The Last Daughter

‘I share this story out of love and forgiveness.’ Brenda Matthews

When Brenda Matthews was two years old, she and her siblings were taken from their parents. For the next five years she was a much-loved daughter in a white family, a happy child in a country town on the outskirts of Sydney, unaware of the existence of her Aboriginal family or how hard her parents were fighting for her return—unaware of her Aboriginal identity.

Then, she was suddenly returned to her Aboriginal family, the last daughter to come home.

Decades later, feeling a sense of something missing in her life, Brenda searches for her foster family and her beloved white sister, with whom she had had no contact.

Along the way she uncovers long-buried secrets and government bungling, as well as a deep connection to family and to her Aboriginal culture.

The Last Daughter is the story of Brenda’s journey to discover the truth about her past, to unite her two families—and to foster a better connection between black and white Australia. It’s a story full of heartbreak, love, hope and healing, one that shows a way forward for all Australians.

‘Powerful and inspirational—a must-read.’ Taryn Brumfitt, Australian of the Year

‘As well as being a moving story of two families, The Last Daughter speaks of the potential for healing between two cultures.’ Age

‘Powerful [and] heartbreaking.’ Australian Women’s Weekly

‘A truly eye-opening read and one that I believe should be a must-read for all Australians.' Good Reading (5 stars)