Shifting

Author: Helen Cerne
Publisher: Vulgar Press
Category: Autobiography: General
Book Format: Paperback

If we do not remember our childhoods do they still exist?
Shifting is the true story of two children growing up in the aftermath of the Second World War. Attracted like a law of nature, Serge, a boy born in northern Italy and Helen, a girl born in Australia are inextricably drawn to each other in a changing world. A social history of the west of Melbourne in the 1950s-1960s, it is also a unique love story.
This collaborative autobiography, told from a male and female perspective, explores the dynamics of family life, the importance of place and cultural dislocation in shaping identity. Understated and simply told, this is an evocative narrative about the emotional, social and psychological changes of two individuals maturing into adulthood.

A fine and impressive work. It is accomplished at a high literary standard, with an acute understanding of the way fictive-literary stratagems can be incorporated in an autobiographical work to achieve an engaging and richly rewarding text for the reader.' - Kevin Brophy

The vivid and detailed recreation of the texture of the decades through which the characters live is one of the strengths of the novel. - Jeri Kroll

Shifting skilfully weaves and patterns two distinct voices and cultures... to create a tapestry full of evocative detail and memorable characters struggling with loss, new beginnings and love. - Tom Petsinis