All I Know

'Mary's book is a reminder that we don't have to be alone with grief. Her heartbreak and inspiring story is a lesson to all of us on how to live life to the fullest even in our most difficult moments. I loved it.' Naomi Watts


Starting with a colourful childhood in Collingwood and Doncaster, under the shadow of her father's mortality, and ending in sunny Bondi, supported by a tight circle of girlfriends who got her through a death even more painful, Mary Coustas takes us on a journey through three deaths that changed her life forever.


In a voice rich with big-hearted generosity and quick-witted humour, she shares with us the heartbreak, tears and gifts, and the life lessons she hopes can save us from giving in to grief, or denying a full life because of it. Anyone who has followed Mary's career in film and as the popular in-your-face TV and stage character Effie, may be shocked to learn of the trials she was going through at the time. But they won't be surprised by the love she gives out to all, and receives in return, from family and friends.


By giving us an intimate view of her experiences including meeting George, the love of her life, and their journey to parenthood we also see the universal truth that in life there's loss and, amongst the pain and tragedy of that, there is the power of hope and humour. Mary's story of the deaths of her father, her grandmother and her daughter Stevie is at times heartbreaking but, ultimately, All I Know is an enriching and uplifting celebration of life.