Restless Dolly Maunder – Kate Grenville

READ FOR WOMEN’S PRIZE

Kate Grenville gives life to her grandmother Dolly Maunder by documenting her life in New South Wales at the turn of last century. Her obstacles as a woman of the time and her successes as a strong minded woman are detailed.

She’d never have to know how to read. There was nothing ahead of her except getting married, housekeeping for some man, and having children one after the other.

● Kate Grenville conveyed the challenges and, yes, the restlessness of Dolly Maunder. Dolly was constantly striving for independence and growth, and while her intentions were good it was often at the expense of others. In her quest to better herself and her family, she experienced many recurring frustrations. While this was necessary to highlight the difficulties Dolly faced, it sometimes made for a repetitive read. – Suzy

● I can understand why Kate Grenville wrote this book as her grandmother was a go-getter and a determined business woman of 100 years ago. The book aptly records the challenges women faced in this time and place and it will be an important text in Australia’s and Grenville’s family history. However, I found this work of fiction rather documentary as it doesn’t contain any tension or climax. It’s more a record of events. It’s an easy read and I whizzed through it, and if it was just a read for a read’s sake I’d probably be fine with it. But as it made the Women’s Prize shortlist over the extraordinary Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan I’m being tougher in my judgement of it . – Rachel

Published 2023
Text Publishing
256 pages