Daddy, We Hardly Knew You

Daddy, We Hardly Knew You is a 1989 biographical investigation by feminist author Germaine Greer into the life of her father, an Australian intelligence officer during World War II. The search spans three years as Greer pursues leads and uncovers documents across multiple countries. The narrative follows Greer's methodical research process as she attempts to piece together the truth about her distant father's past and identity. Her investigation takes her through military records, genealogical archives, and interviews with those who knew him. The book combines elements of memoir, detective work, and historical research to reconstruct a family history marked by silences and unanswered questions. The search becomes both a daughter's quest to understand her father and a historian's examination of how personal and official records can reveal or obscure the truth. This work explores universal themes about family relationships, the impact of war on individual lives, and the complex nature of truth and identity. The investigation raises questions about how well we can ever truly know our parents and what drives us to uncover difficult family histories.

Readers describe this memoir as raw and personal, noting how it diverges from Greer's usual academic feminist works. The search for her father's true identity resonates with many who have complicated relationships with their parents. Readers appreciated: - The detailed investigative process - Honest portrayal of family dynamics - Historical context of post-war Australia - Writing quality and narrative structure Common criticisms: - Too meandering and unfocused - Excessive detail about genealogical research - Lack of emotional resolution - Self-indulgent tone One reader noted: "The detective work becomes tedious, but the underlying story about family secrets is compelling." Another wrote: "She spends more time on research methods than emotional impact." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (276 ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (14 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (89 ratings) The book receives stronger reviews from readers interested in genealogy research than those seeking a traditional memoir.

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt A memoir tracing the author's investigation of his Irish father through poverty and abandonment mirrors Greer's search for paternal truth.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls The narrative examines complex family relationships and a daughter's quest to understand her father's life choices and impact on their family.

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel This graphic memoir chronicles a daughter's exploration of her father's hidden life and identity after his death.

The Duke of Deception by Geoffrey Wolff The author uncovers his father's web of lies and fabricated identity through historical research and family investigation.

The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes The book follows the author's search for her biological parents and examination of family identity through archives and DNA records.

🔍 The research for this memoir spanned three continents and required Greer to learn Italian to access certain military archives. 📚 Greer discovered her father had fabricated much of his military service history, including his rank and role during World War II. 🌏 The book's publication in 1989 sparked controversy in Australia, as it challenged idealized narratives of WWII veterans and family relationships. 👥 Despite being known primarily for her feminist works like "The Female Eunuch," this deeply personal book marked Greer's first venture into memoir writing. 🏆 The investigation revealed that her father had changed his name multiple times and lived under various identities throughout his life, making the search particularly challenging.