Description
Leonora, a British teacher, has relocated to Melbourne and falls in love with Margaret, a fellow female teacher who three years later dies of cancer. While still grieving for Margaret, Leonora meets and befriends Anna, the Polish woman who lives next door.
As Leonora becomes increasingly involved with Anna and her family the novel illuminates with subtle ease the influence Leonora has on Anna’s daughter, Lydia, introducing her to the wonderful world of literature and art.
This is a novel about the ways we all long for acceptance and the ways in which those we might feel most in touch with – including parents, siblings and mentors – can often have very different values and views about us. As such it is a beautiful work about art, gender, disappointment, understanding and ultimately celebration.
‘There is jealousy and deception in this strangely tender book that spans continents, generations and cultures. Pulsing with secrets, it stages the legacy of silence.’ Dominique Hecq
Praise for Monica Raszewski’s writing:
‘Beguiling and compelling,The Archaeology of a Dream City is all the more moving for the subtlety and tact of its beautifully decanted writing, rare qualities that are sure, in turn, to haunt its readers.’ Marion May Campbell
