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The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan

By Lisa Ireland
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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
In The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan by Lisa Ireland, an ageing woman named Shirley embarks on a bold adventure to escape a confining life and reclaim her sense of freedom. Shirley takes her husband on an unplanned road trip to relive the past and solve unresolved issues, leading to heartwarming discoveries and renewed perspectives. This journey through love, memory, and courage explores the intricate complexities of relationships across generations.
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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 story if you're drawn to tales of self-discovery and second chances, featuring endearing characters and uplifting adventures. With a touching exploration of love, family dynamics, and the courage to make a change, this book offers a heartwarming and emotional narrative that is both moving and inspiring.

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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

Inspired by true events, follow 79-year-old Shirley's heartwarming final adventure with her husband.

'I want to be Shirley when I grow up.' - RACHAEL JOHNS

'Beautiful, breathtaking and heart-wrenching.' - AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY

'Elderly. Is that how the world sees me? A helpless little old lady? If only they knew. I allow myself a small smirk.'

A Daring Escape
When Shirley Sullivan signs her 83-year-old husband, Frank, out of the Sunset Lodge Nursing Home, she has no intention of bringing him back.

A Lifetime of Memories
For fifty-seven years, the couple has shared love, happiness and heartbreak. And while Frank may not know who his wife is these days, he knows he wants to go home. Back to the beach where they met in the early 1960s...

A Final Act of Love
So Shirley enacts an elaborate plan to evade the authoritiesβ€”and their furious daughter, Fionaβ€”to give Frank the holiday he'd always dreamed of. And, in doing so, perhaps Shirley can make amends for a lifelong guilty secret...

With both humour and heart, The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan takes the reader on a (literal) journeyβ€”in a Kombi van!β€”following one couple's unconventional love story, and examining the lengths a person will go to right the wrongs of a lifetime. This is Lisa Ireland's breakout novel for sure.' - SALLY HEPWORTH

Lisa Ireland's writing is simply magical, and Shirley's charming and heartfelt story brought me to tears again and again. The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan is one of my favourite books, ever.' - KELLY RIMMER

This moving story, celebrating ageing and all types of love, will leave you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. - RACHAEL JOHNS

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760895594

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 April 2020

Country: Australia

Imprint: Penguin Random House Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 466g

Pages: 352

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Lisa Ireland Literary Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

After working for many years as a teacher (and a brief stint as a professional organiser - before Marie Kondo made it cool), Lisa Ireland is now a full-time writer. Lisa lives with her husband in a small town in Gippsland, Victoria. When not writing, she spends her days mentoring aspiring authors, drinking coffee and playing minion to her incredibly spoiled dog, Lulu. Lisa's eighth novel, The Studio Girls, will be published in April 2024.

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