The Road from Coorain

Set against the conspicuous and awesome backdrop of Australia, this is a forthright and thought-provoking self-analysis of the author's maturation as a woman, an international scholar and an Australian. Barbara Caruso demonstrates a superb grasp of the writer's spirit and intent. She excels in conveying the powerful emotion and drama of this remarkable story without lapsing into sentimentalism. She also sustains the listener's interest throughout the many expositions on historical and literary theory which are so relevant to the author's life. The powerful reading complements the strength of the book. B.M.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

April 1, 1989
At age 11, Conway ( Women Reformers and American Culture ) left the arduous life on her family's sheep farm in the Australian outback for school in war-time Sydney, burdened by an emotionally dependent, recently widowed mother. A lively curiosity and penetrating intellect illuminate this unusually objective account of the author's progress from a solitary childhood--the most appealing part of the narrative--to public achievement as president of Smith College and now professor at MIT. Gifted with an ability to adapt to a wide range of cultures and people and despite ingrained Australian prejudice against intellectuals, Conway devoted herself to the study of history and literature, spurred on by excellent British-style schooling. Her further adventures could easily make a rewarding second volume. Paperback rights to Vintage; QPBC alternate.