of Another Day and Time was first launched at Mannelli’s Café at Burnside, Sydney, in October 2016. Cheryl has promoted her book at other events, including a fundraising event at Mindful Origins 88 Gallery, Redcliffe, in November 2016, where $10 from each book sale was donated to the White Ribbon Australia campaign. Other local book signing events have been promoted through The Redcliffe & Bayside Herald newspaper.

Cheryl endeavours to continue to promote her book to bookshops, libraries, and charity organisations. For future event information or book signing opportunities, please contact Cheryl Brealey via post.

Community Engagement Opportunities

Cheryl has also presented her book and film, based on her memoir, at libraries in New South Wales and Queensland. Her biggest dream would be to have her story on the big screen, to create awareness and to give a voice to others who have also been affected by abuse and bullying.

Cheryl has adapted a screenplay from her memoir and is currently in discussions to develop it into a musical. Anyone looking to audition can send their expression of interest via post, with resume and profile. Roles are available for men, women, and children (boys and girls).

Future Books

Cheryl is currently writing the sequel to In the Life of Another Day and Time and aims to have it published by late 2017.