Join Robert Dixon, a Professor and series editor on Australian literature, alongside scholar and novelist Jennifer Livet and the celebrated author Elizabeth Harrower. They delve into Harrower's profound exploration of moral and existential dilemmas in her narratives, blending private experiences with the broader social landscape. The discussion highlights a revival of interest in Australian literature and includes readings from Harrower's early works, illuminating her significant contributions to the literary world.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing Indigenous heritage within the context of academic discussions and cultural activities at the University of Sydney.
It highlights the resurgence of interest in Australian literature through a new series addressing the works and significance of contemporary authors like Elizabeth Harrower.
Deep dives
Acknowledging Indigenous Heritage
The discussion begins with a formal acknowledgment of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of the land where the University of Sydney is situated. This acknowledgment emphasizes the importance of recognizing Indigenous heritage and knowledge in the context of academic and cultural activities. The speaker expresses a commitment to respecting and valuing the contributions of Aboriginal custodianship while engaging in knowledge sharing at the university. This sets a tone of respect and inclusivity for the event, highlighting the significance of the connection between education and Indigenous history.
Reviving Australian Literary Traditions
The speakers reflect on the absence of a dedicated series of books on Australian authors over the past twenty years, noting that previous series have since discontinued. This void prompted an initiative to create a new series through Sydney University Press that focuses on contemporary Australian literature and its key figures. The series aims to fill the gap in scholarship on writers who have emerged during this period, providing critical examination and engagement with their works. With the publication of multiple titles since its inception, the series is positioned to become a leading force in Australian literary studies.
Celebration of Elizabeth Harrowa's Work
The gathering celebrates the launch of the first collection of essays devoted to Australian author Elizabeth Harrowa, highlighting her significant contributions to literature. The essays capture the essence of her nuanced portrayals of characters and the subtle complexities of her narratives, revealing the relevance of her work in contemporary discussions. Many speakers reflect on romantic and existential themes in her stories while also addressing broader societal issues such as gender roles and colonialism. This recognition is seen as an opportunity for a new generation of readers and scholars to engage with Harrowa's literature, which resonates deeply even decades after its publication.
Elizabeth Harrower’s writing has engaged and challenged her readers since she began publishing in the late 1950s. Her work is concerned with the moral and existential challenges that arise from experiences of romance, family life, and personal aspiration. Her narratives blend together the private and public, bringing together the shared public spaces of the contemporary postwar world with the intense interior lives of her characters.
New Sydney University Press publication celebrates Elizabeth Harrower’s work. Listen to the readings of Harrower’s fiction by writers and contributors.
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