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An overview of "Midnight Sun to Southern Cross" Trilogy that spans generations' journeying from Finland snow to Outback dust. The first arduous escape from Russian oppression of Finland in 1899 to safe haven overlooking Byron Bay. 

That political activist was joined in 1903 by my grandfather. Hear his voice from the past,  interviewed in 1960s.

Introduction and Chapter One of Burn My Letters by Ruth Bonetti

At the end of 19th century, Finland is a dark and repressive place. Pacifist and political dissenter Karl Johan Back is conscripted to fight for the Russian despots that occupy his country. In 1899 he flees to an untamed land on the far side of the world. Finding refuge on ridges overlooking the Byron Bay lighthouse in northern New South Wales, he grows orchids and lush tropical fruit.
In 1903, he is joined by brother Wilhelm ("WA", the author's grandfather.) This saga traces the brothers' struggles from frozen Finland to the lush rainforests of northern New South Wales, to the dry and dusty sheep country of western Queensland, the highs and lows of their new life under the Southern Cross.

Introduction to "Midnight Sun To Southern Cross" Trilogy

My spine prickled with presentiment when we drove onto the ferry. It forged a passage through the ice from Sweden across the
Gulf of Bothnia to Finland–my grandfather's birthplace.

 The past drew me onward like a magnet to the land of the northern lights, its force invisible and mysterious.

The Frozen Highway–Chapter 1 of Burn My Letters

Imagine building a house with an elevator in it in 1950 Brisbane suburbia! I grew up as "a granddaughter of the man who built a lift in his house." Yet, even subsequent owners, Dame Quentin Bryce, former Governor General of Australia, and he husband Michael knew nothing of the heritage of the Art Deco Mansion. I told Michael when he invited me to visit.

The Art Deco Mansion in St Lucia

Art Deco Mansion In St Lucia–Quentin And Michael Bryce

Fate led this 3rd generation #Australian #Finland-Swede to live in #Umeå, #Sweden, across the Gulf of Bothnia from Grandad's birthplace in #Munsala, Finland. Imagine the thrill to discover my #heritage! Share my journeys around the glove–and those of my forebears!

Introduction and Chapter One of Burn My Letters by Ruth Bonetti

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