From Hell to Happiness

From Hell to Happiness

A Japanese concentration camp childhood, a model, TV celebrity, actress, farmer and business entrepreneur: the life of Patricia Dennis.

A memoir of one woman's undying spirit…

After growing up in and surviving three and a half years in a Japanese concentration camp in the Philippines and having virtually no schooling until age 11, Patricia Dennis turned her life around becoming a celebrity and a business entrepreneur.

Now aged 82 and living in Gippsland, Patricia (Tricia) has documented her life in a memoir called Hell to Happiness, which is full of passion, hope and inspiration.

Highlights of Tricia's hectic and fulfilling life include modelling here and in Europe " on the catwalk and for television commercials and print advertising; her own weekly TV segment covering women's issues on Hal Todd's Midday Show on Channel 9; a dancing role in the BBC film Vanity Fair; and TV roles in The Secret Life of Us and Something in the Air.

One of the triggers to Tricia's success was winning the National Title for The Australian Beach Girl quest in 1955, which led to many front page cover shots on women's magazines. In her later years, Trisha was a regular model for Patons knitting pattern books and a photographic and catwalk model for other labels and stores in the fashion industry.

Moving to the country in 1961 with her husband and two children, Tricia raised heifers and milking cows followed by beef cattle. She went on to have four children " all girls. At aged 69 Tricia bought and ran a Bed & Breakfast for 11 years.

From Hell to Happiness
WMC
Author: Patricia Dennis
RRP: $29.95

Interview with Patricia Dennis

Question: What inspired you to write 'Hell To Happiness"?

Patricia Dennis: I was inspired to write my memoir 'Hell To Happiness" in response to the many requests from family and friend who wanted to know more about me and the unusual and varied life experiences I have had. Please read paragraphs 1 and 2 of 'Acknowledgements" at the front of the book.


Question: Was it difficult reliving certain aspects of your life when writing 'Hell To Happiness"

Patricia Dennis: My unique childhood experience of spending three and a half years in a Japanese concentration camp was the most difficult to write. The cold, hard facts were chiselled deeply into my memory bank. I decided to tackle this chapter first of all, only to discover... please read chapter 24 'Harnessing My Dream" (p 346) paragraphs 4 and 5.


Question: How does it feel to have your memoir described as 'the most moving memoir I've ever read"?

Patricia Dennis: It fills me with awe and gratitude. I am humbled by it to know that my memoir has so deeply touched a person's heart and connected with their soul. I regard this as the greatest honour and the highest praise in all the world.


Question: What message do you hope readers will take away when reading 'Hell To Happiness"?

Patricia Dennis: My message would be one of encouragement. No matter the odds, never give up on yourself or your dreams – be optimistic. Optimism energises you to be able to jump life's hurdles and to flatten out the bumps on the road to success. Make every moment count in your life and know that you are never alone. With faith, hope, courage and endurance your dreams will come true.

From Hell to Happiness
WMC
Author: Patricia Dennis
RRP: $29.95

Interview by Brooke Hunter