Publisher's Synopsis
Author Peter Scottney-Turbill's early life and his enthusiasm to record his experiences in the Morialta Children's Home located in suburban Adelaide has produced an historical statement of a slice of midtwentieth century Australian institutional experiences. Fire in the Mist covers fifty years experiences from 141 people who used to either live or work at the children's home and documents the history and environment of the home. Written, researched and complied by Peter Scottney-Turbill, this provides a unique view into South Australia's post-colonial history. This is currently the only work that specifically looks at the history and people of the Morialta Children's Home. The author has had first-hand experience of what life was like at Morialta Children's Home as he and his sister both lived at the home for six years after a family breakdown. Peter states his personal motivation for writing the book "to clarify the principles and functions of the children's home and to provide a unique insight into South Australia's history". The result is an informative and factual history of the life and times of a children's institution in Adelaide and the contribution it has made to the individual and the community. The book includes over two hundred quotations from children and staff which vividly describe their experiences and feelings while at the home. From families broken by poverty, divorce, desertion, sickness and death, the Morialta kids lived in a strict but caring environment. Challenged by family break-up and by being "sent to a Home for Children", their raw courage and the family environment of Morialta helped them develop as tough, sincere and caring individuals - wise in life and respectful of others.
