Corby mate says there’s no ill will
COMPARED TO THE HELL SHE’S BEEN THROUGH, I THINK COMING HOME WAS A SOFT LANDING. — KATHRYN BONELLA
SCHAPELLE’S Corby’s official biographer is amazed by the convicted drug smuggler’s lack of bitterness as she transitions from Bali prisoner to Aussie civilian.
Kathryn Bonella, who coauthored My Story: Schapelle
Corby in 2006 and has remained in close contact with both her and sister Mercedes, said it was not in Corby’s nature to dwell on the past.
“Incredibly Schapelle isn’t bitter,” said Bonella.
“I’ve been frequently in touch with (her) since she got home and she’s upbeat and doing well.
“Schapelle is witty and funny (and) I think she has that ability to live in the moment fortunately, as I’m sure that will help her move forward.
“Knowing Schapelle well, I think she’ll be fine. She’s got her supportive, loving family all around her. They’re her rock and she’s finally completely free.
“Her greatest assets in transitioning back are her strength and her loving family and their pragmatic but caring way. That’s what helped her through the dark decade in Hotel K (Kerobokan Prison).
“Her family has held her hand every step of the way and that won’t change.”
Corby returned to Australia last weekend after serving a 12-year sentence for trying to smuggle 4.2kg of marijuana into Bali. Her arrival at Brisbane Airport sparked a media frenzy and the 39year-old is yet to comment or been seen in public. Bonella, who was a 60
Minutes producer when she met Corby in 2004, said this week’s transition was nothing compared to when she was given parole.
“I was with Schapelle the day she was released from Kerobokan Prison in 2014 and that was a momentous day for her, a huge transition — being free of jail after nearly 10 years of being caged in a tiny, overcrowded, concrete cell,” she said.
“Compared to the hell she’s been through and the readjustment in 2014, I think coming home was a soft landing.
“When she used to sob in jail ‘When am I going home?’ and still facing years, it was always hard to know what to say. Now finally she’s truly free and I couldn’t be happier for her.”
Bonella received a unique insight into the Corby clan while working on My Story, which included visiting her subject in jail twice a day for weeks.
“They are exceptionally close and fiercely loyal to each other and have been there for every difficult step, especially Mercedes.
“(She) made sacrifices and changed her life to ensure she was there for Schapelle every time she was needed, including taking her lunch every day in jail for years.
“The family dreamed and pined for this day.” Corby yesterday plugged
My Story to her 185,000 Instagram followers, posting a photo of the cover and writing: “I wrote this book ... with @kathrynbonella in 2006. With my heart & soul.”