Cirrus@Austlit

'Shirley Smith, better known as MumShirl, tells the story of her life with vigor and clarity. She was born on Erambie Mission in Cowra and has lived and worked in Sydney for most of her life. It is rare for a book to state so matter-of-factly so many incidents of which white Australians should be ashamed. MumShirl combines great insight into humane nature with sympathy for human frailty and a sense of humour. Her life as an Aboriginal, activist and social worker has been full of contrasts: 'we couldn't get served in lots of crummy places in Sydney... but we could have lunch with the Queen.' MumShirl is the story of the effects of colonisation in Australia, and she has helped to make Australian history through her work.' (Source: backcover)