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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York United States Nellie’s Vow, a compelling new memoir by author and educator Leonie Binge, offers readers a powerful true story of love, resilience, and family devotion. The story takes place during the 1930s Australia.
Based on the real-life experiences of Binge’s mother and aunts, Nellie’s Vow chronicles the life of Nellie Peisley, an eleven-year-old girl who promised to protect her three younger sisters after the sudden death of their father and their mother’s mental health decline. The sisters’ journey from an idyllic life in country New South Wales to the harsh realities of institutional care, takes place during one of the most economically and socially challenging periods in Australia’s history.
The book shows the emotional impact of orphanage life during the Great Depression, a time when thousands of children were placed in institutions due to poverty and lack of support systems. Through historical detail, personal interviews, and family records, Binge explores how one young girl’s vow became the anchor that helped her family survive adversity and separation.
The author wanted to honor her mother’s experience and give voice to the thousands of children who lived through those years. According to the author, this is a deeply personal story, but it also reflects a broader history that deserves to be remembered.
Nellie’s Vow is receiving early praise for its heartfelt storytelling, historical accuracy, and focus on the strength of female leadership within families. With sepia-toned photographs and a stark narrative, the memoir appeals to fans of historical nonfiction, family sagas, and those interested in untold stories of Australian heritage.
Nellie’s Vow by Leonie Binge is now available in print and digital formats at leading online bookstores.
About the Author
Leonie Binge is the author of Nellie’s Vow, a family memoir born from her promise to her mother, Clare, to share her experiences of growing up in an orphanage. A graduate of The University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Education, she has dedicated her career to teaching young children, including three years working with children with disabilities and special learning needs. She has also taught Prep children for eight years at Mentone Grammar in Melbourne. Inspired by her work with children, she is also writing a series of children’s books and plans to write fiction for teenagers and young adults, in addition to a sequel to Nellie’s Vow.
