Debra Gavranich - The Girl Who Left

Debra Gavranich joins us from North Queensland, Australia, to discuss her recently published book, "The Girl Who Left." This book delves into her mother's journey from Korčula to the cane fields of Australia. In this episode, we explore life on Korčula, the proxy marriage that led to her mother's departure, and her adaptation to life in Australia. Debra shares her inspiration behind the book and the surprising opportunities for song and movie productions it has brought.

At the age of 18, Marija, Debra's mother, agreed to a proxy marriage with a sugarcane farmer in Far North Queensland, despite not knowing each other. Marija's childhood on Korčula was marked by the constant fear of occupation, first by the Italian army and later by the Nazis. She and her family secretly supported the Partisans during the war. Taking the risk of an unknown life in Australia, she embarked on a journey that led to building a new future for generations.

At 62, Marija was diagnosed with cancer and returned to Korčula one last time before her passing. This migrant story reflects the courage of individuals who took significant risks to start new lives in Australia, often with little knowledge of the English language. Their determination and hard work shaped the rich multicultural tapestry of modern Australia. Debra's book and story remind us of the importance of preserving and sharing our diaspora's history for future generations.

For more information about Debra and her book, you can visit the following links:

- [Book Information](https://g.co/kgs/31kjD9)

- [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/thegirlwholeft/)

Razgovor s Debra Gavranich

Naša posebna gošća ovog tjedna je Debra Gavranich iz Sjevernog Queenslanda, Australija. Debra je nedavno objavila knjigu pod nazivom "Djevojka koja je otišla," koja govori priču o njezinoj majci i njezinom putovanju iz Korčule na polja trske u Australiji. U ovoj epizodi razgovaramo o njezinu životu na otoku Korčuli, braku putem punomoćnika i kako se prilagodila životu u Australiji. Debra govori o motivaciji za pisanje priče i iznenađujućim razgovorima o glazbi i filmu koji su uslijedili.

Započela je u malom selu na otoku Korčuli. U dobi od 18 godina pristala je na brak putem punomoćnika s farmerom iz Queenslanda, Australija. Par se nije poznavao. Taj brak bio je bijeg iz traumatične Europe nakon rata.

Njezino djetinjstvo obilježeno je strahom zbog okupacije otoka. Marijina obitelj je pomagala partizanima tijekom rata. Nakon rata, rizikovala je život krećući u Australiju. S vremenom je zavoljela svojeg supruga i izgradila obitelj te postala dio migracijske priče Australije.Ovo je priča o hrabrim pojedincima koji su preuzeli velik rizik kako bi stvorili bolji život u Australiji.