What's happened
Australian authors Trish Bolton, Annie de Monchaux, and Jane Tara are addressing the cultural taboo around ageing women in their novels, highlighting the experiences of older women in a society that often prefers to ignore them.
Why it matters
These novels are significant as they challenge societal perceptions of ageing and bring attention to the often overlooked demographic of older women. By portraying the experiences of older women in literature, these authors are contributing to a more inclusive and diverse representation of women in Australian culture.
What the papers say
In contrast to Simone de Beauvoir's groundbreaking work in 1972, Australian writers like Trish Bolton, Annie de Monchaux, and Jane Tara are now exploring the theme of ageing women in their recent novels. While de Beauvoir aimed to break the silence around ageing, Bolton draws inspiration from her own ageing experience to depict the lives of three female friends in their 70s. This shift in focus from the theoretical to the personal reflects a growing trend in literature to address the realities of ageing women.
How we got here
Simone de Beauvoir's book, The Coming of Age, published in 1972, was a pioneering work that sought to challenge societal taboos around ageing. Now, Australian authors like Trish Bolton are continuing this conversation by bringing the experiences of ageing women to the forefront of contemporary literature. These novels provide a platform for older women to see themselves represented and offer a new perspective on the ageing process.
Common question
More on these topics