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Lilian's Story

Text Classics
Series: Text Classics
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( 1,660 ratings, 121 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Lilian's Story by Kate Grenville is a compelling tale set in early 20th-century Australia, following the life of Lilian Singer. Born into a restrictive family, Lilian defies societal norms with her spirited independence, leading her on a journey of self-discovery through both triumphs and adversities. This narrative explores themes of resilience, identity, and the quest for personal freedom.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you love stories of resilience and unique characters. It delves into the life of an eccentric woman overcoming societal expectations with humour and determination. The narrative offers a rich journey through time, exploring the complexities of identity and self-discovery.

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Kate Grenville’s debut novel, complete with a special new introduction, is now available as a Text Classic. A must-read for fans of one of Australia’s most prominent writers.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Listen, I told myself, and heard the waves against the harbour-wall, a gull being peevish, the white tapping stick of a blind man against the stones. Listen, I told myself, this is history.

Loosely inspired by the legendary Sydney bohemian Bea Miles, Kate Grenville’s much-loved debut novel recounts the life of the irrepressible Lilian Una Singer: from wealthy middle-class girlhood under the rule of a monstrous father, to outspoken independence in adulthood, and eventually sleeping rough on the city’s streets in later years, her spirit undaunted.

Bold, exuberant and richly imaginative, Lilian’s Story was acclaimed as a masterpiece on its publication in 1985. It is unforgettable.

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Lilian's Story by Kate Grenville has received acclaim for its universal appeal and dazzling narrative. Critics highlight its evocative and poetic nature, with particular praise for its beauty, power, and honesty. The novel's power comes from its moving and sometimes humorous exploration of character strength, making it a memorable and triumphant example of Australian fiction literature.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781922458056

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 March 2021

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Toni Collette

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Kate Grenville is one of Australia’s most celebrated writers. Her international bestseller The Secret River was awarded local and overseas prizes, has been adapted for the stage and as an acclaimed television miniseries, and is now a much-loved classic. Grenville’s other novels include Sarah Thornhill, The Lieutenant, Dark Places and the Orange Prize winner The Idea of Perfection. Her most recent books are two works of non-fiction, One Life: My Mother’s Story and The Case Against Fragrance, and the bestselling 2020 novel A Room Made of Leaves. She has also written three books about the writing process. In 2017 Grenville was awarded the Australia Council Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature. She lives in Melbourne.

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