Official Review: Heart Beat of My Life by Julie Evans

[Bertha Jackson]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Heart Beat of My Life" by Julie Evans.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Heart Beat of My Life by Julie Evans is a non-fiction book about the “Forgotten Australians.” In 1962, Julie and her brother, Bill, accidentally found their mother’s pills, and Julie eats one thinking it is candy. There are devastating results that result in them and their youngest sister, Margaret, being taken away due to neglect. In 1963 and 1964, the children are all reunited with their parents. The family’s life becomes joyful, peaceful, and full of love until their mother accidentally catches her dress on fire, and then their father is in an accident and breaks his arm. The children are permanently removed from the home and put in the care of the Australian government. The children are placed in a foster home where they are abused physically and verbally. The foster father starts grooming Julie for sex at age 8 and has sexual intercourse with her at age 12. In 1972, they are removed from foster care and placed in government-run homes. This book is Julie’s story of how tormented her life was going back and forth from foster care to government homes.

The author shares the many atrocities that affected her life while growing up. I think children need love and support while growing up, which is something government officials don’t think of when placing children. Some children are removed from homes where they have love and support from their families due to unforeseen circumstances. Even here in America, more thorough investigations sometimes need to be performed before a child is removed from their home. These investigations are sometimes difficult for the government because of the media and other sources of scrutiny they are under. Home and family may look good on paper and appear normal, but behind closed doors, they are not.

I like that Julie has the courage and strength to share her story. This book can benefit others who are struggling to overcome these types of issues. The thing I disliked the most was the government’s dishonesty and falsifying of Julie’s records. Julie’s life would have been so much better if the government had been honest and attempted to help her and her family.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a closer look at the government’s involvement in the care of children, regardless of the country where they live. Due to the nature of the book, I don’t recommend that younger children read it. There is no profanity in the book and only generalized references to sex. The only religious content is Julie’s acknowledgment of God’s grace in her life.

The book is written in Australian English, so some of the spelling and grammar may be awkward for some readers. However, the book is well-written and has been professionally-edited. I only found three small errors in the entire book. I gladly give this book 4 out of 4 stars.

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Heart Beat of My Life
View: on Bookshelves

[RHD]

These issues Julie raises in this good book are real and current. It's true children need lots of love, support and protection. Unfortunately, some foster homes have failed in this. Good job on the review

[Joan642]

O was almost deceived by the title. There is something about this book that compels me to read it. Thanks for the review.

[onyii_review]

Sounds like a book one shouldn't read on a happy day. So sad. Thanks for the review.