Wishes For Starlight

How does a deaf, orphaned, Noongar boy survive during the implementation of the draconian 1905 Aborigines Act? By having powerful and caring friends. Starlight is born in the 1890s in Canning Mills, Western Australia, a thriving timber town. He is found and nurtured by some remarkable people. None of their lives are straightforward: head strong Mary, born into a dysfunctional family, the Italian immigrant Marco and their closest friend Arthur, second son, in an amazing pioneering family. As the children grow into adulthood change arrives in their insulated lives; world events and evolving social norms threaten their bond and Starlight's future is put at risk. The war intervenes and other characters arrive who help Starlight evade the landslide of change removing the rights of Aboriginals. Past enemies resurface and the friends must confront the possibility that their actions may not be enough to save those they love from harm … Set largely in Western Australia, Wishes For Starlight is a novel where friendship and loyalty are pitted against public norms played out in an era of prejudice and disadvantage. It is a story about relationships, resilience and what true equality and freedom mean.

'Wishes for Starlight' by Linda J Bettenay Reviewed by Robyn Molloy Editor, Examiner Newspapers; Freelancer, webjournalist.com.au The appallingness of the Aborigines Act 1905 is at the heart of Roleystone author Linda Bettenay’s second novel 'Wishes For Starlight'. The Act saw a chief protector appointed as legal guardian to all Aborigines in WA and it spelled the end of civil rights for Aborigines with discrimination, segregation and the loss of the right to move around the state freely. Bettenay tells the fictionised story of Starlight, a mysterious deaf mute Aboriginal boy rescued from abhorrent living conditions by three children, who vow to make it their life’s journey to look after his welfare. His greatest ally is Mary, a strong willed white girl, battered by her philandering father, but determined not to let each and every hurdle life throws at her keep her down. Mary and Starlight’s lives entwine as they endure life without parents, war, depression, death, discrimination and separation from each other. With her acceptance of Starlight, her attempt to run a business alone when estranged by war and her friendships with men who are not her husband, Mary’s life defies what is expected of women of the day. She shows that injustices towards women ran parallel with those of Aborigines. An array of lovable and evil characters join Starlight and Mary to bring the hills of Canning Mills, Karragullen and Roleystone in the 1900s alive with prejudices, sexism, racism and rich discussions about what is right and wrong in their world. Through it all Mary and Starlight give breath to loyalty, strength of character, overcoming adversity and challenging the conventions of the day. Bettenay is bold in her storytelling, she does not shy away from what life must have been like for Aborigines at that time and bravely includes fictionalised accounts of people and places with which she is most familiar, having grown up in the hills where she still lives today. Take delight in reading a WA author writing about the part of WA she knows and loves. It will entertain you, affront you and compel you to talk about what life was like 100 years ago in suburbs we all know. Readers of Bettenay’s first book 'Secrets Mothers Keep' will enjoy the reappearance of Bluey, Macca and the now mellowed newspaperman Eustace. Bettenay’s fans can be rest assured 'Wishes For Starlight' has as many shocks and even better storytelling than her first novel.

Linda J Bettenay has now published two books in her Secrets Series - fictional novels set in Western Australia. Linda was born in Roleystone, into a pioneering orcharding family who have farmed the land since 1901 and lived in the area since 1895. Linda’s current occupation is editor of a community magazine, The Roleystone Courier. This monthly publication has existed in Roleystone since 1977 and, along with her husband Mike, has owned and operated this business since January, 2008. This is a labour of love, providing a much loved magazine for this delightful rural community. Prior to this, Linda was in education and spent over 30 years as a teacher and a Principal, in schools across regional Western Australia. Linda and Mike have two sons, Joe and Brett, two daughters-in-law Bethany and Rebecca and three very cherished grandchildren Leigh, Violet and Mirabelle. Linda’s stimulus to write her first novel ‘Secrets Mothers Keep’ came from the discovery of an amazing true story, from her husband’s family’s past. This story was kept secret since 1928 and was only recently uncovered. Her second novel, based on her father’s stories, ‘Wishes For Starlight’ is set largely in the Perth Hills area - a location Linda is very passionate about. These form part of Linda’s ‘Secrets Series’ - fictionalized stories based in the rich history of Western Australia.