Rags and Riches

Life is an intricate tapestry of emotions: moments that tug at our hearts and instances that leave us in stitches. Every day, we navigate the quirks and peculiarities of those around us, choosing to either embrace the humour or let annoyance take the reins. Why not revel in the comedic interludes hidden within life’s juxtapositions?

In Rags and Riches, Susanna invites readers into a delightful collection filled with laughter, wit, and true tales. From whimsical articles to heartfelt poems, she captures the essence of real people and the memorable moments that have shaped their lives. Many stories bring to life the eclectic guests that have crossed Susanna’s threshold, while others shine a spotlight on the charming exchanges she shares with her vivacious granddaughter.

‘One of her guests, a specialist medical doctor, laughs, “Susanna, you know I’m known as ‘The Cleaner.’ One weekend I was asked to be the medic in charge of a small hospital of nineteen patients. By the end of the weekend, sixteen of them had died.”

“What did you do? One look at you and they all decided their lives weren’t worth living? Seriously?”

“Yes, I’m that girl!”

“Now when any hospital needs to move patients on – they know who to ask.”

“Yes, the cleaner!”’

Articles used to be written on rags, which would be posted around the towns for people to read. They looked forward to their weekly rag. The book title includes ‘Riches’ because stories enrich our lives.

Susanna Elliott-Newth lives in south of Sydney, Australia, where she works as a specialist teacher of students with learning difficulties. She also writes professionally as an author of educational resources in literacy areas for teachers.

Throughout her teaching career, she has worked as a classroom teacher, school principal and Senior Education Officer. Susanna has a passion for teaching, a career that spans more than fifty-five years, which combined with her love of writing affords her a busy, but highly rewarding lifestyle.

Living so close to the south coast beaches, Susanna’s inspiration for her writing comes from the beautiful coastal and mountainous environments on her home doorstep.