The Gradual Demise of Phillipa Finch

by Emma Magenta

This funny, beautifully illustrated book with its original take on male-female relationships will reach many new Emma Magenta enthusiasts via the ABC TV series, screening twice weekly on ABC1 from 15 February to 5 April 2011.

‘As I was musing on what I had long suspected (that sport and beauty were incompatible), I fell over and just sort of died. And as I lay there, pondering the great void that swam before me, I was carried away by special creatures to a place where people go when consumed by too much disappointment, or weighed down by the consequences of burying too many feelings...I always imagined that dying would liberate me from all awareness, thereby ensuring a certain freedom, but alas no. Everything pretty much goes on as before except that you have to stay in the same outfit you arrived in and you can’t find decent coffee a*n*y*w*h*e*r*e...’

Phillipa Finch has died from a broken heart. Is there anything that can bring her back..?

Emotional cowboys, red high-heeled boots, and what to wear when you are broken-hearted and don’t want anyone to know are all rolled up in this original, funny book, with its sharp-eyed observations on the miscommunications in male-female relationships and its gentle compassion for the walking wounded in the ongoing skirmishes and occasional peace treaties between men and women.

Genres: Fiction

126 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Emma Magenta is the illustrator of actress (and fellow Australian) Toni Collette’s picture book, PLANET YAWN. She is also the author-illustrator of three picture books for adults. ORLANDO ON A THURSDAY was inspired by the daily happenings with her two greatest loves: Orlando, her gorgeous son, and her beloved husband, Arturo Aguirre, with whom she lives in Sydney, Australia.

Reviews

[Weirdoh · Rating 5 out of 5]

i LOVED this book.. for the pictures, the words, the idea, the messages. It's unusual and moving when I didn't particularly expect it to be.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, this is just ridiculously charming.

[Elise]

so beautiful!! gorgeously written & beautifully illustrated

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My roommate lent me this book and I'm glad to read this book, the illustrations and the story board is really relatable and timely for a young professional like me juggling through work life and love life.