“My story has been written in both Croatian and English to explain to those who are puzzled by my eternal bond to Croatia.. An Australian woman of Irish heritage who fell in love with a Croatian immigrant in Sydney; the years spent learning a language, experiencing a new culture, the difficulties, and the happiness, living life through the highs and lows, the good and the bad. In hindsight, I feel blessed to have experienced the full spectrum of life. Here is my story.”….

Ispričala sam svoju priču kako bih svoju vječnu povezanost s Hrvatskom objasnila onima koje to zbunjuje… Australka irskog podrijetla koja se zaljubila u hrvatskog iseljenika u Sydneyu; godine provedene u učenju jezika, upoznavanju nove kulture, potesškoće, sreća, životni usponi i padovi, dobro i zlo. Gledajući unatrag osjećam se blagoslovljeno što sam iskusila cjeli spektar života….Ovo he moja priča….

EU and CROATIA – NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: TAPISERIJA ŽIVOTA/THE TAPESTRY OF LIFE, Robyn Vulinovich – Web-knjižar 26.50 Euro + 51 Cents postage HR and 2.51 postage EU.

FOR AUSTRALIAN, NEW ZEALAND & OVERSEAS READERS: Copies can be ordered directly from the author at the best postage price available. Contact Robyn by email on myhiddencroatia@gmail.com providing full name and address.

BOOK REVIEWS Dear Robyn, I received your book today here in Christchurch NZ and I spent this evening reading it all from start to finish. I just wanted to let you know how beautiful your story is and the pictures in your book are incredible. I kept dragging my fingers over the pictures trying to feel the texture in them even tho I knew they weren’t there. I loved reading about the Vulinovich history in Podgora and feel my Vulinovich family would have done very similar with the red wines, figs, grapes and olives etc as those are all my favourite go to foods now too and it is such a common way of Croatian life even to this day. I was particularly drawn to the second paragraph on page 54 where you spoke of the Dalmatian immigrants that came to NZ to dig for Kauri gum and were known by the Maori community as Tarara as that is part of my Great grandfather Visko Vulinovich story when he came to NZ from Podgora. It saddens me I can not find more about him in Croatia but it is to be unfortunately. I am saddened you lost your Branko the way you did too. I have been to Croatia and truly understand why you chose to live there permanently. It simply is stunning. Beautiful book Robyn! Carol Mikulicic, Christchurch, New Zealand.

“Dearest Robyn, Your book is a delightful, funny and an entertaining eye opener. So much new I learned about you, your family, your life and most of it, your youth. Gosh what a life, Robyn!  It was an immense pleasure to read it. Knowing you pretty well it was still plenty of new discoveries in this lovely written piece. The illustrations took the reading to yet another level. You did a marvelous “job” with it. Bravo! I read your little treasure so quick , it’s a page turner, and enjoyed it very much’. Lara Sierra- Split

“My dear Robyn, seeing you yesterday, wrapped in so much love and joy, truly warmed my heart. Thank you for inviting me to share in the celebration of your autobiography…it meant more to me than you know.I started reading the book on the ferry back to Hvar last night and couldn’t put it down. i’ve just finished it, and I’m still feeling moved.You write with such honesty and grace, my talented friend. Brando’s letter to his father brought tears to my eyes, and the artwork is breathtaking! I’m so proud of you..Congratulations on this beautiful, powerful accomplishment . Lots of love to you. “Suzana Vuček – Island Hvar

Dear Robyn, Loved the book! I must say I shed a tear or two regarding Branko and his eternal yearning for the Homeland…like my dad ..but they masked a lot and did their best in the new world…But well done Robyn! Julena Radojkovich – Auckland New Zealand.

“Congratulations my dear dear Robyn! What a night, what a tribute to your family, to your sons, to Branko, and Croatia. So proud of you, what a precious soul you are. it was an incredible night, you are so loved and so admired by so many ppl. Love you my dear friend”. Marija Jeličić – Split

“Well Mum, I started it, and as I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I read the whole thing in a few hours! I realise now it’s a legacy book, I get that now. It’s something I’ll share with my kids and they will share with their kids. No one’s life is perfect but it’s our life to live and that was a great story. I’m not going to lie, there were a couple of tears here and there. I loved it Mum. ” Adrian Vulinovich – Gold Coast Australia.

“Hi Robyn, Mum received your book, and she has started reading it and is enjoying it. Much appreciated for sending her your story. She says thanks so much”. Tony Vela – Brisbane Australia

“Dear Robyn, It was such an honour to be on your special event. I’m reading your book, enjoying, but must admit quite often with tears”. Tanja Kezić – Split

‘Draga Robyn, prezentacija vaše knjige je bila SUPER kao i vi. Pročitali smo je lako se ćita i sve razumljevo. Nije nam bilo lak život zato ste postali jaka i Znažna Žena. Veliki pozdrav. Ljubenka i Ivan Raić – Podgora

Roby, pročitala sam knjigu. Nisi mogla lipše ni bolje napisati. Interesantna i čita se u jednom dahu. Opet ti čestitam. Dubravka Borić – Podgora.

Congratulations on putting your heart, soul, and hard work into every page! What a milestone and such an achievement to pen your memoir. I remember Branko with fondness. Brando shared several times his fondness of time spent in Far-North Queensland and New Zealand. I have managed to avoid cooking dinner or doing any work… but enjoyed turning every page! Tracy Finnie New Zealand.