Magda Szubanski Unveils New Memoir Following Cancer Remission and Mother’s Passing
Beloved Australian entertainer Magda Szubanski, known for her iconic roles and outspoken advocacy, is embarking on a new chapter with the upcoming release of her second memoir, “I Can’t Tell You But I Will.” This deeply personal account arrives on the heels of Szubanski’s courageous battle with cancer, from which she recently announced she is in remission. The book promises to be a poignant exploration of grief, personal growth, and her transformation into a passionate campaigner for marriage equality in Australia.
Szubanski, 64, describes 2017 as a pivotal year in her life. “2017 was the year I finally grew up,” she stated. This was the year her mother, Margaret, passed away at the age of 92, a loss that profoundly shaped Szubanski’s perspective. Simultaneously, she found herself thrust into the centre of a significant national debate: the same-sex marriage survey.
“My mother was dying, and I was catapulted into the forefront of a bitter cultural and political battle: the same-sex marriage survey,” Szubanski explained. “I Can’t Tell You But I Will is the true tale of how I came to understand the unseen powers that shape our world, and learned how to stand up to them while staying true to your soul and to the people you speak for.”
The memoir is set to be a heartfelt tribute to her late mother. “Most of all, though, it is a eulogy for my beloved mother, Margaret: like my Celtic ancestors, I am ‘keening’ her life, singing of the terrible beauty of caring for someone you love as they die,” she shared. Szubanski reflects on her own evolution, stating, “This is the story of how I went from comedian to campaigner, from daughter to orphan, and from naïve idealist to pragmatic warrior.”
The highly anticipated book is scheduled to hit bookshelves on September 29th. This follows the success of Szubanski’s debut memoir, “Reckoning,” which delved into her childhood and the clandestine wartime activities of her father, Zbigniew, a Polish spy during World War II. “Reckoning” garnered significant critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the prestigious Book of the Year at the 2016 Australian Book Industry Awards.
The news of her memoir’s release comes shortly after Szubanski shared the uplifting news of her cancer remission. “I’ve completed chemo and I am now in remission. Phew!” she announced last month. While acknowledging that remission is not a cure, she expressed optimism about maintaining her health. “It’s not a cure, but if I’ve got a good remission, hopefully that will mean I’ll be able to keep the cancer at bay for a good long time.”
Szubanski extended profound gratitude to her supporters, highlighting the invaluable impact of their love and encouragement during her health crisis. “So eternal gratitude, thank you so much for that,” she said, emphasizing how this support provided both emotional and physical strength.
Her appreciation also extended to Australia’s medical professionals and healthcare system. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t give profound thanks to the medical community… and also to the common sense of the Australian people that we see how practical and compassionate it is to have a really good medical system,” she remarked, praising the world-class standards of care available in Australia.
In May of last year, Szubanski publicly revealed her diagnosis with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. She bravely shared her journey with fans, appearing on camera with a shaved head as she commenced treatment.
“Hello my lovelies. So, the head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks because I have just been diagnosed with a very rare, very aggressive, very serious lymphoma,” she explained at the time.
“It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately. The good thing is I’m surrounded by beautiful friends, family and an incredible medical support team,” she continued. “Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia, particularly in Melbourne. I feel very fortunate.”
Szubanski candidly described the experience as “pretty confronting” and “full-on,” but expressed hope due to ongoing advancements in medical treatments. She disclosed that she was undergoing the “Nordic protocol,” a treatment regimen for Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) that involves a combination of drugs administered in five phases to shrink tumours. This journey, she indicated, has been a significant catalyst for the reflections and insights that form the core of her new memoir.
