Author Description

This memoir tells the story of Victoria Eftekhari, an Iranian woman who was born into wealth in the 1950s. Despite advantage and privilege, her childhood was filled with emotional and physical abuse, illness, and depression. She endured more than forty operations and endless rounds of medications designed to heal her body and mind. She survived three unsuccessful marriages and spent most of her life as single mother to three children. Iran was her prison, and she was determined to break free. In 1987, she left everything behind, including a successful career as a dermatologist and cosmetologist, to start a new life in Australia with her young daughter. Her sons, both of an age when military training was compulsory, were not allowed to immigrate with her, although they managed to join her one year later. In that year, Victoria struggled. Unable to work in her profession, she also faced deportation back to Iran. Her health challenges continued to torment her. At one point, her frustrated doctors sent her home to die. At this moment of despair, Victoria turned to prayer. She chose to reinvent her life and help others. Once she regained her health, she began to work with charities. A healer and student of alternative therapies, she is now an accomplished naturopath, aromatherapist, kinesiologist, reflexologist, polarity therapist, homeopath, nutritionist, and spiritual healer. With more than forty qualifications, certificates, and professional memberships, Victoria has become one of Wollongong's most established and experienced practitioners.