Figment is a story of survival in an era when the connection between childhood abuse and mental health was not recognised. Written by a survivor, for survivors — and for anyone with an interest in how generations of men with power have impacted women's lives.

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Spanning 80 years...

Born in Canberra in 1944, Elizabeth Mamchak grew up under the shadow of her father, Sir Frederick Wheeler, a man destined for one of the highest offices in Australia. To the outside world, her family appeared accomplished and respectable. This perception hid a childhood scarred by incest and maintained by silence — abuse that distorted her sense of self and her understanding of love.

As Elizabeth steps into adulthood, the wounds of her past resurface in the form of fragile mental health and fractured relationships. Then, at her father’s wake, she makes an unexpected and disturbing discovery — one that reveals hidden truths about her father’s dark side.

In … a figment of your imagination, my dear, Elizabeth shares her remarkable story with raw honesty, courage, and humour. She also issues a vital call: for survivors to speak out, for loved ones to listen, and for silence to no longer protect perpetrators.

"Despite (these) aspirational values, the hard truths of our young lives often told a different story. I projected confidence as I walked through school with a smile on my face, ignoring the dark reality that lived at home." (chapter 3, 'Life at Ecolint')

About the Author

Elizabeth (Liz) Mamchak studied professional writing at CCAE, where she learned the skills of crafting language. Writing has been a way for her to express the complexities of human relationships and important social issues. She has always loved the written word and the power of words to unlock ideas.

Elizabeth had a successful career as a social worker. The deep professional and personal connections she made throughout her career confirmed for her, as a survivor, the importance of being heard and being believed. She realised how important writing is as a medium for sharing survivors’ stories.

The pandemic coincided with Grace Tame calling for a national focus on sexual violence against women and children. This was the impetus for Elizabeth to write her memoir.

She is the mother of three adult children and has one granddaughter.