80,000+ Books in-stock in NZ πŸ“š

Happy Monday! In-stock orders ship today πŸš€

The Unexpected Education of Emily Dean

3.41 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 338 ratings, 40 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
The Unexpected Education of Emily Dean by Mira Robertson is set in the backdrop of World War II Australia. The story follows young Emily Dean, who is spending the summer at her grandmother’s house in the countryside. As Emily interacts with the guests and uncovers family secrets, she begins to learn about adulthood, identity, and personal convictions. The novel is a delicate portrayal of a girl's journey towards understanding the complexities of the world around her.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of The Unexpected Education of Emily Dean. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

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?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy historical fiction with a blend of wit and emotion. Set against the backdrop of World War II in rural Australia, it delves into the complexities of family dynamics, the confusion of adolescence, and finding one's place in a changing world. You might love the rich character development and vivid portrayal of life during this historical period.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

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

It's 1944 when bookish, unworldly Emily Dean is shipped off to her relatives in rural Victoria after her mother has a nervous breakdown.

In 1944, Emily Dean is dispatched from Melbourne to stay with her father's relatives in rural Victoria. At the family property of Mount Prospect, Grandmother is determined to keep up standards despite the war, while Emily's young auntβ€”the beautiful, fearless Lydiaβ€”refuses to befriend her. Feeling lonely and isolated, Emily can't wait to go home.

But things start to improve when she encounters Claudio, the Italian prisoner of war employed as a farm labourer. And things become more interesting still when her uncle William returns home wounded. He's rude, traumatised, and mostly drunk, yet a passion for literature soon draws them together.

A delightfully wry novel about desire, deceit, and self-discovery.

The Unexpected Education of Emily Dean

'A resonant and engaging story - illuminating and subtly compelling.' - Rosalie Ham

'A rich evocation of an era and a beautiful insight into the process of emerging from childhood into womanhood. Such a great read!' - Margaret Pomeranz

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?

The Unexpected Education of Emily Dean by Mira Robertson is often praised for its engaging narrative and vivid historical setting. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the book's portrayal of a young girl's journey and coming-of-age story is noted for its depth and sensitivity. The characters' development is seen as a highlight, and readers appreciate the way the book navigates themes of family and personal growth.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781863959728

Publisher: Black Inc.

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 April 2018

Country: Australia

Imprint: Black Inc.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 406g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Mira Robertson is an award winning screenwriter who has also published short fiction. Her feature film credits include the multi award winning films Only the Brave and Head On, co-written with director Ana Kokkinos. The Unexpected Education of Emily Dean is her first novel. She lives in Melbourne.

More from General Fiction

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.