‘D’you think you might’ve got the MS because you can’t forgive your dad?’
That wasn’t Jennifer Severn’s doctor asking—or her psychologist. It was her lawyer, but it was a good question.
When Jen, aged 22, settled into a cab at Sydney Airport one rainy night in 1988, she’d taken pains to create a safe, sensible life for herself after an unhappy childhood. But that was about to take a turn. The driver was a follower of Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh, and the conversation that night set her on a new, dual existence—Jen the medical sales rep and Marga Sahi the Rajneesh disciple. Was it the strain of maintaining this double life that brought on an episode of visual disturbance—double vision, no less—in 1994?
Family dysfunction, inappropriate relationships, life as an ‘orange person’, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis … Jen bounced between Australia, India and Amsterdam before circumstances conspired to land her in Quaama, a small rural village on Dry River on the far south coast of New South Wales.
Will an unrestored 1840s shearer’s cottage and a quirky rural community be her salvation?
Long Road to Dry River was shortlisted for the Finch Prize for Memoir in 2018.
‘I was much more than distracted. I was delighted, read it with zest and pleasure, and have re-read it with equal joy … I finished the book the first time in tears. The second time, I knew what I was in for, so had a stiff drink in readiness.’ Jenifer James
‘The book is excellent… funny, philosophical, honest and heartbreaking.‘ Keith
‘Severn is a sensitive, smart, astute, funny writer. This book has a lot of heart.‘ Tash
‘… important stories, which she tells with openness and humility, and the composite effect is one of wisdom acquired – and generously shared with the reader.‘ Kai Jensen
Buy a copy now! $30.00 includes postage and packaging – Australian addresses only. Use your Paypal account or pay by credit card.