If we do not remember our childhoods do they still exist?
Shifting is the true story of two children growing up in in the aftermath of the Second World War. It is a collaborative autobiography, told from a male and female perspective. Attracted like a law of nature, Serge, a boy born in northern Italy and Helen, a girl born in Australia are inextricably drawn to each other in a changing world. A social history of the west of Melbourne in the 1950s-1960s, it is also a unique love story.
Reviews:"A fine and impressive work. It is accomplished at a high literary standard, with an acute understanding of the way fictive-literary stratagems can be incorporated in an autobiographical work to achieve an engaging and richly rewarding text for the reader." - Kevin Brophy.
"The vivid and detailed recreation of the texture of the decades through which the characters live is one of the strengths of the novel." – Jeri Kroll.
"Shifting skilfully weaves and patterns two distinct voices and cultures… to create a tapestry full of evocative detail and memorable characters struggling with loss, new beginnings and love." – Tom Petsinis.
Author Bios:Helen Cerne is a well-published Melbourne writer and has taught creative writing for many years in the western suburbs. Serge Cerne was a humanities teacher and artist. Helen and Serge were married for over 40 years and were involved in community arts, collaborating on several creative projects. Sadly Serge died a few months before Shifting was published.