“In Sunshine and Shadow sets the standard, of a book anyone can read, because it is so well researched, set out and portrayed, that it is interesting to all.

A joy to read.”

ALGIS ŠIMKUS OAM

In Sunshine and Shadow is a high quality hard-cover, section sewn book of 351 pages. Beautifully presented text and photographic images are printed on a silk finish art paper.

There are 71 restored historical images, and 113 contemporary images – people’s portraits, objects, documents, home interiors and exteriors, and vibrant landscapes of sub-tropical Queensland.

Nine chapters offer discrete text essays, rich in oral history quotations set in reflective expressive prose,  curated historical and new image essays, and two poems or songs.

Text-‘embroidered’ linen imagery enhances chapter titles, poems and songs. The linens separate text and image essays: one moves through discrete, visually quiet rooms. Poems and songs enrich and weave the narrative, and give a moment to pause and reflect.

THE BOOK’S NINE CHAPTERS

PROLOGUE: A PILGRIM’S JOURNEY

The author’s recollections of cultural expression, loss and dislocation, and the research project, and creating public history.

MOTHERLAND

The author’s parents amongst Lithuanians’ intra-WWII flight-evacuation to Australia from the Soviet-annexed Baltic states.

REFUGE UNDER A SOUTHERN CROSS

Children’s memories of war and oppression, flight from homeland, life in DPs’ camps, and migration to Australia.

SWEET BEGINNINGS

Men’s indentured labour cutting cane in Queensland – the lows and highs.

HONOURING THE GODDESSES

Women’s endurance and courage, marriage, managing ‘home’ and family, harsh labour and landscapes, separations, holding camps, kindness and reprieves.

TRIUMPHS AND TRIBULATIONS

Professionals and artisans’ non-recognition, retraining, studying, securing work, making businesses, suppressing and expressing Lithuanian language, and speaking English.

ABSENT FACES

Missing family, deportations, death and survival, solace and joy in landscape, community, friendship and family.
 

FROM CAPTIVE NATION TO INDEPENDENCE

The yellow, green and red following and supporting the homeland’s long journey.

TO MOTHER EARTH AND MORNING STAR

Return visiting, connecting, rejoicing, mourning, loss and renewal.