Jack Charles: Born-again Blakfella

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Jack Charles

Born-again Blakfella

Jack Charles

$24.99

Paperback

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English

Penguin
18 August 2020

Theatre Studies; Individual actors & performers; Memoirs; Indigenous peoples; Biography - Australian

Jack Charles has worn many hats throughout his life- actor, cat burglar, musician, heroin addict, activist, even Senior Victorian Australian of the Year. But the title he's most proud to claim is that of Aboriginal Elder.

Stolen from his mother and placed into institutional care when he was only a few months old, Uncle Jack was raised under the government's White Australia Policy. The loneliness and isolation he experienced during those years had a devastating impact on him that endured long after he reconnected with his Aboriginal roots and discovered his stolen identity. Even today he feels like an outsider; a loner; a fringe dweller.

In this honest and no-holds-barred memoir, Uncle Jack reveals the 'ups and downs of this crazy, drugged up, locked up, fucked up, and at times unbelievable, life'. From his sideline as a cat burglar, battles with drug addiction and stints in prison, to gracing the nation's stages and screens as he dazzled audiences with his big personality and acting prowess, he takes us through the most formative moments of his life.

By turns heartbreaking and hilarious, Jack Charles- Born-again Blakfella is a candid and uplifting memoir from one of Australia's finest and most beloved actors.

'A hell of a yarn, a howl, a celebration and a gift to us all, told by a huge-hearted, gutsy survivor.' Paul Kelly

' Uncle Jack's

charm and dignity rises from every page and holds the reader in his thrall.' The Sydney Morning Herald

'A vivid and timely story, which deserves to be read by every Australian.' The Canberra Times

'Told with heart-wrenching honesty and humour ... This is a book we all need to read.' Chris Gordan, Readings

By: Jack Charles
Imprint: Penguin
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 197mm, Width: 130mm, Spine: 16mm
Weight: 224g
ISBN: 9781760899158
ISBN 10: 1760899151
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 18 August 2020
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Uncle Jack Charles is an Australian legend- survivor of the Stolen Generation, Indigenous elder, actor, musician, activist and former heroin addict and cat burglar. Now on the cusp of his 76th birthday, he's ready to tell the full story of how he became a born-again Blakfella and one of Australia's best-loved actors.