{"title":"Jenny Ackland","description":"\u003cp\u003eJenny Ackland is a celebrated Australian author known for her poignant and evocative storytelling. Her works predominantly fall under the genre of general fiction, where she artfully blends layers of history, family dynamics, and personal discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of her notable works, \u003cem\u003eHurdy Gurdy\u003c\/em\u003e, showcases Ackland's skill in weaving complex narratives filled with rich, multi-dimensional characters and vivid settings. The novel reflects her talent in exploring the intricacies of human emotions, set against the backdrop of life's unpredictable journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAckland's writing is distinguished by its lyrical prose and thoughtful exploration of themes that resonate deeply with readers. Her stories often delve into the heart of relationships and personal growth, capturing the essence of the human experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover Jenny Ackland's enthralling collection at our bookstore and immerse yourself in her beautifully crafted worlds that promise to leave a lingering impression.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"hurdy-gurdy-by-jenny-ackland-9781761069796","title":"Hurdy Gurdy","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHurdy Gurdy\u003c\/em\u003e is relevant to us all, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it on shortlists in the coming months—it's the most unique novel I've read all year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eShe tells me to sit down, that she has something I need to hear and it's that they don't cut hair or set curls. Well, we do, she says, but not always. We help them with a problem. We make it go away.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn a near-future Australia, the world has changed. A small circus caravan travels the countryside performing for dwindling audiences. Matriarch Queenie works outside the law, helped by high-diver Win, nineteen and yearning for love. By night, they gather under the dark sky, joined by philosophical clown Valentina, and Girl, who they found at the side of the road. By day, they offer other services: hairdressing for women and a close shave for men. But while women come to them for help, men tend to disappear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnd in the distance, a reverend and his nun-like companion preach against alcohol, adultery and abortion. Two groups on an ideological collision course in a landscape altered by time and human error, while overhead a space mission has gone wrong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHurdy Gurdy\u003c\/em\u003e sits alongside classics like \u003cem\u003eThe Handmaid's Tale\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eStation Eleven\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Natural Way of Things\u003c\/em\u003e, and is a provocation, both compelling and haunting. It's a feminist revenge tale about the choices that women have to make, and it asks the big questions: \u003cstrong\u003eCan beauty be found in times of great darkness?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHow do we go on?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A ripping, sprawling family saga featuring an eccentric cast with an abundance of big secrets.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStella Prize judges' comments on \u003cem\u003eLittle Gods\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A remarkable and exhilarating debut. At once joyous and haunting, and a moving meditation on love, honour and belonging, it is a story about the strength of women and what it means to be a good man.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAustralian Arts Review on \u003cem\u003eThe Secret Son\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46711898243308,"sku":"9781761069796","price":37.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/28084903482814.jpg?v=1754256272"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/jenny-ackland.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}