Wandering Girl

At the age of one, Glenyse Spratt (the author's maiden name) was placed in an orphanage--because her parents were Aborigines, and therefore deemed unfit to look after her. In this bitttersweet memoir, the author tells of her days at the Native Mission and, later, of the year she spent working for Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow. Her voice wavers, sometimes in anger at her own youthful naivete, but more often at the injustices heaped upon her. Yet, for the most part, her story is shot through with chirpy humor. She reduces her bigoted bosses to objects of derision, and reveals herself, ``the dark servant,'' as a girl of spirit--a fighter who knows her own worth. In one delightful scene, Glenyse and old handyman Bill dine together off the best china; in another, Glenyse uses Mrs. Bigelow's powders and perfumes in great abundance. Ward has written a personal cry for equality, which--in its substance more than its style--speaks eloquently to today's readers. Ages 12-up. (May)