Laughing at the Dark
Else, Barbara
In this engaging memoir, Barbara Else charts the trajectory of her life from a shy young girl to a good wife and mother and finally - with recognition of her considerable talent - to an acclaimed New Zealand author.
From a childhood in the 50s and 60s, to university, early marriage and motherhood, and then the rebellious leap to acting and writing groups, this thought-provoking account not only chronicles the life of a writer, but a society starting to throw off the shackles of the patriarchy.
Comments from BDS Reviewers
"I was keen to read Barbara Else's memoir and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed the book a lot."
"I thought it was a very open and honest book to write. I did wonder at the time what her husband had thought, but found that he had died relatively early."
"I was fascinated by all the creative people that she met in Wellington in the 1980s."
"The author has a really engaging writing style."
"The book is full of humour and is insightful."
"Interesting information about the NZ Publishing field and the expectations and demands that go with being a published writer."
"Sharp observations about the dynamics of marital relationships, patriarchy, and misogyny with its erosion of confidence and self-worth, and the joys of a supportive, emotional relationship."
262
2023