Brutal is a story within a story.

Former ABC journalist Paula Nagel, a household name in the early years of current affairs television, has led a dramatic life.

While recovering from a double mastectomy she begins writing the story of her family, in particular her risk-taking SP bookie father, to help her understand her world. As the chapters emerge, full of colourful characters and secrets uncovered, she suffers a horrific injury. Her extraordinary recovery reveals what others have always known; she is a survivor, her father’s daughter.