The Hidden Valley

The Hidden Valley is the first volume of memoirs on the life and travels of David Bergman. Born in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, he spends his childhood in a winegrowing region colonized by German settlers who left their homeland in the nineteenth century. From earliest times it has been a valley hidden away in a vast continent. Moulded by customs and traditions from Saxony and Silesia, he grows up in surroundings transformed by Anglo-Saxon culture. Indeed, this blend is noticeable during his formative years, especially after entering a rural school set amongst vineyards. By then the German language had lost its influence in post-war years marked by peace and prosperity. Unsurprisingly, his childhood is a happy one. How could it really be otherwise in a valley known for its vintage festivals, horticultural shows, singing evenings and sport? And then there are his beloved hills. Lucky to be born on one of the slopes overlooking the valley, it becomes a place to which he retreats to write his first poems.