Includes bibliographical references.

Apollo and Thelma is the astonishing true story of Thelma and her brother Paul, 'The Mighty Apollo'. Their twisting tales take author and broadcaster Jon Faine from Melbourne's depression-era slums to the harsh, unforgiving landscape of the Australian outback. Jon revisits the feats of Apollo, a strongman of yesteryear, who sought the spotlight - and legend status - in becoming the world's strongest man (performing amazing feats of strength that included pulling trams with his teeth, having an elephant stand on him, and being run over by cars), while Thelma, an enigmatic presence, travelled to the remote reaches of the Northern Territory to become the pioneering female publican of the infamous 'Wanda Inn', selling grog to anyone who could pay. But this is far more than just a remarkable yarn. Immersing himself in Apollo and Thelma's lives, Jon uncovers true tales that are compelling, confronting, and sometimes too sad to believe. Via the improbable and circuitous route of these two originals - alongside a cast of other extraordinary characters - Jon has to reckon with his own story, his own history and Australia's past, present, and future.