Skip to content

Booksellers & Trade Customers: Sign up for online bulk buying at trade.atlanticbooks.com for wholesale discounts

Booksellers: Create Account on our B2B Portal for wholesale discounts

Suburban Gulag: A memoir

by Kath McKay
Save 24% Save 24%
Current price ₹1,972.00
Original price ₹2,599.00
Original price ₹2,599.00
Original price ₹2,599.00
(-24%)
₹1,972.00
Current price ₹1,972.00

Imported Edition - Ships in 18-21 Days

Free Shipping in India on orders above Rs. 500

Request Bulk Quantity Quote
+91
Book cover type: Paperback
  • ISBN13: 9781764414708
  • Binding: Paperback
  • Subject: N/A
  • Publisher: Kath McKay
  • Publisher Imprint: Kath McKay
  • Publication Date:
  • Pages: 384
  • Original Price: GBP 19.99
  • Language: English
  • Edition: N/A
  • Item Weight: 513 grams
  • BISAC Subject(s): Women

Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne, 1952

On the morning of her daughter's tenth birthday, Marion Semmel opens her front door to find a doctor, a psychiatrist and her own husband waiting to take her away. Within hours, she is forcibly removed by ambulance men as neighbours watch on - committed to Royal Park Mental Hospital without ever having met the psychiatrist who authorised it.

Her "crime"? Refusing to have sex with her husband. In 1952, a wife's right to say no simply didn't exist - not in the home, not in the law, and not in the mental health system.

This shocking true story, uncovered decades later through legal access to hospital records, letters and family documents, follows Marion's fight to survive the next 14 years trapped in her Deepdene home. A trained nurse stripped of her independence, denied money, healthcare and legal rights, she endured violence, isolation and control while raising her children.

But Marion was stronger than anyone imagined. In 1966, after the youngest child was forced out, she seized her chance. With nothing but a suitcase and her dog, she walked out the door and never returned - beginning 25 years of freedom, dignity and life on her own terms.

This memoir, written by her youngest daughter, is a testament to courage, injustice and a mother's unwavering will to protect her children.

McKay, Kath: - "Kath McKay approaches the world through the lens of sociology, instinctively recognising the social and political connections that shape everyday life. Throughout her career, she worked across roles that brought her into close contact with communities at every level - from individual families to government institutions and the highest levels of society.Deeply influenced by the feminist principle that "the personal is political", Kath has long been an advocate for social justice and women's rights. She has closely observed the differences between the Australian and American women's movements, pointing to Australia's progress in political leadership and reproductive rights as evidence of the impact of sustained feminist advocacy.Never afraid to challenge authority, Kath has been outspoken in political forums, particularly on issues involving religion and public policy. Years before they became national conversations, she challenged attempts to introduce religious influence into Australian legislation and remained a strong voice for secular democracy and gender equality."

Trusted for over 49 years

Family Owned Company

Secure Payment

All Major Credit Cards/Debit Cards/UPI & More Accepted

New & Authentic Products

India's Largest Distributor

Need Support?

Whatsapp Us