From legendary Australian feminist writer Barbara Hanrahan, Annie Magdalene is a quietly moving, funny and perfectly formed novel of a beautifully ordinary life. With a new introduction from Farrin Foster.

Born at the turn of the century, Annie Magdalene grows up in a suburban cottage in Adelaide. She is devoted to her family but makes up her mind when she is sixteen that she doesn’t want a husband or children, instead prioritising friendship, work, independence and a sense of self.

In a style that is both simple and full of wonder, legendary Australian feminist artist and author Barbara Hanrahan creates a full portrait of life – its small pleasures, its beautiful flaws, and its inevitable intersections with death. 

First published in 1985, Annie Magdalene still feels entirely fresh, capturing sleepy war-era Australia as well as many universally enduring truths. With a new introduction from Farrin Foster, this is a moving, funny and perfectly formed novel of a beautifully ordinary life.

‘Quietly and gleefully challenging.’ – Farrin Foster

‘Hanrahan’s tour de force.’ – The Canberra Times

‘A small treasure.’ – Los Angeles Times

Details

ISBN13: 9781763554122
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 144
Edition:
Publication Date: 29 Jul 2025
Publisher: Pink Shorts Press
Publication City, Country: Australia
Dimensions (cm): 533.4(H)x342.9(L)
Weight (gm):

Author Biography

Barbara Hanrahan is one of Australia’s most visionary authors and artists. Her playful and unapologetic stories and artworks centred the female experience, and her creative and personal evolutions. Hanrahan and her partner, sculptor Jo Steele, lived between Adelaide and London until her death in 1991. Despite being cut short by illness, Hanrahan’s prolific career resulted in an enormous catalogue of celebrated artworks; the National Gallery of Australia alone holds almost 500 pieces. She also published 16 books, including her debut novel, the perpetual classic The Scent of Eucalyptus. Farrin Foster is a writer, editor, journalist, and filmmaker. She is the founding editor of Splinter literary journal. She has published with mastheads like The Guardian, Kill Your Darlings and The Big Issue.  

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