Sharnie's Debut Book: Baachan​
A vulnerable and uplifting memoir about the author, Sharnie Fenn, and her sassy Japanese grandmother, Baachan, and how her life-changing advice helped her navigate growing up Japanese-Australian and overcoming her crippling identity crisis, healing from an abusive relationship and learning how to live shamelessly. 

In this raw and emotional anecdote, Sharnie finds herself stuck and defeated. She was a healthy 25-year-old who at times, wanted nothing but to change places with her arthritis-ridden, widowed Baachan because she radiated life. During their phone calls and her visits to Japan, Sharnie noted down the thought-provoking advice and powerful words of encouragement that Baachan would casually slip between conversations in an attempt to absorb her mindset. Between gossip about her elderly neighbours or recent news about the Japanese Emperor, Baachan never failed to pass important life lessons about family, letting go, seeking help, life partners and on being alone.

​Complete with family photos, cute illustrations of Baachan in Japanese animation style and beautiful Japanese proverbs, Baachan is a heartfelt book that resonates, inspires and uplifts, encompassing love, trauma, loss, identity, hatred and healing.
* Please Note: both black-and-white and colour print is available. Colour-printed paperback includes illustrations throughout the book printed in colour and is available only on the following Amazon marketplaces: 
​Amazon.com; Amazon.co.uk; Amazon.de; Amazon.fr; Amazon.ca; Amazon.es; Amazon.it; Amazon.nl; Amazon.pl; Amazon.se

Praise for ​Baachan

In a world that should feel affluent, Baachan teaches us what we have lost. The lessons Sharnie learned from her will inspire many across generations and borders, and serve as a guidebook for how to live in the present.
​
豊かになったはずの世界で、私たちが失ったものを「ばあちゃん」は教えてくれる。彼女からSharnieが学んだレッスンは、世代や国境をこえて多くの人を勇気づけ、いま、この瞬間を生きるための
​ガイドブックとなるだろう。

Momoko Amemiya, Journalist
A beautiful illustration of how our relationships transcend both time and location to ultimately shape our core beliefs. Sharnie Fenn’s extraordinary ability to communicate her Baachan’s wisdom in a way that resonates with a contemporary audience through nostalgia and wit is truly the most potent and pure reflection of her admiration for her Baachan.​

Adela-Mae Marshall, Model
Sharnie's book has evoked a special and deep emotional feeling within me. It serves as a poignant reminder of my own Japanese grandmother, who has also experienced similar circumstances. As I delve into the pages and explore the profound six lessons and advice that Baachan shared, I am convinced that these valuable teachings extend beyond Sharnie herself, carrying essential messages for all readers. I have been profoundly moved by this remarkable book.

Dr. William Lo, Justice of the Peace, Hong Kong & Board Member of TVB Ltd

Reviews of ​Baachan

Inspiration behind Baachan​

What makes Baachan so alluring is that behind the gentle, frail Japanese grandmother, there was once a girl who survived World War II, a girl who single handedly cared for her disabled mother, a teenager who dropped out of school and worked tirelessly to bring home enough rice, a woman who lost her husband to terminal cancer and now lives all alone in a two-storey, creaking home, content. At 84-years-old, she still paints her nails bright pink even though she isn’t going anywhere and eats chocolate-covered strawberries in bed and despite the heartbreaks and tragedies of her life, is happy.

Here is a sneak peek!

 Fenn Family

Watch our Baachan's House Tour Video here:

M​eet the Team

Marley Fenn

Editor ​

My name is Marley, some people like to call me Bob (Bob Marley). In my free time, you’ll find me at the beach with my dogs, or out taking photographs! I’m passionate about all things fashion and love creating content. I am Sharnie’s younger sister, and in this case, also her editor. When Sharnie pitched me her idea about her book and I read through her draft, I thought it would be a fun journey to go on together. Reading the book flooded me with memories of my childhood; I cried, I laughed and I reminisced as I read her words. ​