Annette Kellerman, Australian Mermaid

· Bolinda · Narrated by Elizabeth Parisi
Audiobook
10 hr 5 min
Unabridged
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About this audiobook

Born into a daring, musical family in 1886, Annette Kellerman was a force of nature and made for the stage – her first love – and encouraged to defy social norms from a young age. But after she was diagnosed with rickets as a child she took up swimming for therapy, and soon she became an Australian champion, beating boys, breaking records and astonishing huge crowds by diving from great heights. By 1905, Kellerman was 18 and on her way to England in an attempt to swim the Channel and challenge endurance records in the Thames. Kellerman thrilled audiences in London with a vaudeville act, and her underwater ballet routines, combined with her beauty and athleticism, helped her become known on both sides of the Atlantic as 'The Perfect Woman'. Hollywood embraced her and she became the first great sex symbol of silent films, with her risque and provocative costumes – and sometimes no costume at all. But despite all her fame Kellerman always saw the promotion of health, fitness and independence for women as her biggest and most lasting achievement, and her influence and spirit changed the lives of millions.

About the author

Award-winning journalist Grantlee Kieza OAM held senior editorial positions at The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph and The Courier-Mail for many years and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his writing. He is a Walkley Award finalist and the author of twenty-one acclaimed books, including bestsellers Hudson Fysh, The Kelly Hunters, Lawson, Banks, Macquarie, Banjo, Mrs Kelly, Monash, Sons of the Southern Cross and Bert Hinkler.

Elizabeth Parisi is a Melbourne-based actor and voice artist with an extensive repertoire. Complemented by a background in acting and journalism, she is well known for her work across a range of Australian film and television productions. She has previously appeared in Blue Heelers as Melissa Reeves, starred in Neighbours as Lana Kline and played Mrs Harrison in Xue Xiaolu’s feature The Whistleblower. Elizabeth is a frequent guest on Melbourne's 3AW radio station and has narrated acclaimed audiobooks, including River Song by Di Morrissey and a number of narrative non-fiction books by bestselling author Grantlee Kieza.

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