Some seek isolation for its freedom, but for Sybylla Melvyn, the open space of the Australian Outback only serves to drown her. Miles Franklin’s first novel, My Brilliant Career captures the lack of agency young girls and women growing up in rural Australia would have felt towards the turn of the 20th century. A country on the cusp of its own independence still saw half the population oppressed. Dreaming of a brilliant career, Sybylla’s frank attitude, and quick wit often gets her into trouble in a world where submission is a norm.
Painting: Today I painted a gum tree in the outback
Some of the books and authors discussed in this episode include:
- Wake in Fright by Kenneth Cook
- My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin
A Novel Review Book Podcast 