97-Year-Old Australian woman breaks record by publishing her first book

A woman living in Australia has broken records by publishing her first book at the age of 97. Dulcie Margaret Schefe, born in 1928 in Roma, now Dulcie Margaret Forno, has been reading, writing and reciting poetry since she was a young child. At the age of 97, she has published her first collection of poems in a book called ‘Warmth’.

Blessed with a curious nature and lifelong love of learning, Dulcie is rarely without a pen in her hand. Whether collecting facts, jokes and proverbs for inclusion, or crafting her own poetry, anecdotes and essays, she writes constantly.

Her wisdom has been developed from a long life of experience, hardship, joy, faith and warmth. Dulcie’s strong Christian beliefs are evident in her poetry, most clearly in the message of Love Thy Neighbour, and her unceasing awe at the wonders of nature.

Once, asked if she could give one word to describe herself, she suggested warmth, as it was a quality she hope she had inherited from her father.

Dulcie’s granddaughter Jacqi Bottger was the driving force behind the publishing of Warmth.

Internationally renowned author Jackie French said of the book:

“This is a book of ninety-seven years of wisdom from the wonderful Dulcie Forno. I opened the book at random to glance through, and found I was still reading half an hour later, and the toast was cold. Dulcie writes with great simplicity of words, but deeply profound insight into the pathways of our lives and our love and trust in God. It’s a book to teach young people, and to comfort those of us who are old. It is beautiful”.