Book Review ‘Unlovable- A Memoir from the Voice of Savage Garden’ by Darren Hayes.

I am not a big reader of memoirs, but when this book was released, I had to grab myself a copy. So, one Saturday on my way to the hairdresser, I passed the bookshop. I pass this book shop every time I go to the hairdresser and can usually refrain from buying a new book.

There, sitting on the new release wall was ‘Unlovable- A Memoir from the Voice of Savage Garden’ by Darren Hayes. I bought it and started reading it before the dye had been smeared all over my grey hairs.

Most people would know Darren as the front man of the one of the most successful Australian music acts of all time, Savage Garden. They had worldwide success with both studio albums and cleaned up at the ARIA’s (The Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards) in 1997. They made history winning best single of the year, album of the year, and best group.

This was one of the saddest and most moving memoirs I have ever read. Darren’s early life growing up in Brisbane was filled with fear, violence, self-doubt, and bullying.

His abusive alcoholic father often terrorised Darren and his siblings along with their loving mother. He never felt truly safe.

Despite being surrounded by such violence, Darren was a sweet child and a big dreamer. He described himself as "a big-hearted, emotional, and excitable" teenager, with an obsession for Star Wars and E.T.  (quoted from book)

As a child Darren saw one of his pop idols in concert, Michael Jackson. Darren told himself he was going to be a popstar and that is exactly what he achieved.

Despite his success Darren continued to struggle with his inner demons such as a nagging sense of low self-esteem, coming to terms with his sexuality, the devastating realisation that what he thought was a friendship was purely a business agreement, and emotionally addressing the impact his childhood trauma played in his mental health struggles.

This book will resonate with people who have ever doubted their self-worth. Darren tells his story with such honesty. Like so many of the songs Darren has penned, the book is both heartbreaking and beautiful.

I have been a big fan of Savage Garden since their first single was released and 'Affirmation' is one of my all-time favourite albums. I play it often and have always been moved by the lyrics of the songs. 'Hold Me' is my favourite single off the album.

To learn the inspiration for these songs is so special. I have also followed Darren's solo career and it's always been clear to me that he is a gentle, creative, and kind soul.

 I had absolutely no idea how much trauma he has endured throughout his life. A brave telling of his life story and what has shaped him into the beautiful human being he is. Anybody who is a fan and reads this memoir will want to give him a huge warm hug and tell him, 'Darren you are loved.'

I give it 5 stars.