Elizabeth Harrowerová je považovaná za jednu z najdôležitejších austrálskych povojnových spisovateliek, ktorá sa teší nedávnemu literárnemu oživeniu. Jej diela sa vyznačujú prenikavým pohľadom do ľudskej psychiky a zložitostí medziľudských vzťahov. Harrowerová majstrovsky vykresľuje postavy a ich vnútorné boje, často v napätom a atmosférickom prostredí. Jej nedávne literárne znovuzrodenie dokazuje trvalý vplyv jej jedinečného štýlu a tematickej hĺbky na čitateľov.
Zoe Howardová má sedemnásť rokov, keď ju jej brat Russell zoznámi so Stephenom Quaylom. Stephen je jedinečný, Zoe nikdy v živote nikoho podobného nestretla. Je zvláštny a prchký ako postava z ruského románu. Jeho sestra Anna je plachá a uvážlivá sirota. Zoe a Russell, Stephen a Anna pochádzajú z rôznych spoločenských kruhov, ktorých tieňa sa za celý život nezbavia. Ich príbeh sa odohráva v nádherných záhradách a vilách severne od prístavu v Sydney a je psychologickou drámou o rodine a láske, tyranii a slobode.
Exploring the deep emotional bond between a neglected child and an older man, the narrative delves into themes of love, friendship, and societal judgment. As their relationship develops, they face intense scrutiny and hostility from the community, highlighting the dangers of mob mentality. The story poignantly examines the complexities of human connection and the impact of external pressures on personal relationships.
The wind from Siberia as announced by the BBC came down Bayswater Road from the direction of Marble Arch...Searing skin, and petrifying metal and wood, it took possession of London and this early day of the new year. Gently, somehow sympathetically, with a secret sort of throb, my ears ached against it, but rather more drearily and with a sense of injustice my eyes watered as I narrowed them at the steely dark sky and swirling smoke. The centre of the universe! The brilliance of the winter season! Twenty-five-year-old Clemency James has moved from Sydney to a chilly bedsit on the other side of the world. During the day she studies for the bar by correspondence; in the evenings she gives French lessons to earn a meagre wage. When she meets Christian, a charismatic would-be actor, she can see he’s trouble—not least because he’s involved with an older woman who has children. She is drawn to him nonetheless: drawn into his world of unpayable debts and wild promises. First published in 1960, The Catherine Wheel is Elizabeth Harrower’s third novel and the only one of her books not set in Australia. In it she turns her unflinching gaze on the grim realities of 1950s London, and the madness that can infect couples.
The collection features a diverse array of short stories, blending caustic satire with tender explorations of friendship. It includes both previously published works, like "Alice," and new narratives, showcasing the author's versatile storytelling style and keen insights into human relationships.
The debut novel showcases a powerful narrative that has garnered critical acclaim, particularly praised by The Washington Post for its brilliance. The story delves into intense themes and complex characters, offering a profound exploration of human experiences. Its impactful writing and emotional depth set it apart as a significant literary achievement.
Breaking their poses like trees snapping branches, the women urgently regarded each other, cleared away all signs of work in an instant, examined their souls for defects, in a sense crossed themselves, and waited. After Laura and Clare are abandoned by their mother, Felix is there to help, even to marry Laura if she will have him. Little by little the two sisters grow complicit with his obsessions, his cruelty, his need to control. Set in the leafy northern suburbs of Sydney during the 1940s, The Watch Tower is a novel of relentless and acute psychological power.
