The Frangipani Gardens

Overview

Rediscover the dark magic of Barbara Hanrahan's visionary gothic novel. Nothing is as it seems in this twisted fairytale of moral ambiguity and corrupted innocence. Just as the tropical beauty of The Frangipani Gardens conceals its inherent menace, watercolour painter Doll lives a prim, respectable existence belying her wildest fantasies. But when her young niece and nephew come to stay, Doll's true self threatens to be exposed. Barbara Hanrahan was a prolific Australian visual artist and author, publishing fifteen books in under two decades. The Frangipani Gardens, first released in 1980, was shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year, her second shortlisting for the award in as many years. Her bestselling semi-autobiographical novel The Scent of Eucalyptus remains in print.

Reviews

"Barbara Hanrahan has a wonderful capacity for taking us inside her characters, peeling away layers of memory and recollection." —Sun Herald

Author Biography

Born in Adelaide in 1939, Barbara Hanrahan was a celebrated artist, printmaker and writer. Her first book, a semi-autobiographical account of her childhood, The Scent of Eucalyptus, was published in 1973 to rave reviews. It was followed by another twelve novels and two short-story collections. Her last book, Good Night, Mr Moon, was published in 1992, the year after her death. The Barbara Hanrahan Fellowship for South Australian writers was established to honour her memory and contribution to Australian literature.