But for audiences, starved of that perspective, Monkey Grip is a breath of fresh air. For those entrenched in critical orthodoxy, there is no value in such naked honesty. At a time when the perspective of women was hardly considered in Literature - when it was readily dismissed by critics - Garner dared to write an honest portrayal, replete with anxieties, mistakes, regrets. Hence why Monkey Grip was so controversial. She simply lives her life - one that will feel familiar to many readers. Monkey Grip is impossible to ‘spoil’ Nora doesn’t battle some great villain, journey across Australia, or uncover a sinister scheme. Much of Garner’s description of Melbourne happens from the back of Nora’s bikeĪnd that’s the full description of the book’s plot. Monkey Grip centres on Nora, who lives a carefree life in Melbourne, and her relationship with Javo a heroin addict who flits in and out of Nora’s life, unable to commit himself to anything other than drugs. Now, you’ll have a hard time arguing Monkey Grip is anything other than an Australian classic.
Helen Garner’s debut novel, Monkey Grip, has come a long way since its publication in 1977. And everything, as it always does, began to heave and change.” When Nora falls in love with Javo, she is caught in the web of his addiction and as he moves between loving her and leaving, between his need for her and promises broken, Nora's life becomes an intense dance of loving and trying to let go.“It was early summer. Today, Monkey Grip is regarded as a masterpiece-the novel that shines a light on a time and a place and a way of living never before presented in Australian literature- communal households, music, friendships, children, love, drugs, and sex.
Helen Garner's gritty, lyrical first novel divided the critics on its publication in 1977. This iconic design now available in a smaller and competitively priced format. Helen Garner's gritty, lyrical first novel divided the critics on its publication in 1977.
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