Read This: Noni Hazlehurst Is Being Herself

Noni Hazlehurst's memoir, "Dropping the Mask," offers an intimate look into her life as a prominent Australian actress. The book delves into her experiences on stage and screen, exploring the complexities of performance and the challenges of maintaining a public persona. Hazlehurst reflects on her upbringing, her career milestones, and the personal sacrifices she made along the way. The memoir also touches upon her relationships with family and colleagues, providing insights into the dynamics of the Australian entertainment industry. Ultimately, "Dropping the Mask" is a story of self-discovery and resilience.

Helen Garner's "Monkey Grip" is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the complexities of a relationship between the narrator and a charismatic but unreliable man. The novel explores themes of love, addiction, and the challenges of navigating personal relationships. Set against the backdrop of 1970s Melbourne, the story captures the atmosphere of the era and the social and political climate. Garner's writing style is known for its honesty and directness, creating a raw and intimate portrayal of the characters' lives. The novel's exploration of female experience and the complexities of relationships has resonated with readers for decades.

The play centers on the relationship between Mrs. Kitty Warren, a former prostitute and current brothel owner, and her daughter Vivie, an intelligent and pragmatic young woman who has just graduated from the University of Cambridge. The story delves into how their relationship changes when Vivie learns about her mother's profession, condemning the hypocrisies related to prostitution and criticizing the limited employment opportunities available for women in Victorian Britain. Shaw addresses the social problem of organized prostitution and the societal pressures that drive women into such professions.