Aussie, Actually

A South African woman's memoir of migrating to Australia

Lois Nicholls is pregnant and heartbroken when she leaves her country of birth, South Africa to begin a new life in Australia with her husband and toddler.

Through a series of anecdotes she provides a snapshot of her emigration journey with candid, humorous and touching accounts of her new life on foreign soil. Battling through endless Brisbane summers, she tells of her struggles to make friends, coming to terms with leaving her family behind and understanding the quirks of living in Australia.

'Aussie, Actually' is a short, snappy read, delightfully illustrated by Lois’s daughter, Lara. It allows established Australians a tiny glimpse of an immigrant’s impression of living Down Under. It will also strike a chord with new and established immigrants who will no doubt relate to many of the humorous episodes mentioned in the book.

Lois candidly reveals some of her emigration blunders and dispels the myth that emigration is simply a case of changing countries – it goes far deeper than that. While South Africans and Australians speak the same language, she discovers there are sometimes profound and unexpected cultural differences.

'Aussie, Actually' is not a ‘how to’ on emigration – it does however cover many pertinent issues an expat may encounter: What schools to choose? Where to live? The agony of moving – again, the old school tie connections and the ongoing split allegiance and yearning for immediate family and old friends. And for those contemplating a permanent move to Australia, 'Aussie, Actually' will reveal the everyday experiences not covered in the emigration manual!