Laughing at the Dark
Else, Barbara
By the time she was in her forties, Barbara was married to a globally recognised academic physician and had two beautiful teenage daughters. As her writing career developed, her husband became angry at the prospect of her being anything but a housewife. In a moment of madness - or realisation - she packed her car and took off to live with the man who would become her second husband.
With her trademark wit and humour, Barbara poignantly describes her transformation from a shy but stubborn child into a fulfilled and successful adult. [Taken from book cover, Penguin Books.]
Comments from BDS Reviewers
"Í 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