What do you think?
Rate this book
Surrender: A Journal for My Daughter
"Welcome to the extraordinary and wonderful world of Joshua Yeldham. I hope you wore sensible shoes." Richard Roxburgh
In this journal for his daughter Indigo, Joshua Yeldham charts his life from growing up on the Hawkesbury River to becoming one of the most astonishing artists Australia has produced in decades.
Yeldham's first foray into literature, Surrender is a stunning creation that mirrors the complexity of his artistic practice, layering painting, photography, drawing and prose. Surrender navigates Yeldham's early life from the intense pain of schoolyard bullying to his time at Rhode Island School of Design, hiking in Venezuala and his odyssey into the Australian outback in an old kombi. It's a love story too, recounting how Joshua and his wife Jo - his collaborator and a photographer in her own right - met, and their journey through his infertility, IVF, and the joy of parenthood.
Surrender is an immensely powerful work, celebrating Yeldham's deeply spiritual affiliation with the land, belief in the succour of the creative imagination, and a reverential love of nature.
" Yeldham puts heart and soul into every piece. He meditates, he communes with Nature; he strives to make every gesture feel meaningful . " John McDonald, Sydney Morning Herald
"The intensely powerful journal dips in and out of the author's memories, experiences and hopes ... Yeldham is talking directly to Indigo here, and we are the lucky listeners." Vogue Australia
In this journal for his daughter Indigo, Joshua Yeldham charts his life from growing up on the Hawkesbury River to becoming one of the most astonishing artists Australia has produced in decades.
Yeldham's first foray into literature, Surrender is a stunning creation that mirrors the complexity of his artistic practice, layering painting, photography, drawing and prose. Surrender navigates Yeldham's early life from the intense pain of schoolyard bullying to his time at Rhode Island School of Design, hiking in Venezuala and his odyssey into the Australian outback in an old kombi. It's a love story too, recounting how Joshua and his wife Jo - his collaborator and a photographer in her own right - met, and their journey through his infertility, IVF, and the joy of parenthood.
Surrender is an immensely powerful work, celebrating Yeldham's deeply spiritual affiliation with the land, belief in the succour of the creative imagination, and a reverential love of nature.
" Yeldham puts heart and soul into every piece. He meditates, he communes with Nature; he strives to make every gesture feel meaningful . " John McDonald, Sydney Morning Herald
"The intensely powerful journal dips in and out of the author's memories, experiences and hopes ... Yeldham is talking directly to Indigo here, and we are the lucky listeners." Vogue Australia
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
312 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2016
6 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 12, 2016
'Surrender' is potentially the most amazing book I have ever had the pleasure of owning (and selling). Artist, Joshua Yeldham has presented this masterpiece as a journal for his daughter. In sparse words for a journal, he details his life and what has led to his fulfilling life as an artist and loving husband and father, as well as beautifully conveying his family's affinity with art and nature.
The artwork and photography (by his wife) are breathtaking and can leave you enthralled for hours as you look at the fine detail of his work. It is so well complimented by the design and presentation of the book overall. This book is a work of art which deserves to be cherished and treasured.
The description on the back of the book speaks volumes "Welcome to the extraordinary and wonderful world of Joshua Yeldham. I hope you wear sensible shoes" - Richard Roxburgh
The artwork and photography (by his wife) are breathtaking and can leave you enthralled for hours as you look at the fine detail of his work. It is so well complimented by the design and presentation of the book overall. This book is a work of art which deserves to be cherished and treasured.
The description on the back of the book speaks volumes "Welcome to the extraordinary and wonderful world of Joshua Yeldham. I hope you wear sensible shoes" - Richard Roxburgh
July 14, 2016
This book is the most creative memoir I have ever read. The paintings are spectacular, the photographs (his wife's contributions) and the sparse text tell a wonderful story. What a surprise!!
March 24, 2016
Beautiful.
July 4, 2018
Joshua Yeldham has created a stunning memoir, which combines his extraordinary art, his wife’s lush photography and the story of his life. It is heartbreaking and exhilarating and truly breathtaking. He reveals his years of being bullied at school for being the “sensitive boy” ( he should have stayed hidden in the library, the librarian would have protected him), and his epiphany moment, hiking in the Swiss Alps, where he discovered his inner steel to never give up.
When you see his wife Jo’s art, and read her diary entries, you know that they are true kindred spirits.
This memoir is a celebration of the artist process, of love, and of parenthood. It is about overcoming the obstacles that block your way and forging your own path, no matter where it leads.
This would be a perfect gift for anyone looking to lead a creative life.
When you see his wife Jo’s art, and read her diary entries, you know that they are true kindred spirits.
This memoir is a celebration of the artist process, of love, and of parenthood. It is about overcoming the obstacles that block your way and forging your own path, no matter where it leads.
This would be a perfect gift for anyone looking to lead a creative life.
September 13, 2025
Beautiful poetry x art book. Was recommended by Pippa and read it in two stints. Follows an artist and his relationship with Australian nature and developing his art style. It was beautiful and touching. It was slightly too advanced for me though, and I found it difficult sometimes to appreciate the art and poetry.
Can’t wait to read many books like it and lean into the poetry life.
Can’t wait to read many books like it and lean into the poetry life.
December 5, 2020
Such a stunning visual journal and journey.
An incredible and inspiring creative life and adventure full of thought and poetry.
An incredible and inspiring creative life and adventure full of thought and poetry.
January 7, 2022
Such an enchanting book.
May 11, 2022
I usually struggle to read nonfiction but this one I swallowed in a handful of days. It was unlike anything else I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed how the art within helped tell the story.
December 7, 2023
a book so beautiful i could feel it within my chest
October 1, 2016
Such a stunning book! Combination of art, journal, memoir and poetry. I am desperately, desperately envious of Joshua Yeldham's artistic talent and vision. Inspiring on every level.
October 2, 2016
Beautiful and intimate. A stunning book of art and stories.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews