Severing Ties-A True Story and A Story of Truths

Born in post-war London in the late 40s, into a working-class Anglo-Irish, devout Catholic family where the "Church" was firmly placed centre stage.

Dominic was "banished" to Australia at the age of 20 for having too much fun in the swinging 60s.

There he embarked on a colourful and varied life,fuelled by alcohol and drugs. He was disowned for marrying "outside the Church".

His life became a series of successes and failures with good times and dark times thrown in.

All to the back-drop of a relationship that spans 5 decades, with the love of his life, Inge.

Dominic O'Leary was born in London in 1949. He was educated in the Catholic School system, first by nuns and then by priests. In 1969, he was sent to Australia by his parents,where he still lives. During his life he has worked in various fields, from bank clerk, barman, waiter, labourer to artist. He is now retired and lives in the small South-West Victorian town of Birregurra with his wife of almost 50 years, Inge.

Customer Reviews

4.7

6 reviews

Karen Brett

Amazingly thorough and well researched book. I was especially interested in the Catholic Church rituals and shenanigans. Dominic (and Inge) have clearly led a peripatetic and colourful life, one not bound by usual constraints. Fascinating reading.
Tim Woolford-Smith

Lovely book about growing up and finding your way through Religion, Post WWII London, then Sydney and Melbourne.
Great read about fashion and food as well and how to succeed with Wine, illicit substances and Craft with the love of his life.
Thanks for this Dominic.
Tim
dec765

I picked this book by chance and found an enthralling story. The author has a personable style, as he shared his journey through life's ups and downs. I like the early years in London, but life in Australia was quite a tale. I couldn't hardly put the book down, but having reached the end I feel as though I have known this couple my whole life. What a life, what a couple
Sean D

Everyone who reads Severing Ties will gain something from it, particularly so if the reader comes from an Irish Catholic / Northwest London background. There is so much to identify with. Well written Mr O’ Leary - thank you for sharing your remarkable life stories.
Jonathan B

A very interesting story, incredibly easy to read and enjoyable. He has led an idiosyncratic life. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Jane Gross

In 'Severing Ties', Dominic shares his colourful life with the reader in a very easy going style. His detailed accounts of his social and working life, alongside Inge, in Melbourne in the 1960s and 1970's rang true to me. The book provided a real insight into this couple's life and the many changes to which they adapted. It's an easy, light, fun read that keeps the reader's attention. Thank you, Dominic, for sharing your life!

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