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 from cancer. The Barbara Hanrahan Fellowship for South Australian writers was established by her partner, Jo Steele, to honour her memory and contribution to Australian literature.
PRAISE FOR THE FRANGIPANI GARDENS 'Hanrahan's most powerful novel.' Australian Literary Studies 'A totally absorbing, transporting novel of sheer literary delight.' Adelaide Advertiser 'Hanrahan is a masterly raconteur, handling her bizarre characters and intricate plots with ease and verve.' Australian Book Review 'In The Frangipani Gardens, evil has the upper hand, which is what makes the book so entertaining.' Barbara Jefferis PRAISE FOR BARBARA HANRAHAN 'Barbara Hanrahan has a wonderful capacity for taking us inside her characters, peeling away layers of memory and recollection.' Sun Herald 'One of Australia's most stylish, original and sensitive writers.' Adelaide Advertiser 'Hanrahan conveys the texture of daily life sensitively and with poetic imagery.' Sun Herald