Trigger Warning: this article deals with sexual assault and may be triggering to some readers.
You would be hard-pressed to find a single Australian, above the age of 18, who was unaware of the name, Grace Tame.
And understandably so, the 28-year-old has become one of the most prominent voices in our country, after her public calls for systemic change in how society and our government respond to sexual abuse.
Now, the 2021 Australian of the Year is sharing her story with the world, in a way that she never has before.
Taking to her Instagram, Tame shared with her 239K followers that she is officially releasing her very own memoir. Titled The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, the memoir will detail her life, her advocacy and the conversations that sparked a nationwide outrage over sexual abuse.
“From a young age, her life was defined by uncertainty—by trauma and strength, sadness and hope, terrible lows and wondrous highs,” the book’s description reads, as per book publisher, Pan Macmillan.
“As a teenager she found the courage to speak up after experiencing awful and ongoing child sexual abuse. This fight to find her voice would not be her last. In 2021 Grace stepped squarely into the public eye as the Australian of the Year, and was the catalyst for a tidal wave of conversation and action.”
“Australians from all walks of life were inspired and moved by her fire and passion. Here she was using her voice, and encouraging others to use theirs too,” the description continues, adding that the memoir will serve as “Grace’s story, in Grace’s words, on Grace’s terms”.
“Like Grace, it is sharply intelligent, deeply felt and often blisteringly funny. And, as with all her work, it offers a constructive and optimistic vision for a better future for all of us.”
A survivor of child sexual abuse, Tame’s courageous advocacy was the catalyst in overturning the oppressive ‘victim gag laws’ in Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Her mission was, and remains, to shine a spotlight on the ugly reality of child grooming and sexual abuse and show Australia that our culture of staying silent allows the corruption to continue.
“I get frustrated when people only want to focus on the negative details—tell me about your rape; take us back to your darkest moment,” she previously said as our marie claire cover star. “When there’s all this rage and widespread shock, we can get stuck in a cycle of darkness—and that’s not productive.”
As for The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, Tame also noted that the book’s front cover was hand-illustrated by herself. What some may not know is that Tame is a talented artist, who toured the US as comedian John Cleese’s illustrator.
“I’ve also illustrated the cover, using a cheapo $1 ballpoint pen from Woolies. Go on, I’m ready for the two-headed Tasmanian jokes,” she joked.
Grace Tame’s memoir, The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, is due to be released on September 27 2022, and is currently available for pre-order at Pan Macmillan now.
If you are experiencing sexual abuse or other unwanted behaviour, please contact Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia.
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