I used to feel an obligation to invent things. I felt I was a failure because I didn't do massive great novels about Australia or the outback or something. I just don't feel that any more. Helen Garner australiafailurefeel Change image and share on social
It's a terrific privilege to be able to see into somebody else's life. Helen Garner lifeprivilegeterrific Change image and share on social
I think some people wished I'd kept myself out of the book. But I kind of insist on it because I want the reader to share my engagement with the material, if you like, not pretend that I'm doing it completely intellectually. Helen Garner bookcompletelyengagement share on social
Life's fairly excruciating. Painful things happen. Every now and then, you drag yourself out of the stream and stand on the bank gasping for air. I think that's how I work. Helen Garner airbankdrag Change image and share on social
But there are some wounds that can never be healed. Helen Garner healwound Change image and share on social
I like poking my nose into other people's lives. Helen Garner livenosepeople Change image and share on social
Well, I'm at some kind of crossroads in my life and I don't know which way to take. It's not about money, I mean, because I'm established enough now as a writer to get a reasonable advance if I wanted to do fiction. Helen Garner advancecrossroadestablish share on social
That's the best thing that's ever happened to me, bar none, is having grandchildren and living by them and being part of their lives. Helen Garner bargrandchildhappen Change image and share on social
That's one of the things I hope that the book can do, is to restore some dignity to Joe Cinque. Helen Garner bookcinquedignity Change image and share on social
