Hard Joy

Hard Joy by Susan Varga is a compelling memoir that spans seven decades, weaving through her life experiences in Australia and Europe, and exploring themes of activism and seclusion, alongside everyday life and the writing life.

Born into war-torn Budapest, Susan's family escaped the loss and trauma of their past to forge a new life in Sydney. Susan herself makes another escape, from the restricted confines of suburbia to the exhilarating and contradictory world of the Sydney Push. As a young woman, she lives in London, Paris, Bendigo, and Holland, before eventually returning to Sydney, eager to be part of Gough Whitlam's reformist agenda during a powerful time of change.

Despite her vibrant past, Susan also endures long periods of feeling lost, grappling with the dilemmas faced by women. It is only when she fully embraces the demands and joys of writing, and a surprising love, that her life finds a new harmony. Yet, fate intervenes, presenting substantial challenges and testing her resolve to rediscover the hard joys of life.

Susan Varga's memoir intricately explores the intersections between her personal journey and the broader world, offering an incisive reflection of our times.