By Patrick White

"The Aunt's Story" is a novel written by Patrick White, an Australian author who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1973. It was first published in 1948 and is considered one of White's most significant works.

The novel follows the character of Theodora Goodman, a woman who feels out of place in her conventional middle-class Australian upbringing. She travels to Europe to find a sense of purpose and belonging, but struggles to find her place in the world. The story is told through a series of interconnected vignettes, exploring Theodora's inner thoughts and perceptions of the world around her.

"The Aunt's Story" is noted for its lyrical and poetic writing style, as well as its exploration of themes such as identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. The novel is also notable for its use of symbolism and metaphor, which are used to explore Theodora's psychological journey.

Mitcham, Austalia. Penguin. 1953

By Bianca Pitzorno Translated by Brigid Maher.

The irresistible story of a young woman seeking freedom and happiness.


Born into poverty, the seamstress spends her days sewing in the houses of wealthy families. Her work is simple and honest; taught by her nonna, she skilfully prepares nightgowns, undergarments and children's clothes, leaving the finer work of dressmaking to the ateliers in Paris.


Her story weaves in and out of the lives of the people she works for, whose secrets and scandals she is privy to. Some are kind and generous, others blinded by their desire to climb the social ladder. She dreams of freeing herself from the hardscrabble life she has inherited but can't help being pulled back in by the love of the people around her.


Set at the dawn of the twentieth century, The Seamstress of Sardinia follows the girl as she grows into a woman, strives to educate herself and falls in love-always fighting for her independence in a world dominated by men and old social conventions.

Melbourne. Text Publishing. 2018. 292p.