A BIT ABOUT ME
Marie immigrated to Australia with her parents and sister when she was a child. The sudden loss of her voice caused Marie to be ostracized from her community. Despite the difficulties she faced, this experience strengthened her will and determination which eventually helped transform her into the caring and compassionate woman she is today.
Marie initially wanted to write about her journey for her daughters and grandchildren. When she realised, however, that others could benefit from her experiences, Marie decided to make her story public.
Marie has two adult daughters and three grandchildren, whom she adores.
VOICELESS
Expected to be published in early 2019
Voiceless is the extraordinary true memoir of Marie Orr; a girl who is inexplicably struck mute throughout her teenage years. From surviving abuse at her Catholic school to escaping a psychiatric hospital, Marie battles the odds to keep faith in herself, despite general disbelief and social ostracism. When doctors discover a coin lodged in her larynx, more than a decade later, Marie finally recovers her voice and her ‘miracle’ makes headlines across Australia.
Hearing of Marie’s miraculous recovery, the Canberra Times run a feel good story about her, but this isn’t the end of her journey - Marie is still searching for her place in the world. It’s only later, when she discovers the Narrabeen Baptist Church, that she finds her spiritual home. There she becomes involved in charity as a volunteer for Tearfund, and, with the support of the church choir, she is finally given the courage to sing again.
Marie’s story is ultimately one of finding the strength to be herself, despite being ostracised by her school and her community.