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Women of Letters
Women of Letters: Reviving The Lost Art of Correspondence
Women of Letters, a series of events curated by Marieke Hardy and Michaela McGuire, was designed in part to revive the lost art of letter writing and in part to highlight a diverse range of female talent. The events raise money for Edgar's Mission (the Victorian animal rescue shelter). Each event has a theme (To My Nemesis, To My First Boss, To the Night I'd Rather Forget), and about five writers write letters on this theme. Over the past year, they've built up an impressive list of contributors, including Judith Lucy, Helen Razer, Noni Hazlehurst, Jennifer Byrne, Claudia Karvan, Tara Moss, Alice Pung, Karen Hitchcock and Julia Zemiro. They also held a Men of Letters event, featuring Paul Kelly, Dave Graney, John Safran, Eddie Perfect, Ben Salter, Tim Rogers and Bob Ellis.
413 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
29 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Marieke Hardy
11 books129 followersMarieke Josephine Hardy is a screenwriter, author, blogger, radio presenter, and part-time mud wrestler. She is a little bit taller than Uncanny X-Men lead singer Brian Mannix, though doesn’t fill out a pair of leather trousers nearly as neatly.
She makes host Jennifer Byrne’s life an abject misery once a month on the ABC’s The Book Club. A collection of her essays, You’ll Be Sorry When I’m Dead, was released in August.
She makes host Jennifer Byrne’s life an abject misery once a month on the ABC’s The Book Club. A collection of her essays, You’ll Be Sorry When I’m Dead, was released in August.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 5, 2012
I was excited to find this, during a post-Christmas Melbourne bookshop crawl. I'd wanted to go to one of the live Women of Letters events when they were on, but it was never possible. This is a project of Marieke Hardy (who I've followed since the days of her blog, Reasons You Will Hate Me and through her time as a presenter on Triple J breakfast radio) and Michaela McGuire. Even better, the Women of Letters project supports a charity I'm very fond of: Edgar's Mission.
I enjoyed this read. A collection of letters written on given topics by Australians of note, generally in the arts field, and organised into sections by those topics. Because of its letters format, it's easy to pick up and read a letter or two, then put down and let that process.
As is to be expected when 60+ different contributors are involved, I enjoyed some letters much more than others.
The topics ranged widely, and with varying numbers of responses to each one. The first section, "To the night I'd rather forget", sets up a common thread. Because the letters were originally written to be performed at the stage events, and because many of the contributors have a background in comedy (and Australian comedy does so love the mocking of the self), many of the letters are written as if they might be material for a stand up routine. Many of the contributions in the book hold the writer's failings up for ridicule, which is very well done in some cases, but is not something I enjoy very much of. I preferred the contibutions from women with different backgrounds, particuarly Noni Hazelhurst ("To my ghosts" and "To my first boss"), Megan Washington ("To the best present I ever received") and Joan Kirner ("To my turning point").
Certainly, some of the topics were more intruiging than others. "A love letter" was the most responded-to prompt, with seven contributors, and together with "To my twelve-year-old self" seemed the most overdone of the topics - which is not to say the letters were of a lower quality, just that the topics have been done so many times before.
I loved the sections for "To my first pin-up", "My first boss" and "The moment it all fell apart".
I thought that the collection could have done without the two sections for men, "To the song I wish I'd written", and "To the woman who changed my life". Two of the six letters in the "Changed my life" section are beautiful, true celebrations of a treasured woman in the writer's life - one a sister and one a wife, from Ben Salter and Eddie Perfect respectively. The other four are male-centred dreck, and the first one is for some reason written to Desdemona as if from Othello, by way of Paul Kelly. Why is a letter from a fictional man to the fictional woman he betrayed and murdered in here? Other highlights are the one to woman-as-monolith (No, really, the whole thing is addressed to "Woman"), the one about my-wife-is-awesome-because-otherwise-I'd-be-dead-of-my-own-stupidity-but-I-wish-we-had-more-kids (hi, Bob Ellis, you misogynist old asshat), the childish offering from John Saffran (parody song about thinking his girlfriend's mother is hot), and the self-indulgent plea to be forgiven by an ex courtesy of Tim Rogers.
I would have loved to have seen women's responses to the "To the woman who changed my life" topic.
Still, I very much liked this taste of so many different women's voices, some whose work I knew of, and others who were new to me. It's an engaging, funny, honest, shocking and beautiful collection of works.
I enjoyed this read. A collection of letters written on given topics by Australians of note, generally in the arts field, and organised into sections by those topics. Because of its letters format, it's easy to pick up and read a letter or two, then put down and let that process.
As is to be expected when 60+ different contributors are involved, I enjoyed some letters much more than others.
The topics ranged widely, and with varying numbers of responses to each one. The first section, "To the night I'd rather forget", sets up a common thread. Because the letters were originally written to be performed at the stage events, and because many of the contributors have a background in comedy (and Australian comedy does so love the mocking of the self), many of the letters are written as if they might be material for a stand up routine. Many of the contributions in the book hold the writer's failings up for ridicule, which is very well done in some cases, but is not something I enjoy very much of. I preferred the contibutions from women with different backgrounds, particuarly Noni Hazelhurst ("To my ghosts" and "To my first boss"), Megan Washington ("To the best present I ever received") and Joan Kirner ("To my turning point").
Certainly, some of the topics were more intruiging than others. "A love letter" was the most responded-to prompt, with seven contributors, and together with "To my twelve-year-old self" seemed the most overdone of the topics - which is not to say the letters were of a lower quality, just that the topics have been done so many times before.
I loved the sections for "To my first pin-up", "My first boss" and "The moment it all fell apart".
I thought that the collection could have done without the two sections for men, "To the song I wish I'd written", and "To the woman who changed my life". Two of the six letters in the "Changed my life" section are beautiful, true celebrations of a treasured woman in the writer's life - one a sister and one a wife, from Ben Salter and Eddie Perfect respectively. The other four are male-centred dreck, and the first one is for some reason written to Desdemona as if from Othello, by way of Paul Kelly. Why is a letter from a fictional man to the fictional woman he betrayed and murdered in here? Other highlights are the one to woman-as-monolith (No, really, the whole thing is addressed to "Woman"), the one about my-wife-is-awesome-because-otherwise-I'd-be-dead-of-my-own-stupidity-but-I-wish-we-had-more-kids (hi, Bob Ellis, you misogynist old asshat), the childish offering from John Saffran (parody song about thinking his girlfriend's mother is hot), and the self-indulgent plea to be forgiven by an ex courtesy of Tim Rogers.
I would have loved to have seen women's responses to the "To the woman who changed my life" topic.
Still, I very much liked this taste of so many different women's voices, some whose work I knew of, and others who were new to me. It's an engaging, funny, honest, shocking and beautiful collection of works.
January 1, 2013
I must say a huge thank you to my best friend Kelly, for giving me this book as a Christmas gift and continuing our mutual love of the written word. This book has brought me so much enjoyment. It has made me laugh out loud, it's had me close to tears. It's made me proud to be a woman and proud of my country. It gives you a snap shot into the lives of some amazing women, Claudia Karvan, Jennifer Byrne, Judith Lucy, Cal Wilson, Megan Washington, Marieke Hardy... And all the rest. Thank you for sharing your stories, for reviving a lost art and for supporting Edgar's Mission.
Everything about this book is exciting and amazing. I'm so thrilled that there is a second book 'Sincerely', I have it at the ready :)
Everything about this book is exciting and amazing. I'm so thrilled that there is a second book 'Sincerely', I have it at the ready :)
June 14, 2016
I quite enjoyed this! Majority of the letters hit home at some point and reminded me how wonderful human beings are and how interesting everyone's lives can be. The only thing I did not like about the letters were that some seemed quite pretentious and forced when they could have been less metaphorical and more laid back.
January 17, 2014
Nowhere near as good as I had expected it to be. There was so much potential there, but the letters were mostly silly and shallow and not even funny. A few exceptions, like those from Noni Hazelhurst and Alice Pung, but generally very boring,
April 30, 2012
ok not remarkable
February 27, 2012
A mini-publishing industry is the issuing out to the literate reading public of the collected letters from the historic, artistic and literary icons of history. Letters have always given an insight to the soul, thus the popularity of such publications. What of the future though? Do emails, tweets and text-messages give the same depth – ‘The Collected Tweets of Shane Warne’???? According to Marieke Hardy and Michaela McGuire, the art of letter writing is dying out – thus this tome in an attempt to resurrect it, along with its preceding stage presentations.
Letter writing is one of my pleasures, the old throwback that I am! I love doing it, adding photos and newspapers clippings – ‘inclusions’ – to the envelope. These are then sent on to extended family, mates and pen friends. Few write back, mainly responding digitally – but that is not the point – it is my way and I’m addicted. So kudos to these two like-minded editors in assisting me to keep the practice alive.
Not all the letters in this volume work though – some are pretentious, precious, attempting uber-cool or simply drab. And the cursed f-bombs fly throughout! It’s as if so many in this day and age cannot come up with a more vibrant, descriptive adjective, verb or noun than the ubiquitous variations of ‘to fuck’. That being said, mostly these letters engaged the reader with their authors, especially as the latter were required to respond to a range of topics, and in that way many a more than passable yarn was imparted.
Judith Lucy’s attracted so much I immediately purchased her memoir ‘The Lucy Family Alphabet’, and I immensely enjoyed Jenny Valentish’s ode to Adam Ant, especially in light of his recent appearance on ‘Gordon Street’. Terry Psickis’ tribute to her mentor and Jo Walker’s take on the best ever present, her fagnetism, were also highlights for this reader. Fine epistles also came from the stunningly beautiful and gifted Megan Washington, and as well there were Helen Garner’s mini-memorials to her most influential gazombis.
The editors have hinted of a sequel, and with this maybe the premise could be reversed as obviously a few men, despite their many deficiencies, can string a word or two together.
‘Men of Letters’ could have a token contribution from the opposite gender, as this collection contains in reverse. I’d personally love to see contributions from Hannah Gadsby and the courageous Magda S. A minor irritation was constantly having to go to the back of the book to retrieve biographical details of those contributors I was unfamiliar with. Could they be better placed next time?
All in all this is a diverse and, for the most part, thoroughly readable attempt to encourage the joys of a not quite extinct pastime. At least the included notables will pass something tangible, in a small way, on to the future – even if a few commented that they could not remember the last time they wrote a ‘real’ letter!
October 7, 2014
Reviewed by Kristie Giblin. First published in the September 2014 issue of The Australia Times Books magazine.
For full review visit http://www.theaustraliatimes.com/maga...
Women of letters inspired me to be a better person. As cheesy as that sounds, it really did change my outlook after reading the tales of so many truly amazing women.
Writing on a broad range of topics such as ‘a love letter’, ‘to my teenage self’, and ‘to my first boss’, each story brought something new, a different way of thinking, a different perspective.
Stemming from the travelling conference which sees great Australian women writing letters to a range of topics and presenting them live on stage, these perfectly crafted stories in their own right, have been collated into three books; Women of Letters: Reviving the lost art of correspondence being the third one.
Many familiar women appear such as Noni Hazlehurst, Claudia Karvan and Megan Washington, along with a few men including Paul Kelly and Eddie Perfect, who write letters to the women in their lives.
The range of letters, each written from a different personal perspective, some comedic and others quite serious, extend a passion for life and made me reflect on how my past has shaped me.
A recommended read for someone who is in need of a little inspiration, or just a laugh.
For full review visit http://www.theaustraliatimes.com/maga...
Women of letters inspired me to be a better person. As cheesy as that sounds, it really did change my outlook after reading the tales of so many truly amazing women.
Writing on a broad range of topics such as ‘a love letter’, ‘to my teenage self’, and ‘to my first boss’, each story brought something new, a different way of thinking, a different perspective.
Stemming from the travelling conference which sees great Australian women writing letters to a range of topics and presenting them live on stage, these perfectly crafted stories in their own right, have been collated into three books; Women of Letters: Reviving the lost art of correspondence being the third one.
Many familiar women appear such as Noni Hazlehurst, Claudia Karvan and Megan Washington, along with a few men including Paul Kelly and Eddie Perfect, who write letters to the women in their lives.
The range of letters, each written from a different personal perspective, some comedic and others quite serious, extend a passion for life and made me reflect on how my past has shaped me.
A recommended read for someone who is in need of a little inspiration, or just a laugh.
April 7, 2019
The hideous Kobo Windows app is the bane of my existence. I cannot get it to even side load this work, so I read a ‘letter’ or two on my phone in bed each morning. It might take me a while…
I googled the drummer for the Beasts of Bourbon and I am genuinely horrified, Judith Lucy.
I read a lot of these with the joy of resonance and history. These women are close to my own age, so their recollections of bands, music, TV ads, products, or favourite foods are my memories of the same things. We didn’t have a TV until they came out in colour so I never saw half the popular shows either.
Wait… there are men in my women of letters! But they are some of my favourite men so I’ll let it go.
Actually, I think reading it in little bites is the best way to deal with it. Like a lot of personal things, there are letters that hit the mark and ones that don’t. Some are just trying too hard, others strike that familiar note; I’ve done that, felt that, lost that…
A brilliant project - more letters!
4 stars
I googled the drummer for the Beasts of Bourbon and I am genuinely horrified, Judith Lucy.
I read a lot of these with the joy of resonance and history. These women are close to my own age, so their recollections of bands, music, TV ads, products, or favourite foods are my memories of the same things. We didn’t have a TV until they came out in colour so I never saw half the popular shows either.
Wait… there are men in my women of letters! But they are some of my favourite men so I’ll let it go.
Actually, I think reading it in little bites is the best way to deal with it. Like a lot of personal things, there are letters that hit the mark and ones that don’t. Some are just trying too hard, others strike that familiar note; I’ve done that, felt that, lost that…
A brilliant project - more letters!
4 stars
January 28, 2012
An excellent collection of short writing pieces, in the form of letters under various headings such as first boss, nemesis, love, earlier self, important moments or actions, turning points, etc.
The contributors are a varied and interesting group of Australians,and also include a few men.
I found this book to be a delight and enjoyed every fabulous letter, some of which made me laugh, some even made me cry, most made me think, or even recognize myself in places.
A great book, and a great format.
The contributors are a varied and interesting group of Australians,and also include a few men.
I found this book to be a delight and enjoyed every fabulous letter, some of which made me laugh, some even made me cry, most made me think, or even recognize myself in places.
A great book, and a great format.
February 14, 2012
Such a treasure trove of delights! There were some good letters, there were some great letters and there were some really amazingly awesome letters! I dipped in and out of it, sometimes reading one or two letters, then other times five or six. There were some I liked much more than others, the content and the circumstances behind those really resonating with me. I hope they do another one with different people, this idea has a lot of life left in it.
Read
December 16, 2011As a lover of letters I loved this book. The letters were often intensely personal which made for fascinating reading. I would've loved to have seen them 'performed', but equally, being able to read them as opposed to hearing them gave an appropriately letter-y experience.
It wasn't a difficult read and the format made it easy to dip into at a spare moment.
It wasn't a difficult read and the format made it easy to dip into at a spare moment.
October 26, 2012
My voyeuristic side really enjoyed these insights into some of the women (and men) that I admire. It was well thought out and well collated by Hardy and McGuire. I have to disagree with other reviews who thought that the letters from the men could have been skipped over, and I especially enjoyed the letters TO women. I've now been inspired to write my own letters.
May 23, 2012
I really enjoyed this as a beautiful, funny and poignant look at the lost art of letter writing.
Read the full review at OurBookClub
Read the full review at OurBookClub
January 19, 2013
This was pretty good. Some letters were very genuine and funny, others a bit gimmicky and had more style than substance. Maybe some didn't work so well in writing as they were originally given as speeches?
December 28, 2015
This was one of those pick up and read between other books for me. Easy to devour short sections without fear of getting lost in complex plots. I love a well written letter and this created imaginary places and scenarios, that it needs a follow up.
April 1, 2016
There are a lot of letters in this volume. Being letters there is also a lot of personnel feelings/events/memories being shared on a large range of topics. There are even a few blokes included.
Alice Pung stole the show.
Alice Pung stole the show.
February 4, 2012
Read most. Some definite highlights, like Bob Ellis' letter.
May 9, 2012
Light, enjoyable book for Sunday afternoons. Not a 'story' per se but heaps of honest fun regardless.
May 30, 2012
A fantastic collection of short writing pieces. Some are better then others, some real highlights are Megan Washington, Judith Lucy, Bob Ellis and Michelle Law. Very good.
May 1, 2016
A glorious homage to women and the dying art of letter-writing. Settle down with a cuppa, get to know some old friends better and make some new ones.
One to buy.
Read
July 22, 2012Book Club march 2012
October 3, 2012
Reviewed for The Australian
March 26, 2013
Some letters were brilliant, and others much less so. Collection possibly could have done without the token chapters from notable Australian men.
August 4, 2013
I love this collection. It's wonderfully eclectic and great for short or long reading sessions. Great for anyone to pick up, regardless of if you've ever seen a WoL event.
Read
June 18, 2016Free download. Okay, but got bored with it.
February 1, 2018
a few great letters, many ok ones and the remainder were boring or incomprehensible (Dave Graney).
April 18, 2018
This was a wonderful collection of letters from a great variety of women (and some men). The letters were at times funny, poignant, touching and entertaining. An enjoyable and easy read.
October 15, 2020
Read as part of 20/20 book challenge in the category of an epistolary book.
I really love the idea of this collection, I guess because I enjoy writing, and reading people's first hand, personal views and the dying art of letter writing. . . but despite all this, I struggled through some of these. Like so many 'collections' (short stories, essays etc) these letters are very varied in content, in style and in ability to engage.
Eventhough this collection was only published in 2011, some of the contributions feel quite dated, almost 'hippie' in tone; some feel forced as if the writer was struggling to really find anything relevant to say on the given topic (topics that are broad to say the least) and some are extremely introspective, as one might expect, and that in itself would not be a bad thing if, in that introspection, there was enough generalisability to engage others.
Some letters were stunning: both of Noni Hazelhurst's contributions, Joan Kirner's letter on leadership (especially relevant in 2020), Helen Garner's 'letter I wish I had written' in which she addresses a range of people who impacted her life, Krissy Kneen's beautiful letter to the photograph that identifies her as being so different from her husband's family and Jennifer Byrne's wonderful tribute to Apsley Cherry-Garrard.
A collection worth skimming through if only for the above.
***
I really love the idea of this collection, I guess because I enjoy writing, and reading people's first hand, personal views and the dying art of letter writing. . . but despite all this, I struggled through some of these. Like so many 'collections' (short stories, essays etc) these letters are very varied in content, in style and in ability to engage.
Eventhough this collection was only published in 2011, some of the contributions feel quite dated, almost 'hippie' in tone; some feel forced as if the writer was struggling to really find anything relevant to say on the given topic (topics that are broad to say the least) and some are extremely introspective, as one might expect, and that in itself would not be a bad thing if, in that introspection, there was enough generalisability to engage others.
Some letters were stunning: both of Noni Hazelhurst's contributions, Joan Kirner's letter on leadership (especially relevant in 2020), Helen Garner's 'letter I wish I had written' in which she addresses a range of people who impacted her life, Krissy Kneen's beautiful letter to the photograph that identifies her as being so different from her husband's family and Jennifer Byrne's wonderful tribute to Apsley Cherry-Garrard.
A collection worth skimming through if only for the above.
***
November 20, 2019
I was disappointed with this collection. While there were some moments of warmth, humour, wit and pathos, there were also unecessary crudity and ugliness, which while unsurprising, is just uninspiring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews