As the anniversary approaches, fifteen years on, the devastating 18 January 2003 bushfires, which killed four people and destroyed nearly 500 homes across Canberra, are another chapter in the history books.
But the story that hasn’t been told, until now, is how the fire-affected families are faring years down the track.
Tears, Laughter, Champagne: A story of friendship forged through fire and food, by Canberra historian Karen Downing, chronicles both her personal bushfire-survival story and the stories of eight other women – the ‘Singed Sisters’ – who found each other in the aftermath of the Canberra firestorm.
From tea and tears in the months following the fires, to the champagne and laughter as they moved into newly-built homes, and ultimately to their lives today; the book is about friendship and resilience – and the recipes that helped along the way. Continue reading Tears, laughter and champagne: A story of friendship forged through fire and food
