Born in New Zealand in 1917, Ruth Park spent most of her adult life in Australia. She was widely read and well-loved for her books, which were as equally successful for adults as for children. She is best known for the novels The Harp in the South, Poor Man?s Orange and Swords and Crowns and Rings, for which she won the 1977 Miles Franklin Award
'A splendid achievement.' * Sydney Morning Herald * 'Her words sparkle on every page, and her compassion and humour shine throughout the entire book.' * Age * 'One of the best pieces of autobiographical writing in many years...a joy to read.' * Courier Mail * 'An illuminating and entrancing vision of how one twig was bent to incline towards a lifetime of writing.' * Good Weekend *