Persephone Books Ltd No. 177 [Published Date: 2016]. Soft cover, in wraps, 373 pp. [From flaps] Halfway through the war, Eliza became a poet. It happened in a white dinghy down at Island Bay, where Augusta used to take them in the summer evenings. The boat looked safe and tired; there was a little dirty seawater in its bottom, but not enough to count. She slid into it and curled up... At last, when a few pale stars sprinkled the sky, silver daisies on a stiff-standing dark blue taffeta gown, she clambered out of the boat, stiff all over. Her mother caught her by the wrist. 'Do you know the Boy Scouts are out looking for you? Where have you been?' 'I couldn't help it. I was writing a poem.' Presently, Augusta was not cross any more, and they were all drinking macaroni soup at the house in Calver Street. Augusta said, 'Now let's have this blessed poem.' Eliza repeated it without a hitch. It rhymed ocean with motion and weather with feather. Augusta said, 'Humph . . . Not so bad. Iris Wilkinson (1906-39), who wrote as Robin Hyde, is now seen as one of New Zealand's major writers. Brought up in Wellington (her father was English and her mother Australian), she was encouraged to write, and at 17 started working as a newspaper journalist. A long spell in hospital resulted from a serious knee injury. She gave birth to two illegitimate children (the first died, but her son, Derek Challis b. 1930, was fostered) and then had a breakdown; despite this she continued to work ferociously hard, notably during 1934-5 when she lived in the grounds of Auckland Mental Hospital and wrote half her total output. Here she began her autobiographical novel "The Godwits Fly" (1938) describing 'Eliza' up to the age of 21. She published a total of ten books during the 1930s - five novels, poetry (inc. in 1937 Persephone in Winter), journalism and a travel book. She travelled to China in 1938, made it to London, but killed herself in Notting Hill Gate a week before the outbreak of war

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We carry a comprehensive range of out of print and rare books.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Kennys Bookshops and Art Galleries Limited
Liosban Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway, GY, Ireland

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks websites.

If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date.

For any queries please use the contact seller link or send an email to books@kennys.ie

Conor Kenny

Shipping Terms

All books securely packaged. Some books ship from Ireland.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	14 to 20 business days	13 to 14 business days
First item	US$ 10.50	US$ 21.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.