It Will Get Better

Stella’s life was a merry-go-round. Witnessing her mother being bashed by her alcoholic father, she grew up lacking self esteem and allowing men to control her. She proved to be strong and resilient; that survived sexual abuse as a child, teenage pregnancy, giving up a child for adoption, countless failed relationships and two failed marriages.

Her life progress was enhanced by her habit of journaling (which she encouraged her sons to adopt). It was a way of expressing, understanding, and overcoming their fears, insecurities, anger and resentment. She saw her life as a series of seasons which would pass, so things would get better.

 Stella Gibney, sister of successful Australian actor, Rebecca Gibney, has written an inspiring and uplifting memoir without going too deeply into intimate detail. Simple and moving, it’s a story of strength and courage, and one woman’s ability to overcome obstacles that would have left others irreparably shattered or broken.

 Although it starts off slowly, it picks up momentum and succeeds in proving that people change, bad things happen to good people, and you never know how strong you are until you are faced with unexpected challenges.

Stella’s sons’ deeply moving dedication poems at the end reflect on her magnificent job of mothering, regardless of all the difficulties she faced and overcame.

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Title: It Will Get Better

Author: Stella Gibney

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication Date: June 2014 $29.99 RRP

 Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781743317174

Type: Memoir