The Poinciana Tree
The story of an Australian woman’s life and struggle in the times before, during and after World War II
Antony Jeffrey
Paperback, 280 pages, $29.95
ISBN: 9781922449962
Release Date: February 2022
The Poinciana Tree is a novel about a woman and her family whose
lives spread across the vast continent of Australia. On one
hand it is a story of hardship, emotional deprivation and
coping with the desperation of the Depression and war, but on
another level it is a classic example of bravery, resilience, the
joys and sorrows of family and the unswerving commitment of love and
support to others.
The story is based on the real experiences of the author’s own family.
His mother Aimée Francis was born in 1908 in the remote goldfields of
Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, but after her own mother’s early death
she moved to Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and ultimately to Queensland.
Our history is full of the bravery and resourcefulness of
people like Aimée and those she loved, but rarely are they noticed.
This book is a tribute to her and the thousands like her.
From the Readers
Antony Jeffrey's book The Poinciana Tree recreates his mother’s life and
that of her family. We see through Aimée that there is no ordinary life
as each person's life is precious and unique. We learn how Aimée lived,
loved and coped with major challenges while leading her boys through to
adulthood. A noble story well worth a read. -- Carol L. Barbeito, Ph.D., Author, Consultant & Educator (Denver USA)
It was fascinating to read Antony Jeffrey’s book The Poinciana
Tree, and to understand his strong appreciation of his mother, so
beautifully named Aimee. -- Joan Carden, A.O., O.B.E., a.k.a. The People’s Diva
About the Author
Antony Jeffrey has followed a career in arts management for many years.
He was the first Director of the Australia Council’s Music Board and
first CEO of the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
He has worked as manager or consultant to a great many arts
organisations including five years as Commercial Manager of The
Australian Opera. He has recorded more than a hundred interviews with
artists and other creative people many of which resulted in his book
Many Faces of Inspiration (2011). In 2008, he was awarded an AM for his
services to the arts.
In recent years he has shared his time between creative writing together
with arranging and leading music tours overseas. His book on leading
pianist and conductor Roland Peelman (in association with photographer
Anthony Browell) was published in 2021, by Connor Court. The Poinciana
Tree is his first novel.
