Perth author Rashida Murphy to talk at Duncraig Library

PERTH author Rashida Murphy will tell the story behind her debut novel on Wednesday at the Duncraig Library.

Last year Murphy won the Magdalena Prize for feminist research for her PhD thesis that included the novel The Historian’s Daughter, which has now been shortlisted for the Dundee International Book Prize.

The book tells the story of a house with “too many windows and women” in the Indian hills.

Hannah lives with her older sister Gloria, her two older brothers, her mother the Magician, an assortment of aunts, blow-ins and misfits and her father the Historian.

It is a world of secrets, jealousies and lies ruled by the Historian but smoothed over by the Magician whose kindnesses and wisdom bring comfort and love to a ramshackle building that seems destined for chaos.

Then one day the Magician and Gloria are gone and the Historian has spirited Hannah and her brothers away to a new life in Perth.

As Hannah grows and makes her own way through Australian life, she discovers one of the old house’s greatest secrets and the meaning of her own existence.Murphy will be at the Duncraig Library from 6pm to 7.30pm, with copies of the book available to buy and sign.

The cost is $4. Register at www.joondalup.wa.gov.au or call 9400 4751.