By Abbey Cannan
A recently-retired player from Peregian has written a book which tackles domestic abuse and suicide head-on and will hold a local launch on Friday April 12.
Robert Burgin is currently a manager with the Sunshine Coast Falcons and played rugby league In Brisbane for 25 years and his book Poolhall Jail Library will launch at Foxy on Coolum café.
“It’s a true-life story where only the names are changed, and I’ve written it so that it is confronting and brutally honest, but also inspiring,” Robert said.
“Five dollars from every book sold on the night will go back to White Ribbon on account of the work they do to prevent domestic abuse against women.
“I grew up with a mother and three sisters, as well as a brother, and I think it’s important we open the curtains on what really happens in the suburbs.
“We saw a backlash last year against the phrase ‘toxic masculinity’, but it’s something I think we should address and, hopefully, as someone who comes from a blokey sports background, it might make it more relatable.”
As well as playing the game, Robert worked as a media manager for the Queensland Rugby League, and a writer for best-selling sports magazine Rugby League Week for the past two decades.
In the book he details a range of scenarios where domestic abuse impacted his family, but also the steps he took to better himself when he was at risk of repeating the same mistakes.
“I guess the main message of Poolhall Jail Library is to never be trapped in the darkness of your childhood,” Robert said.
“For men to enjoy their lives in adulthood, and to create a better community, we have to grow and learn from the injustices of the past, not use them as excuses or replicate those who did us wrong.
“This book is told from two perspectives – a son and a mother – and that allows the reader to form their own opinion of the truth. Certainly, I inject plenty of my own fallibility in there.
Already Poolhall Jail Library has achieved sales in the USA, UK, Canada, Denmark, India, Hong Kong and across the Pacific.
The official launch at Foxy on Coolum begins 6.30pm Friday and is free and open to all, for more information visit www.loxtonberg.com.
