Josephine Rowe's writing delves into the complexities of human connection and the subtle currents of inner life. Her narratives explore themes of isolation, longing, and the search for self within contemporary landscapes. With a distinctive lyrical style and vivid imagery, Rowe crafts stories that resonate deeply, prompting reflection on the human condition. Her work offers a unique literary voice, appreciated for its emotional depth and sophisticated prose.
Heartbreak, travel, and seduction intertwine in this collection of stories by a young Australian author. With gorgeous and precise language, the narratives evoke deep emotions and inner turmoil, inviting readers on a journey through complex experiences and relationships. The author's unique voice captures the essence of human connection and the bittersweet nature of life, making each story a poignant exploration of love and loss.
'An unflinching look at the ways we fail the people we love, at the cruelty of family, its toxicity, and beauty ... A deep, multi-faceted portrait of the inheritance of damage' -Stephanie Danler, New York Times bestselling author of Sweetbitter New Year's Eve, 1990, small-town Australia. The mysterious death of the family dog pushes Jack, a former conscript tormented by the horrors of Vietnam, into one of his periodic drug-fuelled vanishing acts. His eccentric brother Les remains next door, a gentle fixer-upper missing both trigger fingers, whose loyalties are increasingly torn between Jack and his wife Evelyn. This time, Evelyn lets Jack stay gone. She is rapidly disappearing herself, lost in recollections of a vibrant youth as her eldest daughter Lani seems intent on misspending her own. And at the heart of it all is Lani's little sister Ru, who sees everything and yet is overlooked in the chaos of her family crisis. A Loving, Faithful Animal is a searing portrait of people on the brink, excavating an Australia rarely seen in literature. An unforgettable interrogation of ruins, redemption, and reasons why, this is a haunting coming-of-age from one of Australia's most extraordinary young writers.
Set against the backdrop of the Australian desert, the story unfolds with the mysterious body of a child saint, whose identity and life remain unknown. Spanning from the 1950s to the present, the narrative weaves through the lives of various characters, including a retired engineer and a woman grappling with her past. Each encounter with the saint evokes themes of violence and interconnectedness, creating a haunting exploration of how one life can impact many. This novel showcases the profound storytelling of a celebrated Australian author.
Exploring themes of duality and the impact of past experiences, this essay celebrates the work of Beverley Farmer, an Australian author known for her reflections on restlessness, desire, and homecoming. Josephine Rowe, a fellow writer, highlights Farmer's unique voice and invites readers to appreciate her contributions to literature. Part of the Writers on Writers series, this piece fosters a dialogue between past and present, illuminating the craft of writing and showcasing the significance of Farmer's literary legacy.