Shirley Hazzard: A Writing Life

Shirley Hazzard is one of the greatest writers in the English language, known for her novels "The Transit of Venus" and "Lambent." This authorized biography by Brigitta Olubas explores Hazzard's life, from her childhood in Sydney to her cosmopolitan experiences in Hong Kong, Wellington, New York, Naples, and Capri. Drawing on diaries, letters, interviews, and a close reading of Hazzard's fiction, Olubas reveals the truths and myths about Hazzard's life and work, highlighting her passion for words, love, and longing, and her ability to create beautiful fiction about the ways we reveal ourselves to others.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Shirley Hazzard, one of the greatest writers in the English language, is the author of "The Transit of Venus" and the recipient of the National Book Award. Her authorized biography, written by Brigitta Olubas, delves into the life and work of this remarkable woman.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Hazzard lived a cosmopolitan life, traveling to various places around the world, including Hong Kong, Wellington, New Zealand, New York, Naples, and Capri. Her writing, characterized by its cosmopolitanism, richness, intelligence, and beauty, reflects her diverse experiences and the places she has visited.

Hazzard's body of work is relatively small, but it has garnered immense acclaim from a wide range of notable authors, including Michael Cunningham, Zoe Heller, Ann Patchett, Anne Tyler, Lauren Goff, Hermione Lee, Joan Didion, Richard Ford, Colm Toibin.

At sixteen, Hazzard was living in Hong Kong with her family and working for the British Combined Services. She later held desk jobs for the United Nations in New York and briefly in Naples, Italy. It was in Naples that Hazzard fell deeply in love with the region, particularly Capri, and it was through her introduction to the biographer, Francis Steegmuller, by Muriel Spark, that she began her journey into writing.

Olubas draws on diaries, letters, interviews, and a close reading of Hazzard's fiction to tell the story of a girl from the suburbs with a head full of poetry who fell early under the spell of words and sought out first books and then people who loved books as her companions. Through her journey, Hazzard transformed and created her life, becoming a woman of the world who felt injustice keenly, a deep and original thinker, and a writer who produced some of the most enduring and influential works of literature.

Hazzard's writing is characterized by its wit, wisdom, and empathy, and her characters are often flawed but relatable. Her novels explore themes of love, friendship, family, and the complexities of human relationships, and her prose is filled with vivid descriptions and memorable quotes.

In conclusion, Shirley Hazzard's authorized biography is a captivating and insightful exploration of the life and work of one of the greatest writers of our time. Through Olubas's meticulous research and deep analysis, readers gain a refined, deeply insightful perspective on Hazzard's life and her literary legacy. Hazzard's cosmopolitanism, intelligence, and empathy continue to inspire and resonate with readers worldwide, and her body of work remains a testament to her talent and her enduring influence on the world of literature.

Weight: 950g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 51 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349012889