Two literary lives defined by storytelling and secrets
As her mother Joan lies dying, Gabrielle Carey writes a letter to Joanâs childhood friend, the reclusive novelist Randolph Stow. This letter sets in motion a literary pilgrimage that reveals long-buried family secrets. Like her mother, Stow had grown up in Western Australia. After early literary success and a Miles Franklin Award win in 1958 for his novel To the Islands, he left for England and a life of self-imposed exile.
Living most of her life on the east coast, Gabrielle was also estranged from her familyâs west Australian roots, but never questioned why. A devoted fan of Stowâs writing, she becomes fascinated by his connection with her extended family, but before she can meet him he dies. With only a few pieces of correspondence to guide her, Gabrielle embarks on a journey from the red-dirt landscape of Western Australia to the English seaside town of Harwich in a quest to understand her familyâs past and Stowâs place in it.
Moving Among Strangers is a celebration of one of Australiaâs most enigmatic and visionary writers.