The Family

“The Family is remarkably clear-sighted. The writers have a gift for temperate yet compelling prose that unflinchingly reveals the delusions and unreflective righteousness of much of what emerged from the counterculture. In this book, the best of what journalism should be–honest, unsentimental, incisive–is combined with the craft and storytelling skills of born writers.” –Christos Tsiolkas

“Harrowing but humane. An extraordinary story, impeccably researched.” –Martin McKenzie-Murray

“It’s a remarkable [story]: hair-raising, unfathomable and deeply disturbing.” –Irish Independent

“Everyone loves a good cult story. And they don’t come much better. This is the gripping story behind one of the strangest, most fascinating episodes in Australian history.” –GQ

“Perhaps the most sensational cult story out there, The Family does not disappoint with its examples of both a glittering charismatic leader and its downward spiral of abuse … This story is shocking at every turn except one: the cruelty. And the ultimate destruction of innocent lives.” –Joanna Hershon, Electric Literature

”[A] compelling account of one of Australia’s most notorious cults … The authors trace the extraordinary life of a woman who operated “at the edges of human belief”.” –The Saturday Age

“Immaculately researched … This important book looks at how (and asks why) these abuses happened, defying the cult’s motto: “unseen, unheard, unknown”.” –Readings

“A powerful work of investigative journalism … pieced together in exacting detail.” –Reading Matters

Chris Johnston (Author)

Chris Johnston is a senior writer for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, based in Melbourne. He has been covering developments related to The Family for several years.

Rosie Jones (Author)

Rosie Jones is an award-winning writer, director, and editor. Her most recent credits include the feature documentary The Triangle Wars (Best Australian Documentary, Antenna Documentary Festival 2011), Westall ‘66- a suburban UFO mystery and Obsessed with Walking, about the Booker-nominated writer Will Self. She has edited numerous documentaries, including James Cameron’s feature documentary, DeepSea Challenge 3D, and the multi-awarded short docs Queen of the Desert and My Brother Vinnie.