Susan Wyndham & Brigitta Olubas – Shirley Hazzard and Elizabeth Harrower: The Letters

The Friendship of Shirley Hazard and Elizabeth Harrower

The correspondence between Shirley Hazard and Elizabeth Harrower spans four decades, revealing a complex friendship shaped by shared experiences and literary admiration. Their initial letters began in 1966, soon after Elizabeth's connection with Shirley's mother, who was known to struggle with mental health issues. Throughout their writing, both authors grappled with their turbulent family backgrounds and personal challenges, which influenced their art and personal lives. Notably, the letters illustrate how their distinct paths—Hazard's expatriate life in New York and Harrower's commitment to Australian soil—highlighted both their differences and the enduring bond they shared.

Literary Achievements and Divergence

Shirley Hazard and Elizabeth Harrower's literary paths diverged significantly despite their shared literary ambitions. Hazard published several acclaimed novels, including 'The Transit of Venus,' receiving various prestigious awards, while Harrower's tragic narrative depicts a writer who withdrew from the literary scene after 'The Watchtower.' The letters delve into the critical moments of their careers, with Hazard's continuous output contrasting with Harrower's lengthy hiatus from writing. This disparity raises questions about the pressure of personal relationships and emotional baggage, compelling readers to reflect on the interplay between art and personal circumstances.

Political Engagement and Social Commentary

Political discourse played a vital role in the correspondence, with both writers expressing their views on cultural and political shifts occurring during their lives. Shirley was deeply captivated by the Watergate scandal, consistently sharing her insights with Elizabeth, who was actively involved with the Australian Labor Party. Their letters span intense historical moments, such as the events surrounding Gough Whitlam's dismissal, with both writers documenting their emotions and observations on these transformative times. Unique perspectives on the intersection of literature and politics emerge, illustrating how their engagement shaped not only their writing but also their understanding of the world.

The Strain of Friendship and Personal Conflicts

The letters also reveal the strain in Hazard and Harrower's friendship, characterized by differing worldviews and life choices. While Shirley enjoyed a life filled with travel and high-profile connections, Elizabeth’s more grounded lifestyle created tension between the two. Their occasional clashes, stemming from Shirley's perceived self-importance and Elizabeth's frustration with their dynamic, showcase the intricacies of maintaining a long-distance friendship rooted in admiration. Despite the underlying conflicts, the letters provide a window into their enduring affection, highlighting how the distance allowed them to navigate their differences while remaining intellectually connected.

The Sydney Institute Podcast

Susan Wyndham & Brigitta Olubas – Shirley Hazzard and Elizabeth Harrower: The Letters

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Deep dives

The Friendship of Shirley Hazard and Elizabeth Harrower

Literary Achievements and Divergence

Political Engagement and Social Commentary

The Strain of Friendship and Personal Conflicts

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