Sign in
http://schema.org/OutOfStock

Laughing at the Dark

Else, Barbara

  5 Reviews

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.

Pages
262
Year
2023

Reviews

OPOTI 003
17-10-2024
OPOTI 003
10-10-2024
Maybe most appreciated by those who'd read some of her novels - but also loved by those who'd never come across her.
WELL 046
04-07-2024
Most of our group enjoyed the book. The author has a good writing style. However, some felt the book was heavily weighted on a couple of areas of her life.
AUCK 014
18-06-2024
Our group was ambivalent. As a memoir, it was generous, intimate and an interesting very personal observation on the impact of feminism in New Zealand. Some commented about her willingness to share, to invite us into her life. However, some struggled to make a connection to the author's experience, and found aspects of the memoir a bit tedious.
THAM 003
22-04-2024
The first book in a while our whole bookclub have finished and enjoyed. An easy read and entertaining at times. Lots of discussion around womens' rights in the 1960s, and how far we have come in the last 50 years. A fascinating insight into literary life which has piqued our interest to read more of Barbara's books.