Polio Recovery in 1953 Perth

The Golden Age is a children's polio hospital in Perth, Australia, converted from a former pub.

The children at the Golden Age are polio survivors whose parents are unable to provide full-time care.

The Golden Age is a place where children can receive care and recover from polio, offering a sense of community and support.

Frank Gold is a thirteen-year-old boy recovering from polio at the Golden Age.

Elsa is Frank's friend at the Golden Age, known for her nurturing nature and caring for younger children.

Frank's parents, Ida and Meyer Gold, are Hungarian Jewish refugees who came to Australia after World War II and struggle to find a sense of belonging.

Sullivan Backhouse is a boy confined to an iron lung due to polio, who inspires Frank to write poetry.

Frank finds solace in writing poetry after learning from Sullivan, his former patient at the IDB, who wrote his own autobiographical poetry while in an iron lung.

A time of significant political and social upheaval, often marked by widespread conflict and change.

A fictional character in the story, a young man with a disability who struggles with his identity and place in society.

Frank's mother, a talented pianist who provides a source of support and inspiration for her son.

The setting for the story, a hospital created for children who are victims of war.

A recurring theme in the story, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in a society that emphasizes normalcy.

The experience of being ostracized or excluded from a group or society, often due to differences or perceived inadequacies.

The persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in life's usual activities, indicative of a mental health condition.

An emotional response to a significant personal loss, characterized by intense sadness, grief, and a sense of emptiness.

The process of recovering from trauma or loss, involving dealing with emotional pain, rebuilding life, and finding meaning in the midst of hardship.

A significant factor that contributes to the characters' emotional and societal struggles, highlighting the impact of war on individual lives and societies.

Frank's parents, Ida and Meyer, had a close-knit relationship, despite the challenges of being separated during the war. They rely on each other for support and share a deep bond, but also have individual struggles.

Frank and Elsa are both confined to the hospital due to their disabilities. Despite their shared experiences, their personalities are very different: Frank is charismatic and energetic, while Elsa is quiet and peaceful. However, they find a profound connection through their shared vulnerability and shared love for poetry.

Sister Penny is a nurse at the Golden Age, grappling with her complex personal life. She juggles her career with her romantic relationships and her strained relationship with her daughter, Elizabeth Ann.

Frank is a young man who feels isolated and ashamed of his disability. He seeks solace in poetry and finds it particularly inspiring through his connection with Elsa. He also struggles with his relationship with his parents and his fear of not getting better.

Meyer is Frank's father, who survived the horrors of the war. He struggles to adapt to his new life in Australia and feels a sense of displacement. He finds solace in the Golden Age and its residents, especially finding connections with Sister Penny.

Elsa is a young woman in the hospital with a physical disability. She finds comfort in the quiet joy of life and inspires Frank with her inner strength and kindness. She is close to her mother Margaret and her feelings of being

The Queen of England's visit to Perth is a poignant reminder of the impact of polio, as she is unable to interact with patients due to the rising number of cases. The children at the Golden Age feel the weight of the pandemic and its impact on their lives.

The children at the Golden Age are dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of their illness. They find solace in their shared experiences and the care provided by the nurses, but are also haunted by the fear of being alone in their struggle.

The therapist, Lidja, is a kind and caring figure who helps the children with their physical and emotional needs. Her sudden death is a traumatic event for everyone, highlighting the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of the world.

Elsa's mother, Margaret, travels by hitchhiking to visit her daughter and expresses her deep love and concern for her. She shows different aspects of her personality, both affectionate and troubled, further showcasing the multifaceted nature of parenthood.

Sister Penny is a strong and independent woman navigating the complexities of her own life, balancing her role as a nurse with her personal desires and the challenges of a broken family dynamic. She embodies the resilience of women in the face of adversity.

The children's reactions to going home for Christmas highlight the complex family dynamics and emotional struggles that come with their illness. Some feel like invalids, while others are expected to recover quickly, causing stress and frustration for both children and parents alike.

The children at the Golden Age are united by the experience of polio, and their lives are deeply intertwined. The characters often share their stories and provide support for one another. This sense of community helps them cope with the challenges of their illness.

The story explores how the characters cope with their physical disabilities and how this impacts their lives. They learn to adapt, overcome challenges, and find joy and purpose even in the face of hardship.