Jocelyn Moorhouse has a successful career as a gifted scriptwriter and film director, as well as a maintaining a marriage and a family of four children. How did she do it? Her memoir is a moving story of growing up with adoring parents and siblings. She knew early on that she wanted to be a filmmaker, and her dreams were encouraged by her family and by her teachers.
Meeting P.J. Hogan, becoming parents and filmmakers together was a turning point. But when they discovered that two of their children were autistic, Jocelyn's life turned upside down.
In Unconditional Love, she talks from the heart, with humour and intelligence, about her fears for her children, the highs and lows in her international career, about Hollywood and home, and about her love for what she does best-filmmaking and motherhood.
About the Author
Jocelyn Moorhouse, award-winning screenplay writer and film director, was born in Melbourne in 1960. She has directed numerous films, including Proof, How to Make an American Quilt, A Thousand Acres and The Dressmaker. She has produced some of her husband P.J. Hogan's films, including Muriel's Wedding and Mental. They have four children, two of whom are autistic.
Industry Reviews
'[A]n inspirational read...Moorhouse and Hogan's lives are testament to the imperative sacrifices of parenthood...Stories like [these] are crucial to our understanding of what being a mother means in our modern society.' * Readings Monthly *
'Unconditional Love is a shining example of the strength of mothers. Jocelyn's sensitivity and humour made me fall in love with her passion for filmmaking and her family. Her resilience is inspiring and beautiful.' * Nicole Kidman *
'A truly wonderful book, a heartfelt achievement. I read it over two days, unable to put it down.' * Jane Campion *
'Through deeply personal ruminations about herself and her family, the director makes the point that being a great artist is never as important as being a good human being.' * Guardian *
'A beguiling memoir, written from the heart, revealing a life lived truly.' * Cate Blanchett *
'An exquisite and often heartbreaking balancing act of storyteller, wife and mother. A memoir told with the love, joy and images that make Jocelyn's films so special.' * Rachel Griffiths *
'Moorhouse has the storyteller's powerful memory for details and the filmmaker's eye for the emotionally imbued image...an inspirational read for anyone interested in the film industry-and a cautionary tale for all parents who may wonder if they can, or indeed should, have it all.' * Books + Publishing *
'[Jocelyn] lays bare her soul ... she writes frankly about the challenges associated with being a mum and a career woman. ... It's a heartfelt account you'll want to finish in one sitting.' * Age *
'Raw, heart-rending and inspiring' * Sydney Morning Herald *
'Jocelyn Moorhouse is a consummate storyteller.' * Brisbane News *
'Unconditional Love will be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone interested in artistry and/or autism and the fine line that often separates the two phenomena.' * Australian *
'[A] story of creative achievement and heart-wrenching challenges...captures the complex reality of family life behind the apparent glitz of movie-making success...[an] intense, gutsy and well-told tale.' * Age *
'[A]n inspiring and heart-warming read.' * Chronicle *
'Unconditional Love is a very heart-warming story told in a relatable and empathetic way' * AU Review *
