Helen Garner, one of Australia’s most distinguished writers and journalists, has written novels, short stories, screenplays and two controversial books of non-fiction. Having made her name as a feminist fiction writer, Garner has subsequently found herself at odds with the feminist community, who have taken issue with her non-fiction work, especially that which explores gender politics. Her account, in The First Stone (1995), of a sexual harassment scandal at the University of Melbourne found her under attack for her clear sympathy for the male victim. More recently, Joe Cinque’s Consolation (2004) recounts the story of a young woman who killed her boyfriend over a long weekend with an overdose of heroin and rohypnol. Garner reveals the devastating impact on the victim’s family, suggests the woman’s indifference to moral principle and explores the relationship between class, economic status, justice and legal process. The publication of this work cements her reputation as a compelling thinker and storyteller.

 

 

Also appears in:

The New Russian Doll

Wed 15 Mar, 12.30pm

Embassy Theatre

Making News

Fri 17 Mar, 12.30pm

Embassy Theatre

 

Concession Pass to 15 Writers Upfront sessions of your choice: $150 [FR $140]

 

18 Mar, 12:45pm