The Long Prospect

Elizabeth Harrower

Feb 2018 · Bolinda · Narrated by Deidre Rubenstein

About this audiobook

It was only necessary, she had discovered, for a person, place, or thing to be admired by her, to become the object of hilarity and scorn. They’d even laugh at Shakespeare, Emily thought ... They’d even laugh at God. Growing up neglected in a seedy boarding house, twelve-year-old Emily Lawrence befriends Max, a middle-aged scientist who encourages her to pursue her intellectual interests. Innocent Emily will face scandal, suburban snobbery and psychological torment. Originally published in 1958, The Long Prospect was described as second only to Patrick White’s Voss in postwar Australian literature.

About the author

Elizabeth Harrower (born 1928 in Sydney, Australia) is an Australian novelist and short story writer. Harrower published her first three novels in quick succession. In 1971 her fifth novel In Certain Circles was set to be published until she abruptly withdrew it from publication following the death of her mother. In an interview with The Australian, Harrower claimed that she had written the book under pressure after receiving a grant and called the act of writing it "forced labour". Afterwards she published a few short stories before giving her writing up entirely by 1977.

Deidre Rubenstein is regarded as one of Australia's most accomplished actresses. As a stage actress, she has starred in productions with all major Australian theatre companies and has created three highly acclaimed one-woman shows which have toured Australia and overseas. Deidre won an Australian Film Industry (AFI) award for Best Actress in the mini-series Palace of Dreams and is also a multi-award-winning narrator. Audiobooks narrated for Bolinda include Elizabeth Costello by Nobel Prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee, Gilgamesh by Joan London, Elizabeth Harrower novels and various ABC titles.