Grace Tame has never walked on middle ground. From a young age, her life was defined by uncertainty – by trauma and strength, sadness and hope, terrible lows and wondrous highs. 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.
Pan Macmillan is set to publish Grace Tame’s inspirational memoir, The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner. This is Grace’s story, in Grace’s words, on Grace’s terms. Like Grace, it is sharply intelligent, deeply felt and occasionally blisteringly funny. And, as with all her work, it offers a constructive and optimistic vision for a better future for all of us.
One of the words that define Grace is ‘whole-hearted’ – she gives her all to everything she tackles. When she told us she wanted to illustrate a self-portrait for her book cover, we could not have anticipated something with this level of intricacy, of story, of life.
Grace Tame said, “A lot has been said about me but The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner is the real story. I’ve learned a lot about myself through writing this book and I’m sure there is content in my memoir that will surprise people. I wanted to share who I am and what has shaped me, and to show that survivors are not defined by their trauma. I’m really proud of this book and I hope it helps others to find their strength too.”
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