Mrs Masek's Marionettes

by Lyn Levy, Isabel Muldoon (Cover Art), Iva Masek (Contributor)

Iva Masek was born in Czechoslovakia in the short but tumultuous period of history between Nazi occupation and Soviet domination. Nurtured by her extended family and a system set on raising strong children, she grew up to become a national representative in gymnastics. While her sheltered upbringing prevented awareness of the corruption and brutality of the Communist regime, when she fell in love with a young man whose family have suffered deeply as a result of opposition to the regime, the truth became apparent. Following the 1968 Soviet invasion of her homeland, the couple were arrested for participating in an anti Communist demonstration, and their life plans were shattered. They made the decision to seek freedom and safety in another country. While determined to emigrate, they could not have realised what they stood to lose by leaving or foreseen the troubles which lay ahead. By sheer chance she lands in Australia, with no English, no money, and pregnant. The letters Iva wrote to her childhood friend in Czechoslovakia reveal a vibrant young woman, homesick and struggling to find her place in a strange new land. Having three children in as many years, the first premature and profoundly deaf, she endures trauma, grief and isolation. It is over a decade before she finally gains the opportunity to carve out an identity for herself and is able to share her skills, wisdom and passion, enriching the lives of thousands of young people. Just as she approached the time in which she might reap the rewards of her decades of dedication, she is confronted with yet another daunting challenge which would overturn her hopes for the future. She would need to summon the strength to adapt to her new circumstances and work to retain the spirit of joy and optimism that has underpinned her life.

268 pages, Paperback

Published November 6, 2023

Reviews

[Patsy Bourke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is known to me, both living in the same town for many years. This is an inspiring biography and co-authorship with Iva Masek of the title. Iva wrote to her childhood confidant and fellow gymnast Zora, after fleeing her home country of the now Czechia in 1969 following Soviet occupation when she and her new husband were arrested for protesting. They came to Australia knowing nothing about the country other than glossy brochures not all that reflective of their new reality so far from all the people and life dear to them.

The story follows their initial placement in the Villawood Detention Centre in basic accommodation with Iva not having any English, pregnant, and her husband out working long hours. There were three children in three years, with the eldest born prematurely and deaf. After two years at Green Valley in south western Sydney, they found rental accommodation in the Northern Beaches of Sydney 60km away, which is the area where Iva remains.

Iva learned English, and her teaching qualifications were recognised. She eventually was appointed to Barrenjoey HS in Avalon and became a leader in sporting and cultural aspects. Iva was able to coordinate and lead the participation in the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge for many years, a dance performance reflecting a current societal issue. Barrenjoey was very successful in this endeavor.

Though not specifically mentioned, the author Lyn Levy would have met Iva at this time. Lyn and Iva travelled to Czechia together. The thirty year trove of letters written between Iva and Zora were found on this trip, translated and become the basis for this amazing story.

[Tom Meakin · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the face of it, this book looks like just another story of a refugee coming to Australia. But Iva’s story is truly remarkable. Lyn’s meticulous chronicling of Iva’s life is beautifully written, opening our eyes to the sights and sounds that Iva experienced on this amazing journey of her life, and the trials she overcame and conquered along the way.

[Danne Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased (my mum is the author) but this is a tightly crafted examination of one woman’s life as she deals with gestapo, kgb, the refugee system and the northern beaches.