Читать книгу Fractured Silence - Emma Curtin - Страница 2

How did I get here? To be honest, I’m not sure. I had no plan, no steely ambition to sit down and write a book on true crime. I was happy in my own little world; a mother, a wife, a freelance editor and writer. Norma’s story evolved organically. It started as a brief glimpse at a newspaper headline –“Found on bed with garment over head. Extensive wounds”. It resulted in a four year journey, this book, plus a podcast and website called ‘Murder Archives’: (https://murderarchives.com.au).

Along the way, I’ve got to know Norma (the ‘victim’), met some fascinating people, made some new friends, learnt how to channel grief into project work, and discovered so much about myself (some good, some not).

The Register News-Pictorial (Adelaide, South Australia), 11 September 1929

This story is personal, not just to Norma’s family, but to me. While she died almost ninety years ago, Norma has been ever-present in my waking hours; sometimes in my dreams. She became my lifeline. Following the death of my husband in 2015, it was Norma who, figuratively speaking, got me out of bed in the morning, stirred up the dogged determination in me and taught me that tragedy comes in all forms … but gone is not forgotten.

Many people have travelled with me on this journey and I thank them all. My friends and family, who’ve listened to me talk about Norma endlessly, read drafts of the book, and given their own valuable thoughts on different aspects of the story. In particular my brother, Simon Curtin – who helped me with so much research along the way - and sister-in-law Julie, who patiently sat though hours of Skype chats about Norma. Both read and critiqued early drafts of the book and podcast script and gave me ideas for new research directions.

To the experts involved - Dr Byron Collins, Charlie Bezzina, Dr Karen Scally, Andrea Scarfe and Elizabeth Martin - you’ve been brilliant, sharing your time and talents and giving me new perspectives, not to mention the credibility that comes with your input. You’ve taught me so much.

And finally to Norma’s relatives, some named, some who prefer anonymity. Thank you for generously allowing me to intrude in your lives, poke around in family closets and share your precious memories. I hope I’ve done you and Norma justice.