From the finely-tuned ear of a poet, there are beautiful twists in the language and innovative uses of metaphors, but is grounded in the real, tangible lives of women.
This debut novel from poet Amy Brown takes inspiration from Stella Miles Franklin and her autobiographical novel My Brilliant Career to explore sisterhood and changing societal values towards women. In reimagining Stella’s life, Brown follows three different women at different stages of history and following different aspirations. Ida, a New Zealander stuck in contemporary Melbourne during lockdowns, is taking a break from her literary career, cares for her child and teaches My Brilliant Career at a high school. Linda, the sister of the iconic author and posthumous founder of Australia’s most prestigious literary prize, struggles to find her voice under the shadow of the more confident Stella. In the last section, a New Zealand famous singer and performer reflects on what she has given to her career and her passions and what the costs are, as her personal life comes crashing in.
From the finely-tuned ear of a poet, there are beautiful twists in the language and innovative uses of metaphors, but is grounded in the real, tangible lives of women. It reads easy with arresting moments of insights. There is a fun blending of genres, taking inspiration from both classical and contemporary fiction, as well as life-writing. Great for fans of Anna Funder’s Wifedom or Kate Grenville’s fiction.