Really Interesting Women

The Podcast

Ep. 142   Kate Grenville

Kate Grenville is one of Australia’s most celebrated writers.

Her international bestseller The Secret River was awarded local and overseas prizes, has been adapted for the stage and as an acclaimed television miniseries, and is now a much-loved classic.

Kate has now published 16 books, many of which have won major literary prizes. They’ve all been published around the world and all the novels have been translated into many languages.

Some of her other novels include Sarah Thornhill, The Lieutenant, Dark Places and the Orange Prize winner The Idea of Perfection, the bestselling A Room Made of Leaves and Women’s Prize shortlisted Restless Dolly Maunder.

It was a great chat. We talked about her influences both personal and literary...and how she lamented the fact that in the 60's her literary influences (such as they were) seemed to be English...until she discovered Patrick White. And then, at age 13, it all changed. And she still cherishes and is influenced by a first edition novel of his. She explained why she had no faith in The Secret River when she first sent it to her publisher. "Is this a book?", she asked. The answer, thankfully, was an emphatic "YES". She also explains why, when she was approached about adapting that book to the stage, her only request was that they didn't undertake a faithful adaptation. 

Her imagination is celebrated internationally. Her intellect is obvious...and she's a lot of fun.

Her new book, 'Unsettled' will be published very soon.

Head to my bio for a link to her podcast episode. 

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