The Colour of Time

The Colour of Time: A Longitudinal Exploration of the Impact of Intercountry Adoption in Australia is the much-awaited sequel to The Colour of Difference: Journeys in Transracial Adoption, which was published in 2001. The aim of this sequel is to revisit stories from the original contributors in The Colour of Difference, to share the experiences from a new generation of Australian intercountry adoptees, and to informally compare their journeys.


Included are 28 stories, each one an honest account of an adoptee’s life. They are poignant, stirring, emotive, and sometimes haunting. Our contributors share their experiences in coming to terms with where they came from, how their adoption has shaped their sense of identity, and their journey of acceptance, with all its complexities, truths and wonders. Themes such as cultural integration, racial identity, search and reunion, and parenthood are explored across the different generations.


The Colour of Time is a must-read for anyone affected by adoption, and is a joint initiative between ISS Australia, PARC and ICAV.