The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner

Grace Tame has never walked on middle ground.

From a young age, her life was defined by uncertainty - by trauma and strength, sadness and hope, terrible lows and wondrous highs. As a teenager she found the courage to speak up after experiencing awful and ongoing child sexual abuse. This fight to find her voice would not be her last.

In 2021 Grace stepped squarely into the public eye as the Australian of the Year, and was the catalyst for a tidal wave of conversation and action. Australians from all walks of life were inspired and moved by her fire and passion. She was using her voice and encouraging others to use theirs too.

The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner is Grace's story, in Grace's words, on Grace's terms. Here she returns, again and again, to the things that have driven and saved her: love, connection and radical, unwavering honesty. Like Grace, this book is sharply intelligent, deeply felt, wildly unexpected and often blisteringly funny. And, as with all her work, it offers a constructive and optimistic vision for a better future for all of us.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023 FOR NON-FICTION
SHORTLISTED FOR THE ABIA AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR 2023
SHORTLISTED FOR THE ABIA BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR 2023
SHORTLISTED FOR THE ABIA THE MATT RICHELL AWARD FOR NEW WRITER OF THE YEAR 2023
LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKPEOPLE ADULT NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023

PRAISE FOR THE NINTH LIFE OF A DIAMOND MINER

'Expect The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner to feature prominently in the next round of book award prize lists. A significant doer has emerged in this memoir as a significant writer too.' Sydney Morning Herald/The Age

'The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner, an honest, raw and at times harrowing piece of writing, far from being a one-note memoir, also sparkles with wit and artless joy.' The Australian

'Grace Tame's The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner shifts expectations . . . The book is loosely chronological, but mostly follows the rhythms and shapes of Tame's thoughts. It is held together by a strong, irreverent, irrepressible voice.' The Conversation

'As I finished reading the book, I found myself wishing that everyone would just get out of Tame's way so that she and her foundation can do the crucial work they're undertaking.' The Monthly